Budget planning time has always been a stressful time for the nation’s non-profits, but the recession has added to that burden. Many organizations are forced to budget for lower income due to anticipated decreases in donations and grants while the demands for their services have increased. Maryland non-profits can alleviate some of their budget woes by applying for an annual pro bono program, which awards free communications and marketing services.

Called CreateAThon® , the pro bono program is available regionally through Purple Cat, a Kent Island public relations firm, and Octo Design Group, Philadelphia. The program is open to all 501(c) 3 non-profits from Baltimore through the Mid-Shore. Previously unselected applicants are encouraged to re-apply. Applications are available by contacting (410) 604-2319, create@purplecatpr.com or can be downloaded at www.purplecatpr.com. The deadline is July 12.

How CreateAThon® works
Public relations or graphic design agencies sign up as local affiliates and choose a specific market. They then solicit applications from 501(c) 3 organizations and select up to five projects (one per non-profit). These projects are then completed free of charge. During the Maryland program the actual work takes place through the summer with final client presentations scheduled during national CreateAThon® Week, September 13 to 17, 2010. As a unique component of the Maryland program a three-hour pro bono consultation is offered to all agencies not selected.

The 2009 Maryland non-profits selected were:
•    American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula, Elkton, Md.
•    Anne Arundel County Public Library Foundation, Annapolis, Md.
•    Caroline Nursing & Rehab Center, Denton, Md.
•    Children’s Theatre of Annapolis, Md.
•    Mid-Shore Pro Bono, Easton, Md.

Since the Maryland program began six years ago, 25 Maryland non-profits and one New Orleans non-profits have been assisted with projects valued at $80,847. Purple Cat and CreateAthon partner firm Octo Design Group are two of the 73 agencies that have joined the CreateAThon®  network by presenting programs in their regions. Since 2002 the national CreateAThon® effort has benefited more than 1,100 non-profit organizations with 2,500 projects valued at more than $11 million.

Founded by Carol D’Agostino of Chester, Md., Purple Cat is a public relations firm specializing in comprehensive cost effective public relations and marketing services for non-profits and small businesses. In addition to operating Purple Cat, D’Agostino also writes “Positively PR”, a monthly column published in the Chesapeake Business Ledger, and is a board member at Foundation for Community Partnerships, Centreville. Her memberships include the Chesapeake Women’s Network of Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties, the Maryland Association of Nonprofits and the Caroline County Chamber of Commerce.

Now in its 19th year, Octo Design Group is a dedicated design firm that blends traditional design with modern technology. Octo Design Group has the knack of getting to know its clients as well as their industry, enabling the firm to design the necessary pieces to make them stand out from their competition. The firm identifies problems and creates solutions by interviewing clients to understand their needs and goals. Octo Design Group, Inc. has been named to the annual list of the fastest growing, privately held companies in the Greater Philadelphia region.

Applications can be downloaded at www.purplecatpr.com. For more information contact Carol D’Agostino at Purple Cat at (410) 604-2319 or create@purplecatpr.com. Applications must be completed and returned no later than Monday, July 12, for consideration.