Nonprofit jargon alienates donors who lack insider knowledge of sector terminology. According to federal plain language research, documents written in plain language increase comprehension by 60% and reduce time required to understand content by 40%. This directly improves donor response rates to fundraising appeals. If readers don't understand your message, they won't support your mission.
20 Common Jargon Terms Translated to Plain Language
Jargon to Plain Language Conversion Table
| ❌ Jargon | ✅ Plain Language | Even Better (Specific) |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity building | Helping organizations work better | "Training staff" or "improving financial systems" |
| Stakeholder engagement | Talking with community members | "Partnering with families we serve" |
| Evidence-based interventions | Programs proven to work | "Approaches research shows are effective" |
| Wraparound services | Comprehensive support | "Housing, job training, childcare, and counseling" |
| Systems change | Changing policies and practices | "Reforming school discipline to reduce suspensions" |
| Empowerment | Helping people gain skills/confidence | "Teaching job interview skills" |
| Leverage resources | Stretch funding further | "Partner to serve more people" |
| Impact | Results / difference made | "50 families housed this year" |
| Outcomes | Results | "85% of graduates found jobs" |
| Case management | One-on-one support | "Weekly meetings to help with goals" |
| Facilitate | Lead / run | "Lead the workshop" |
| Utilize | Use | "Use the training" |
| Implement | Start / do | "Start the program" |
| Holistic approach | Addressing all needs | "Support for housing, jobs, and health" |
| Trauma-informed care | Understanding how past experiences affect people | "Trained to support people who've experienced hardship" |
| Food insecurity | Not having enough food | "Going hungry" or "can't afford groceries" |
| Housing instability | At risk of losing housing | "Facing eviction" or "can't make rent" |
| Marginalized populations | People often left out | Name specifically: "low-income families" |
| Social determinants of health | Conditions that affect health | "Housing, income, and neighborhood safety" |
| Theory of change | How we expect our work to create results | "Our approach to solving the problem" |
How to Identify Jargon in Your Writing
4-step jargon detection process:
- The "dinner party" test: Would you use this word talking to friends? If not, it's jargon.
- The outsider test: Have someone outside nonprofits read it. What confuses them?
- The frequency test: Words you use daily at work but never outside are probably jargon.
- The definition test: If you need to define it, consider replacing it entirely.
Plain Language Principles
Writing Guidelines
| Principle | Guideline | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Use common words | "Help" not "assist," "use" not "utilize" | "We help families" not "We assist families" |
| Keep sentences short | 15-20 words average | Break complex sentences into two simpler ones |
| Use active voice | "We teach" not "training is provided" | "Case managers support families" |
| Address readers directly | "You" and "your gift" | "Your gift helps families find housing" |
| Be specific | Concrete details over abstractions | "50 families" not "many families" |
When Can You Keep Technical Terms?
- Grant proposals to foundations: Program officers understand sector terminology (but clarity still wins)
- Government applications: Use required technical language, but explain in descriptions
- Internal documents: Staff can handle shared vocabulary
- Legal/regulatory requirements: Use term, then add plain explanation
Rule: Donor communications (appeals, newsletters, websites) should be nearly jargon-free.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plain Language
Isn't plain language unprofessional or simplistic?
No—clear writing demonstrates competence. Einstein said, "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough." Jargon often masks unclear thinking. Clarity signals mastery, not naivety. Accessible writing expands your audience without losing sophistication.
How do I explain necessary technical terms?
Define on first use, then use plain language going forward. "We use Housing First, an approach that provides permanent housing immediately without requiring sobriety first." Better yet: replace the term entirely with concrete description of what you actually do.
What reading level should I target?
6th-8th grade for general audiences. Most adults read at 8th grade level or below. This isn't dumbing down—it's opening up. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalism averages 8th grade level. Use readability tools to check your content.
Can AI help identify jargon?
Yes, AI tools like River's Jargon Translator automatically identify nonprofit jargon and suggest plain alternatives. Paste your text, and the AI highlights terms likely to confuse donors while offering clearer replacements. Always review suggestions for context appropriateness.
Converting jargon to plain language isn't dumbing down—it's opening up your message to everyone who should understand it. Use River's Jargon Translator to make your communications accessible to all potential supporters.