The blog Cause-Related Marketing says the downturn in the economy is offering an opportunity to nonprofit groups that want to improve their visibility.

Because many businesses are cutting back on their advertising expenses, a growing number of magazines are offering free ad space to charities.

As a result, well-prepared charities have an opportunity to make a free, mass-market appeals to potential donors. But they can’t be sloppy about it, says the blog’s author, Paul Jones, a marketing consultant at Alden Keene & Associates in Salt Lake City, Utah.

“Your ads will need a call to action, but you probably can’t get away with direct ask for donations,” Mr. Jones writes. “But check with the magazine first to see what they will and will not allow.”

Has your charity been able to get free advertising space in a newspaper or magazine? If so, what tips can you offer other organizations? Click on the comment link below this post to share your thoughts.