TGL Trusted: The Project Management Systems Nonprofits Need to Stay on Track (With Savvy Sloth Strategies)
Welcome back to TGL Trusted, a content series where we sit down with experts we trust to bring you deeper insight into the digital marketing topics that matter most. ICYMI, last month we collaborated with Really Useful Media to highlight the importance of storytelling through video.
This month we’re talking about project management with one of our go-to partners for calm, clear structure: Renee Tate, founder of Savvy Sloth Strategies (and our amazing Senior Project Manager here at TGL). If the thought of marketing operations makes you want to cry into your calendar, this one’s for you.
Who is Savvy Sloth Strategies?
Renee Tate started Savvy Sloth Strategies to help busy professionals do more by managing less. She calls herself the “Head Sloth in Charge,” and that pretty much sums up her vibe: slow down, get clear, and stop stressing. Whether it’s project management, organizing your workspace, or mapping out marketing strategy, Renee helps you build routines and systems that actually work without the burnout.
“We believe success should feel manageable, not overwhelming. Our systems help you focus on what really matters—whether that’s leading your team, growing your ideas, or just having more time for yourself.”
How It All Started
Renee’s experience in mission-driven organizations showed her firsthand how hard it can be to do great work without enough time, resources, or structure. That’s where she met our founder, Katie Stanton, and learned an important lesson: good strategy won’t save you if your systems aren’t up to snuff.
Now, through Savvy Sloth Strategies, Renee helps others experience the transformation of moving from chaos to clarity, especially those doing impact-driven work.
Why Project Management Matters in Marketing
Project management might not sound flashy, but it’s the backbone of any successful marketing effort. Without it, campaigns get messy fast and progress stalls.
Good project management means way more than just checking off deadlines. It’s about setting up clear systems, cutting out distractions, and making sure your team can focus on what moves the needle.
“The biggest challenge my clients face is information overload—so many ideas, recommendations, and moving pieces that they don’t know where to start, what to prioritize, or how to execute effectively. That’s where strong project management steps in to help sort it all out.”
What Project Management Can Do for Your Marketing
Marketing Strategy and Brand Story:
Clear messaging and big-picture goals are the starting line. When your strategy is organized, everything else flows smoother.
Managing Complex Projects:
Launching a campaign, building a website, or rolling out a content plan? Project management keeps all the moving pieces working together without the stress.
Content Planning and Organization:
If your content workflow feels like chaos, a solid calendar and plan will save your sanity and your team’s.
Marketing Operations and Tools:
Tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com aren’t just trendy—they make teamwork easier and keep everyone on the same page.
Audits and Optimization:
Checking in regularly to see what’s working and what’s not means your team can stop spinning wheels and start getting results.
Why Do Clients Struggle?
We see it a lot: people have great ideas but no clear way to get them done. Without a system, teams get overwhelmed juggling too many tools and decisions. The result is chaos, burnout, and half-finished projects.
“So many people wait until they feel ‘ready’ or have everything perfectly mapped out before getting started. But the truth is, clarity comes from action, not the other way around.”
Strategy Plus Organization Equals Success
Even the best marketing ideas need solid systems to actually happen. Strategy and organization go hand in hand—without both, things fall apart. Building simple, sustainable systems keeps your projects moving forward without the headaches.
How to Fix Common Project Management Pitfalls
Renee’s biggest tip? Keep it simple. Don’t try to do everything at once. Small, consistent steps add up and build real momentum.
“Focus on small, intentional steps that you can stick with over time. That’s what really moves the needle.”
Industry Trends Shaping Project Management in Marketing
AI and automation are changing the game, making it easier to work smarter. But Renee reminds us technology should support people, not replace them.
“AI is a tool to boost your strategy, not a shortcut. The best teams use AI to help them work better, not to skip the important stuff.”
TGL’s Insights and What’s Next
Our collaboration with Savvy Sloth Strategies is rooted in a shared belief: the social sector deserves marketing and comms that’s not only impactful, but also manageable.
Together, we help mission-driven organizations clarify their brand story, organize their marketing efforts, and execute without the stress. With TGL’s creative expertise and Renee’s operational know-how, our clients get beautifully structured campaigns that actually get done.
From content planning to project wrap-ups, we infuse clarity, communication, and care into every step, reducing burnout while amplifying results.
Next up in this series: We’re teaming up with Through Narrative to explore how thought leadership and long-form content can help nonprofits lead with confidence. In the meantime, subscribe to our newsletter for practical tips and tools you can add straight to your project management playbook.