Let’s talk about fundraising.
Fundraising can be a tricky topic and one that is often met with lots of trepidation. We're here to change the game - to turn the perception of fundraising from something that has long been dreaded to something that you look forward to starting. Fundraising, when done the right way, is a unique opportunity to connect with a large population to invite them into the mission you're passionate about.
Giving Tuesday is one day of the year dedicated to supporting the nonprofits of our world. Last year, on Giving Tuesday alone, nonprofits across the world raised almost $3 billion [neonone.com]. On November 28th, 2023, Giving Tuesday, you have the opportunity to raise substantially more funds for your organization than on any other day of the entire year. Don't miss this opportunity!
You want to raise funds for your organization, communicate well with your audience, and see people become passionate about what you're passionate about. In order to accomplish this, you need a plan. That's why we're here: to help you set a plan in motion for how to make November 28th, 2023, Giving Tuesday, the best day of the year for your organization.
Here are ten ways you can optimize your giving:
Make your audience the hero of the story. It's easy to talk about your organization's mission by making you/your organization the hero. This, however, doesn't welcome the prospective donor to participate in the unfolding story of your organization. By placing the emphasis on your donor and how they are the ones making a difference, you automatically create a connection with them that inspires the prospective donor to step further into your mission, thus making them more likely to give.
Use group terms like “we”, “us”, “let’s”. These terms create group cohesion - something that is very important when it comes to making a prospective donor feel they have an impact.
Build trust in your supporters. Share facts about the impact your organization is having or where the money they may donate is going. You may even consider sharing the amount of funds needed to accomplish the next goal within your organization.
Emphasize the fact that Giving Tuesday is a ONE-TIME opportunity to support your organization. A little bit of healthy pressure can be good!
Grow your email list. Collect email addresses of supporters (with their permission) and start the process of drafting email campaigns to send out in the future. Examples of how growing your email list may come in handy: Sending out an update on how big of an impact Giving Tuesday had for your organization. Sending out an End-of-Year giving campaign. Did you know that one-third of annual giving occurs in the month of December? You're going to want to jump to action on this! Send a 'Happy Holidays' email. Send updates or invites to future fundraising events or giving opportunities.
Keep things simple, easy to digest, and give ONE clear call to action. Don’t overwhelm your audience with options or info. Choose your messaging plan and stick to it.
Create an entire communication plan BEFORE the campaign launches. Not sure how to go about this or already feeling overwhelmed with this task? That’s what we’re here for. Contact us to schedule your strategic coaching call.
Plan out a way to thank donors. It is EXTREMELY important to show your appreciation for the people who have partnered with your organization financially. Consider sending them something more than a simple thank you note. This doesn't need to be expensive, but should be something meaningful that further ties the donor into your mission. Some examples could be: If you're an organization that works with children, have the kids draw pictures. Include one of these in each thank you note to your donors. Sending each donor a t-shirt with your organization's logo on it. This will further your organization's reach while also being a nice product the donor can enjoy!
Share stories of how your organization has had an impact. People want to know how their financial contributions could impact the world. Share stories, testimonials, pictures (if you have them, and the needed permissions to accompany the photos). No matter how "small" a story may be, one life impacted is enough to get perspective donors on board with your mission!
Pin the Giving Tuesday graphics to the top of your Instagram page. Only do this for the weeks leading up to the campaign and for the week following the campaign. The goal here is to make your organization's Giving Tuesday campaign front and center so people can't help but see the campaign and be compelled to give when they view your page.
BONUS TIP: Make sure there are giving instructions in every post during your Giving Tuesday campaign. People need very simplified instructions. It's best to update the link in your social media bio to go directly to your giving link, the simply give your audience instructions to 'tap the link in your bio' in order to give.
We want to see your non-profit be as successful as possible this Giving Tuesday without the added stress of juggling it all of your shoulders alone. Prioritize your organization’s success AND your mental health this giving season by starting the conversation. We’re here to help, from making social graphics to creating customized giving strategies all the way to managing your organization’s giving campaign for you. We’re here to see you succeed and to take the stress off your plate in the process.
Contact us today to get started.
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