We Hope To See You There!

This week we are discussing creative new fundraisers that have been proven to be effective in our LinkedIn discussion group.  The rise of social media has provided organizations with a plethora of new ideas on how to generate funds but many don’t know where to start.  One thing that for certain is that donors who give through multiple channels give the most money and by adding an online component you are providing those important channels.

So when considering new avenues, it is vital that the campaign have more than one way to donate.  Each organization is beautifully unique, and knowing your stakeholders helps Before implementing any new strategy, there needs to be a great deal of testing.  Katya Andresen, Mark Rovner & Alia McKee discovered 4 important steps when testing a new fundraiser. 

1.        Be clear in your goals. 

2.       Outline a testable hypothesis

3.       Outline your testing methodology.

4.       Outline the metrics you will measure.

If you have had a great experience with a specific fundraiser and would love to help others achieve similar success, please share your ideas with the community!

Here’s an example of a great fundraiser by Opportunity International:

They needed to raise funds to help support their mission which is providing small loans to poor women overseas.  Mother’s day was coming up, and they decided to let donors create an online quilt honoring mothers. 

Donors purchased a customizable digital square that was then added to the quilt.  Donor's were able then to post their tribute as well on Pinterest.  We thought this was an awesome idea for a great cause!  If you are still little nervous about bringing your fundraiser’s online, consider these findings highlighted in Beth Kanter's blog:

·         Online engagement improves the retention of traditional offline direct response donors

·         Adding digital channels does not materially cannibalize revenue from direct mail.

·         There is no discernable downside to cultivating direct mail donors via email.

Spending time in and around nonprofits, you develop a unique vocabulary.  Particular methods and missions differ.  Each nonprofit has it's niche, but there are things we all have in common.  For a lighthearted Friday update, lets celebrate our similarity!

The ever clever BlueAvocado.org put together this list of stuff people say when they hear you work for a nonprofit:

• So, do you get paid for that?
• I work for a nonprofit too . . . United Airlines . . . ha ha!
• The problem I have with nonprofits is that not everybody deserves to be helped.
• You know I've always wondered: why do nonprofit people people get paid so much?
• Are there any nonprofits here in (insert town)?
• Yeah, you know, I volunteered once at a nonprofit, but they were really screwed up.
• I have a great idea for a nonprofit I'm going to start someday!
• The problem with nonprofits is that they don't run themselves like businesses . . . where do I work? Oh, at Exxon (or Bain Capital, or Solyndra, or . . . .)
• I wish I had your job . . . I work too hard.
• I have a friend who works for a nonprofit in San Diego! Maybe you know her!
• So . . . do you get paid for that?
• I could never ask anybody for money. Hey, can you help me move on Saturday?

Here is a video (nonprofit meme!) that may hit even closer to home '(Stuff) Nonprofit People Say':

“Our Similarities bring us to a common ground; Our Differences allow us to be fascinated by each other”

~Tom Robbins