There have been many trends in fundraising this year so it is important to know which ones will last, which ones are good short-term investments, and which ones to avoid. Sarah Hoddinott, a writer from Fundraising Success, analyzes the various trends in her recent article.
1) Promote events online—Even though the capabilities of using the internet have continued to grow, many nonprofits are still not using it to its maximum potential. Hoddinott noted the growth of using the Internet to promote events. Organizations have had fundraising success by also promoting their major fundraising events through their websites/social media instead of just direct mail. Hoddinott writes, “Don’t forget the value of strong Web site content and the power of the Internet; build a microsite for your event and promote it on social-networking sites like Facebook.”
2) Use people to reach other people—Every organization has its most loyal donors. They are the ones who are just as passionate about your vision and work. When you have these type of solid relationships, it is important to use them to reach out to others also. You should strive to create a culture where your loyal donors want to become your sales-people.
This idea can be as complex or as simple as you make it. You can do everything from encouraging people to forward email newsletters to providing information for the donors to share with others. If you know your people well and have their trust, you can talk with them and make the decisions that would be ideal for them and your ministry. In this economy, the idea of collaboration is important.
3) Social media—It was inevitable that this would be mentioned. However, it seems that it is necessary to repeat this message over and over again. Nonprofits need to jump in; the response has still been slow. By having an innovative mindset and moving forward, nonprofits are less likely to be as affected by the economy.
People want to hear your story; in fact, some may need to hear your message. People need to be reminded that there are causes worth believing. It is your job to share this vision with them, and provide them with the ways to engage in this great calling. Social media is becoming a powerful tool to do this. Jump in.
4) Online giving—Even though it is a difficult time, online giving is growing. Pay attention to this because this is a trend that is probably here to stay. What are you doing about? Is your website easy for donors to use? Having a clear message and then providing simple steps to donate is essential.
Remember too, online giving is not just done through cash donations. Non-cash donations are a nearly untapped resource. Most of the nation’s wealth is held in non-cash so ministries need to use this. www.iDonate.com has taken this idea and is helping revolutionize giving. Be sure to visit their website for how they can help you.
5) Website content--- Having a dynamic website is important to users. When people open your website, what is going to keep them investigating it? Investing in web-design is very helpful. For example, Crossover Graphics (www.crossovergraphics.com) offers affordable web-site design for ministries. The key is to keep your content updated and keep it simple.
There are only five ideas here for your fundraising. That means you can do several things: One would be to do nothing at all, but we don’t want you to make that choice. We need passionate leaders, innovative thinkers, and willing risk-takers.
Five ideas. What are you going to do?
Additional information taken from Sarah Hoddinott’s article for Fundraising Success.
-- Jessica High is a Research Assistant at Christian Foundation Grants (www.christianfoundationgrants.com) which is a subscription database of foundations that provide grants to faith based organizations. iDonate.com is a website (www.iDonate.com) that allows ministries to receive non cash gifts online.