4 reasons why you should register for #GivingTuesday before enjoying the lazy days of summer.
It’s finally summer, meaning you’re likely closing out one fiscal year and starting fresh in the next one. You’ve completed the budget process, wrapped up your annual gala and reconciled your database. The interns are en route and the bosses are on vacation. Time to relax and enjoy the summer sun, right?
Well, of course it is! But, before you enjoy the lazy summer days, you should first register for #GivingTuesday on Mightycause. Why register now? Here are the top 4 reasons to start prepping in July so you can have a stress-free summer in the sun:
1) Plan it into your overall fundraising strategy.
Unlike other fundraising appeals, #GivingTuesday may have started as a “one-off” event for your organization. Now in its sixth year, it’s clear that #GivingTuesday is becoming one of the most charitable days of the year. Looking to make it one of the most charitable days for your organization? Build up your donor base’s loyalty to the giving day!
The best way to build up donor loyalty on this day is to consistently participate and to integrate it as much as you can into other aspects of fundraising. Plan a meeting with the team that will be involved in the planning, promotion and implementation of #GivingTuesday to keep it top of mind while considering your other fundraising activities.
Think about how to use #GivingTuesday as part of your development team’s broader goals: Are you seeking to bring on more ambassadors? Are you trying to increase your average gift size? Do you want to bring in new donors? Strategize early on how to make those goals a part of your #GivingTuesday strategy.
Make sure to align your direct mail, social media posts and email appeals with #GivingTuesday in November. Instead of focusing on a pre-Thanksgiving push, consider ramping up marketing efforts for #GivingTuesday at that time. Build out your marketing schedule now so you’re ready when things get busy in early November.
2) Start reminding donors NOW!
On Mightycause, donors who receive notifications about #GivingTuesday ahead of the giving day are more likely to remember to give to their favorite organization for #GivingTuesday. Last year’s top fundraiser sent emails a two weeks out, one week in advance, and then again a few days out (not including the emails they sent out to donors the day of the event). While some nonprofits are afraid of making their donors angry with too many emails, you’d be surprised at how short of an attention span donors have for remembering key dates.
So, how should you remind donors? Share a Facebook memory of either your #GivingTuesday milestones or an event you held that day at the six-month mark. Make the announcement that you’ve registered for #GivingTuesday on Mightycause and can’t wait for this year’s event! They’ll appreciate your candid excitement and the diligent planning you do for important giving days for your organization.
3) Access resources you need for success.
The early bird gets the worm (in this case, the worm is access to coaching sessions, webinars, ebooks and guides). The earlier you start, the more time you have to use every tool available in your toolbox!
Set up a strategy session with a crowdfunding support specialist at Mightycause and get the most out of your planning this year. Spend time thoroughly reading the blogs and ebooks on Mightycause and make an actionable plan to use them in your #GivingTuesday strategy this year. The sooner you register, the sooner Mightycause will start guiding you along with helpful advice on what to do next in the planning stages. Sync up with top fundraisers from last year and see if you can pick their brain for some insider tips on how to have a successful campaign.
Start culling stories to use for #GivingTuesday 2017 and start gathering strong images to use for your fundraising appeal. Consider making a video you can share on Facebook or on a blog. Make sure to plan out how many stories you’ll share, what medium you will share them on, and anything else you need to tell your story in the best way possible!
4) Seek a matching grant.
Did you know that mentioning matching gifts in fundraising appeals results in a 71% increase in the response rate and a 51% increase in the average donation amount? According to TechSoup, your fundraising success increases even before you’ve received your matching gift.
Most companies are well into planning out their philanthropic budget for the year ahead, so start prepping your asks now before all their funds have been allotted. Make sure you’re stewarding your major donors to be ready to ask them to increase their gift size or make a matching gift for Nov. 28. Consider what volunteer groups are ready to be primed for the ask, and make sure you loop them into your #GivingTuesday plans early!
Be realistic with your goals and your ask — if you raised $500 last year, asking for a $500 gift from a sponsor is a great way to double your donations year over year. On the other hand, asking for a $10,000 gift from a sponsor that’s never partnered with you before is pretty unlikely. Make a list of businesses that volunteer with your nonprofit, groups that sponsored past events, or major donors who might enjoy the day of giving to start prospecting your matching gift sponsor now!
What’s next?
First, register here for #GivingTuesday on Mightycause! Once you receive your confirmation email that you’ve been registered, be sure to set up your first meeting and beginning the first stages of planning your most successful #GT campaign to date!
Still unsure of the tools you need for success? Reach out to our support team at support@mightycause.com to ask for help and we can get you started on the right path.