Giving Tuesday Strategies & Resources
Gail Sawchuk
Small Business | Non-Profit Operations Consultant | Content Writer & Strategist | Creator of Marketing Materials | Templates to Grow Your Non-Profit
What is Giving Tuesday??
Giving Tuesday, otherwise known as the “global day of giving or a global generosity movement,” is a global event that happens every year on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. It's like a breath of fresh air after all the shopping frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. On Giving Tuesday, people come together to do good things – like donating to charities, volunteering, or just spreading kindness. It's a day to give back and do our small part to make the world a better place.?
How to Participate in Giving Tuesday??
Anyone can participate in Giving Tuesday. Non-profit organizations use the movement to create annual donor campaigns. Individuals or organizations can use the day to raise awareness of a cause or plan community activities such as volunteer days.
Why is it important to plan ahead for Giving Tuesday?
Planning ahead for Giving Tuesday is a smart move for a few reasons:
Raising money online has become a significant way of forming communities that gives back to a cause. Here are some important factors to note if you’re looking to expand your reach by going online:?
1. Set Fundraising Goals:?
Start by clearly defining your fundraising goals. Determine how much money you need to raise and what you'll use it for. Having specific, measurable objectives will guide your campaign strategy. Define clear fundraising goals and milestones and show progress toward these goals to motivate donors.?
2. Engage Your Community
Understand your target audience and their preferences. Tailor your campaign messaging to resonate with their interests and motivations. Personalized outreach can lead to higher engagement. Connect with your supporters through social media, email newsletters, and updates.?Share stories and updates regularly to keep your community engaged.?
3. Clear and Compelling Messaging
A clear, compelling message is crucial for highlighting your cause. Explaining its importance and the impact of donations makes it relatable, engaging, and inspiring, reaching a broader audience. Craft a clear and compelling message about your cause or project and explain why it matters and how donations will make a difference.?Use simple, relatable language that resonates with the community.?
4. Mobile-Friendly Design
It is important to make sure your website and donation pages look good and work well on phones. Many individuals use their phones for a variety of activities, including making donations to their preferred charitable causes. Creating a smooth experience for them is key.
5. Use Visuals and Storytelling
Create persuasive and engaging content that tells your story effectively. Use visuals, storytelling, and emotional appeals to connect with potential donors. Highlight the impact of their contributions. Incorporate visuals like photos and videos to tell your story.?Share real-life examples of the impact your cause has on individuals or communities.?
6. Plan Your Promotion
Develop a comprehensive promotion plan. Decide which channels you'll use, such as social media, email, and your website. Create a content calendar and schedule posts to maintain a consistent presence. Build a detailed promotion plan that includes:
7. Offer Different Giving Levels
Giving donors options is a must. Different donation amounts and the choice to give regularly mean they can support your cause in a way that suits them. Make the process simple and straightforward. Provide donors with options, such as different donation amounts and recurring giving.?Make it easy for donors to choose how they want to support your cause.?
8. Show Transparency
People want to know where their money is going. Being open about how donations will be used, and sharing your financial info and the good stuff you've achieved, builds trust and credibility. Be transparent about how donations will be used by sharing financial information and impact reports to build trust.?
9. Leverage Social Proof
Show off the good word from your supporters – whether that's testimonials, endorsements, or success stories. Get your donors involved in spreading the word, too. It broadens your reach and adds a human touch. Highlight testimonials, endorsements, or success stories from donors.? Encourage peer-to-peer fundraising among your board, staff, and vounteers to expand your reach.?
10. Thank and Acknowledge Donors
Don't forget to show your gratitude! A prompt thank you, whether through a note, email, or even a small gift for larger donations, goes a long way. It makes donors feel valued and more likely to give again. Show appreciation to donors promptly and personally.?
11. Experiment and Adapt
Continuously monitor your campaign's performance. Track donations, engagement metrics, and feedback. Be prepared to adjust your strategy based on what's working and what's not.
Remember, successful online fundraising takes time and effort, but you can make a significant impact with the right strategies and dedication.
If you're looking to supercharge your online fundraising campaign, – our 'Giving Tuesday Planner and Templates' can help!?
This package is like having your very own roadmap for our campaign with easy-to-follow steps. Plus, it comes with ready-to-go sample content for emails, social media posts, and texts that you can personalize to create compelling messages for a successful outcome.
Copywriter helping nonprofits fundraise through bold + smart copy so they can build a brighter future for those they serve. ??
5 个月A great and informative read! Thanks for sharing your insight, Gail.