After a surge in giving in 2020 at the onset of the pandemic, charitable giving began to drop slightly in 2021. And then in early 2022, economic uncertainty and inflation caused challenges.

After all was said and done, online giving and email giving in 2022 both declined an average of 4% since 2021, according to the 2022 M+R Benchmarks Study. And for many nonprofits, the landscape hasn’t changed much in 2023.

But if there’s any silver lining to this, it’s that these changes are forcing us to work harder and smarter to engage and inspire donors.

And as we turn our attention to the 2023 end-of-year (EOY) fundraising season, we have another chance to balance the tried and true best practices with some novel and new approaches to better inspire your supporters and donors once more.

1. Review your donor data.

Before you map out your EOY strategy, take a look at your email program data, making note of any specific tactics, messaging, or creative–and any downward trends in engagement–in your highest-performing appeals from your last EOY campaign.

What donor insights can you gain from your last year’s EOY data? Did you employ a different tactic or signer in your best-performing message? Did you notice a drop in click-through rate or a higher-than-normal unsubscribe rate? If so, what can these metrics tell you about what to repeat or adjust for this year’s campaign?

2. Segment your audiences and personalize your email content.

Email segmentation and personalization are hugely beneficial for targeting donors and crafting tailored messages during the most critical time of year. Here are a few things you should consider for your EOY campaign:

• Reference their status as a donor, or the amount of their last gift (or last year’s EOY gift).
• Segment among your donors and supporters to further tailor the message they receive:
  • Customize a few appeals for your monthly donors to thank them for the impact of their sustained support and ask them for a one-time special gift.
  • Recapture lapsed donors with a series of messages that reference the date and amount of their last gift while emphasizing the ongoing need for support.
  • You can also target potential donors with customized content that asks them to make their first gift today.

The options are seemingly endless–and your fundraising software’s data can help you see which segments of your audience might be the ripest for engaging with personalized content.

3. Make your strongest case for giving.

The data on 2022 EOY giving suggests that donors might have been less inspired to give–which makes an authentic, well-crafted case for giving more important than ever.

What motivates your donors to give–and how can you weave that into your messaging? Consider, for example, the specific challenge or problem your nonprofit is working to solve:

• How can you clearly and concisely convey why it’s so urgent to meet your fundraising goal?
• Who or what will suffer if you don’t meet your fundraising goal?
• What can your organization achieve if you do?

Once you’ve drilled down on those details, weave them into your messaging, framing donors’ gifts as the impact they have on executing your programs and serving your beneficiaries.

4. Use every channel at your disposal. 

Multichannel fundraising lets you stay top of mind among your donors and supporters, meeting them where they are–and driving conversions and retention.

Investing in digital ads, in particular, as another channel in your digital program has a measurable impact on fundraising results, particularly during the end of the year. If your nonprofit doesn’t already have a dedicated ads budget, now is the time to make the pitch.

Regardless of the channels you’ll be using, make sure that your donor journey is consistent and seamless across all of them. Your website (including the homepage, lightbox, and donation page) should reflect the theme, messaging, imagery, and match deadlines–and those elements should all be mirrored in all of your channels.

You can also use different digital channels to target specific segments of your donors. From following up on a direct mail drop with a fundraising email or targeting lapsed donors in your EOY campaign’s digital ads, providing donors with another “touchpoint” will help drive giving when it matters most.

5. Be flexible and adapt as needed. 

You might be tempted to “set it and forget it” after months of tireless work to develop and implement your EOY campaign’s goal, strategy, content, and creative. Unfortunately, the data on online giving in 2022–especially during year-end–makes it clear that we need to keep our fingers on the pulse and adapt when necessary.

M+R’s 2022 benchmarks on GivingTuesday indicate an average 18% drop in online revenue on a day we once could count on to generate giving. And it wasn’t just a slow start–many nonprofits saw their EOY campaign end with more of a fizzle than a bang, with online revenue down 22% year-over-year on Dec. 31.

Boosting email volume and frequency last year helped to mitigate those losses for many nonprofits. And while we don’t yet know how EOY giving will play out this year, you should plan to be nimble and adapt when the moment demands it. Keep your eyes peeled for any opportunities–including resends, match increases, and graphical emails–to boost urgency and effectiveness for your donors.

Get ahead of your end-of-year campaign planning—download Network for Good’s Comprehensive Year-End Fundraising Plan today!

Looking for a strategic partner to take your end-of-year fundraising campaign to the next level? The team at Fresh Eyes Digital has worked for decades with nonprofit organizations to acquire and inspire digital audiences and convert them into loyal donors and activists. Reach out to set up a call to discuss how you might work together!

Published: August 15, 2023

The post 5 tactics to engage and inspire nonprofit donors this end-of-year fundraising season appeared first on Network for Good.

In this blog, we will outline a step-by-step guide on how to develop an effective social media strategy for GivingTuesday and year-end campaigns, along with suggestions for various types of posts to inspire and mobilize supporters across different social platforms.

Why does year-end differ from any other social strategy?

GivingTuesday is a global movement focused on charitable giving, and year-end is a key time for nonprofit fundraising with 30% of charitable giving taking place in December and 10% occurring in the last three days of the year. . Unlike your regular social media strategy that may cover a broader range of topics and initiatives, GivingTuesday and year-end center exclusively on inspiring generosity and encouraging people to support your cause. 

Because year-end only occurs for a limited time, it is important to do extra planning to ensure that your nonprofit can maximize its impact within that time frame. Another thing to consider is urgency and how people respond to it. If you were to see a sale that lasted for two months you might not be encouraged to purchase right then and there. But If you see the sale ends in one or two days, you might be encouraged to make a purchase sooner. This goes for donations, too! If supporters see that there is only a limited time to hit a donation goal, and see it over and over on social media, then they may be more likely to donate. 

Embracing GivingTuesday and year-end campaigns through social media can ignite giving spirits, make a significant impact, and drive positive change.

Step 1: Set clear goals and objectives.

The first step in developing a successful social media strategy is setting clear and measurable goals. Determine what you want to achieve through your GivingTuesday and year-end fundraising campaigns. Whether it’s increasing the number of donors, meeting a specific fundraising target, or boosting brand awareness, having well-defined goals will guide your entire social media approach. 

Try using the SMART goal table to define and specify your measurable goals! 

Step 2: Know your audience.

Understanding your target audience is essential to tailoring your message and content. Analyze your current supporter base and identify potential demographics that resonate with your cause. Different social media platforms attract diverse audiences, so consider where your target audience is most active and create content accordingly. Below is a general breakdown of the audiences on different social media platforms. There are two main generational demographics when it comes to giving: traditional donors (Gen X and Baby Boomers), and next-gen donors (Gen Z and Millennials). 

• TikTok audience: On TikTok, 69% of users are next-gen donors and 31% are traditional donors. There are 80 million daily active users in the United States and of those 49% said TikTok has helped them make purchase decisions. 
• Twitter audience: On Twitter, 61% of users are next-gen donors, and the remaining 29% are traditional donors.
• Facebook audience: Facebook hits a fairly equal amount of donors from both next-gen and traditional. 49% are next-gen donors and 51% are traditional donors.
• Instagram audience: With the second highest percentage of next-gen donors, Instagram’s audience is majorly next-gen donors with 64% being between the ages of 18 and 39.
• LinkedIn audience: LinkedIn, similar to Facebook, has 49% of the audience between the ages of 18 and 39 or next-gen with the other 51% being traditional donors. (source)

This is a great starting point to determine which platforms make the most sense for your organization. Now, consider who your current supporters are. It is ideal that you have similar data on your audience so you can decide which platforms you should start using or need to double down on for year-end. By using fundraising technology, you can easily track donor demographic information so you can pull this information quickly.

Step 3: Craft compelling content.

Engaging and persuasive content is the heart of any social media strategy, which is why developing a content plan that aligns with your campaign objectives and resonates with your audience is crucial. Some content ideas for GivingTuesday and year-end fundraising include:

Impact stories: Share real-life success stories that highlight the positive impact of your organization’s work. Stories can evoke emotions and inspire action. TikTok and Instagram reels are a great place to showcase impact stories. You can easily craft a video without any fancy equipment and show the real impact behind the scenes of your organization. 

In this video, Natik Esperanza shares the story of their program participant, Bernabe, who was able to participate in training to gain skills needed to lead a growing community of beekeepers in his community.

Behind-the-scenes: Offer a glimpse into your nonprofit’s daily operations, showcase an employee teambuilding event, or introduce your team members. Humanizing your organization fosters trust and connection.

This video works well because it humanizes the organization by showcasing the El Futuro staff learning and experiencing team building together.

Visual content: Utilize eye-catching images, infographics, and videos to convey your message effectively. Visuals often attract more attention on social media.

In this post, Mutts with a Mission utilized an impactful image to showcase their service dogs’ aircraft training.

Countdown campaigns: Build anticipation by creating countdown posts as the campaign launch approaches, or use countdown posts as a way to drive urgency to donate during the final days of the campaign. 

In this post, Go For Yours creates urgency for donors to contribute to their Dream Experience fundraising campaign before it ends. They also create a clear CTA in the caption and use appropriate hashtags.

Calls-to-action: Clearly communicate what you want your audience to do, whether it’s donating, volunteering, or sharing your content. You can include clear CTA’s at the end of posts to get people to complete the action you want them to do. This could be “click the link in our bio” or even “follow us on Instagram to learn more”

In this post, Go For Yours shares an update on their current campaign and urges donors to contribute to help them reach their goal.

GivingTuesday offers this canva folder with many different templates you can use to post on social media before and on GivingTuesday!

Step 4: Create a posting schedule.

Now, let’s talk about consistency. It’s the key to keeping your audience engaged on social media. Develop a solid posting schedule that mixes regular content like inspiring impact stories and campaign updates with timely posts related to GivingTuesday and year-end fundraising events. To make things easier, take advantage of scheduling tools. They’ll help you manage your posts efficiently, saving you time and keeping your social media game strong.

You can try using this template to begin planning your content for year-end 2023!

Step 5: Leverage hashtags and trends.

Time to stay on top of the game! It is important to stay updated with trending topics and hashtags that relate to GivingTuesday and year-end fundraising. There are over 1 billion views just on TikTok including #yearend and #GivingTuesday. 

Using popular hashtags can do wonders for your visibility and help you connect with a broader audience interested in charitable causes. So, don’t shy away from riding the hashtag wave–it’s a great way to spread your message far and wide.

Step 6: Engage with your community

Remember, social media is all about building connections. It’s a two-way street. So, don’t just post and forget about it! Engage with your followers, respond to their comments, and give a shout-out to your donors publicly. Building a strong and responsive community will foster loyalty and encourage more people to support your amazing campaign. Plus, it’ll show your audience that you genuinely care about their involvement.

Congrats! You’ve now got a high-impact social media strategy to make your GivingTuesday and year-end fundraising campaign shine. By setting clear objectives, knowing your audience inside out, creating compelling content, and strategically using various social media platforms, your nonprofit is bound to drum up support, engage donors, and make a lasting impact. 

But don’t forget, social media is a dynamic landscape, always changing. So, stay flexible and open to adapting your strategy based on real-time insights and feedback from your audience. With a well-executed social media plan, your nonprofit can create a meaningful and successful GivingTuesday and year-end fundraising campaign that will leave a positive mark on the world.

Interested in learning more about how to make the most of GivingTuesday and year-end fundraising? Download Network for Good’s Ultimate Giving Tuesday Checklist and Comprehensive Year-End Fundraising Plan to get started on your campaign planning today!

About the author:

Community Boost is the premier full-service nonprofit digital marketing agency dedicated to mission-focused organizations of all sizes and sectors. 

Published: August 10, 2023

The post 6 steps to creating a nonprofit year-end and GivingTuesday social media strategy appeared first on Network for Good.

1. Create compelling content.

Develop a content marketing strategy that focuses on delivering valuable and engaging content. Use Canva to create compelling visuals (don’t miss out on the nonprofit discount!). Consider writing blog posts, creating informative videos, or producing podcasts that educate, inspire, and evoke emotions. Optimize your content for search engines to increase organic traffic and showcase your expertise in the field.

2. Engage with local communities.

Engage with local businesses, other nonprofits, or community groups by participating in relevant events and initiatives. Set up booths or sponsor events that align with your organization’s purpose. Actively engage with attendees, distribute promotional materials, and exchange contact information.

3. Offer multiple ways to contribute.

Provide various ways for supporters to contribute, such as volunteering or donating. Cater calls to action to attract different levels of commitment and engagement. Make sure that the instructions for how to get involved are very clearly outlined on your website and other promotional materials!

Network for Good’s fundraising pages allow you to set suggested donation amounts, customize donation receipts, and share fundraising updates with donors so you can optimize the giving experience for donors.

4. Host virtual information sessions to cultivate relationships.

Organize virtual information sessions to introduce your organization. Use Zoom to connect with potential supporters in an interactive and informative manner. Ask questions, use polls, and even facilitate breakout sessions to get your community chatting and exchanging new ideas.

5. Collaborate with influencers and bloggers.

Partner with social media influencers and bloggers who align with your organization’s purpose. Engage them in creating content that promotes your cause and encourages their followers to support your organization. Influencers can amplify your message, attract new audiences, and inspire action. Don’t be afraid to message some influencers online to see if they are interested in promoting your cause!

6. Seek local media coverage.

Reach out to local media outlets such as newspapers, radio stations, or television networks to share your nonprofit’s story and impact. Earned media coverage boosts your organization’s reputation and credibility, which can help attract new supporters.

7. Leverage email marketing.

You should have a consistent email marketing strategy year-round, but you can use this time before end-of-year to ramp up your communications and reach potential supporters directly. Develop targeted email lists and segment your audience based on their interests and engagement level. Personalize your messages, tell impactful stories, and clearly outline how individuals can contribute.

8. Run digital advertising campaigns.

Allocate a portion of your budget to run targeted digital advertising campaigns. Platforms like Google Ad Grants, Facebook Ads, or LinkedIn Ads can help you reach specific demographics, geographies, or interest groups. Develop captivating ads that drive traffic to your website or landing pages, focusing on the value of supporting your organization. Don’t have the budget for paid promotions? You can still reach your people with organic digital content! Use relevant hashtags, engage with your audience, and encourage them to share your posts to amplify your reach.

9. Organize webinars or online workshops.

Offer webinars or online workshops related to your organization’s cause or expertise. Share valuable insights, tips, or educational content that attracts individuals who are passionate about the same issues. Provide opportunities for engagement, Q&A sessions, and offer follow-up resources to cultivate relationships with participants.

10. Provide transparency and accountability.

Clearly communicate how donations are utilized and the impact they have on your nonprofit’s work in order to build trust with future supporters. Share annual reports, financial statements, and success stories to demonstrate accountability and transparency.

Acquiring new supporters is crucial for the success of your nonprofit’s year-end fundraising campaign. By implementing these ten powerful tactics, you can expand your network and engage individuals passionate about your cause. Remember to tailor your strategies to suit your organization’s unique goals and maintain a consistent and personalized approach to foster lasting relationships with your new supporters.

Interested in additional tips as you prep for your year-end campaign? Download our Comprehensive year-end fundraising plan featuring everything you need for a successful year-end!

Looking for additional support for your nonprofit’s fundraising operations? Reach out to Devine & Parker Consulting to learn more about how we can help you succeed.

About the author:

Devine & Parker Consulting empowers nonprofit organizations to build sustainable and scalable fundraising operations so that they can maximize their impact and fulfill their missions.

Published: July 25, 2023

The post 10 powerful tactics for nonprofits to acquire new supporters before year-end fundraising campaigns appeared first on Network for Good.

So how do you go about saving money as a nonprofit organization? Keep reading to learn about eight ways you can start saving money today! 

1. Evaluate your banking relationship.

• You deserve a business banker who is responsive and looks out for you. Ideally, they review your accounts with you annually to determine if you’re getting the most out of your banking experience. Use this time to learn if they have new account types or services that would help you. Evaluate if you are paying for a service that you no longer need.
• Consider different ways to earn money through your savings. When interest rates are strong, you may be able to negotiate rates for your savings accounts, especially if you are willing to change banks. Maintain a strategic balance in your checking account, leaving the rest in savings. You could also consider a “sweep” account that automatically transfers funds between checking and savings to maximize your savings balance.
• Ask for fees to be waived if you make a one-time mistake. Banks often forgive a late credit card payment or requests for old statements. We also suggest opting in for electronic banking so you can always keep an eye on your accounts. 

2. Earn on your spending.

Another cost-saving option is to sign up for a credit card that allows you to earn benefits. Consider finding a card that does not require staff as a guarantor and will allow for individual cards for each staff member. Many banks will offer 1% cashback to their customers on their credit cards. Most major credit card companies don’t offer cards without a business owner and aren’t a good option, so be careful. If you’re interested in learning more, check out Huntington National Bank, which offers excellent options for nonprofit organizations.

3. Avoid state sales tax.

Your state may offer a tax-exempt certificate to give to vendors as proof that they should not charge tax. Most major retailers and service providers, including Amazon, offer tax-exempt programs that will automatically suppress taxes on your invoices or will refund them for you. It may be worth reviewing your major expenses to request a refund on taxes paid this year. Keep in mind that you will still need to pay other kinds of taxes, like hotel taxes.

4. Take advantage of discounts.

Always ask retailers and service providers if they offer a nonprofit discount – very often, they will. If they don’t, they may help you get the best rate to stay within your budget. TechSoup is a fantastic resource for discounted software like Microsoft and Adobe Suites, sometimes offering services for pennies on the dollar. Additionally, Google offers qualifying nonprofit organizations up to $10,000 monthly in free advertising through Google Ad Grants.

5. Use rewards programs.

You know all those customer rewards programs you use in your personal life? They are available to nonprofits, as well. Hotels, airlines, gas stations, grocery stores, office supply stores, and more often allow you to accumulate rewards to redeem later. Some even have special programs to get business-level rewards. Plus, you can earn individual-level rewards.

6. Shop using rebate sites.

There are tons of sites with programs that kick back a reward to the shopper. Evreward.com catalogs rebates and discounts available from a retailer or from shopping through your credit card portal. Keep in mind that your credit card may also have special bonuses for shopping at certain retailers.

7. Re-negotiate your service contracts.

The cost of internet, phone, news services, utilities, and more can rack up for an organization. In many cases, you can reduce your costs by renegotiating your contracts. You could call and ask for a discount, shop for new services, or use a service to negotiate on your behalf. Check out Schooley Mitchell, who often can help slash these costs.

8. Don’t be penny-wise and pound-foolish.

Saving a few bucks may take more time than it’s worth—what do you lose in terms of time or other resources by taking the money-saving route? Consider who is spending that time or those other resources in order to save money. If higher-paid or in-demand staff find they must spend large amounts of time and energy on a project in order to divert funds to other programmatic areas, you may take a step back and realize it is ultimately less expensive to simply allocate some budget for a particular item.

One area where many nonprofits find it’s not worth it to cut corners is with their fundraising software. For many busy nonprofit staffers, the time saved and peace of mind gained by choosing a reliable system that helps them communicate efficiently and effectively with supporters is well worth the financial investment.

Remember to consider these tips next time you evaluate your budget or plan a big purchase to support your organization. How could you save valuable funds to put toward your mission, making the most of those hard-earned fundraising dollars?

About the author:

Jodi Segal, Big Change Consulting’s Founder & Principal, has been helping nonprofit organizations start up, gear up, and clean up their operations, human resources, and fundraising for 25 years. She has built strong and successful programs at growing local, state, and national organizations. After repeatedly witnessing nonprofits struggle with effective and efficient operations, Jodi recognized the lack of services to help. She designed a unique scope of work for Big Change Consulting to solve these problems. The benefit of Jodi’s experience with organizations is that she sees around corners and designs streamlined solutions that last. She is passionate about partnering with leaders to solve operations challenges so they can focus on the critical work of fulfilling their mission.

Before founding Big Change Consulting, Jodi was Deputy Director at the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC). During her 13 years at OEC, she built their development department, oversaw marketing and communications, and led administration, finance, HR, and special projects. Jodi lives in Central Ohio.

Published: July 21, 2023

The post 8 money-saving tips for nonprofit organizations appeared first on Network for Good.

In 2022, we shared the exciting news that Network for Good joined other leading social good technology companies CyberGrants, EveryAction, and Social Solutions to become Bonterra. Together, our goal is to fundamentally change the way social good is delivered by empowering the doers of good to advance their missions through a connective, comprehensive technology ecosystem dedicated to achieving unprecedented outcomes that drive sustainable impact across entire communities.  

While we’re excited to offer solutions to support doers of good across the social good space, the guiding values of Network for Good and our commitment to empowering small- and medium-sized nonprofits are shared across the Bonterra team. We remain committed to providing the tools and support you need to fulfill your mission more efficiently and effectively and providing best-in-class resources to help you develop and execute successful fundraising campaigns.  

As we continue as Bonterra, we understand that you have questions about what this means for you. Below, we have addressed some of the most common questions we have received. Additionally, we’re excited to share a peek into what innovations are coming soon on the Network for Good product roadmap.  

Why should I be excited that Network for Good has joined Bonterra? 

As we mentioned above, Bonterra’s goal is to create a comprehensive technology ecosystem. While our customers will still work with the same team members on the same, secure software they love, they will be able to benefit from best practices provided by other parts of our platform that they may not have considered in the past. What we know about our customers and those in the market for technology solutions is that there is a deep desire for aggregated information that they can act on rather than an overly technical solution or a single infrastructure.  

As a company that touches all parts of the social good landscape, Bonterra has a unique opportunity to gain a bird’s eye view of fundraising dollars, grant distribution, corporate social responsibility, volunteering, and the delivery of services. Bonterra is able to better understand what led to outcomes or changes across communities and share that understanding with our customers in meaningful ways. This understanding, along with the expanded technology ecosystem, will allow us to more effectively innovate on the Network for Good product for the future. Plus, Bonterra can grow and scale with your organization, with solutions designed for nonprofits of all sizes.  

Network for Good has historically been a leading resource for small– to medium-sized nonprofits. How will Bonterra continue to support and prioritize our specific needs? 

Bonterra remains committed to empowering small- and medium-sized nonprofits. We will continue to produce resources specifically meant to serve the small- to medium-sized nonprofit audience through blog posts, eGuides, webinars, a customer knowledge base, and more. Additionally, we will still provide innovative simple, smart all-in-one software to help you streamline your fundraising efforts and better support your mission.  

How will Network for Good continuing as Bonterra affect my experience within the platform? 

While the branding within the product interface will look different soon, the tools you count on will remain and continue to serve your needs. While we will continue to work on ways to innovate and improve the product and customer experience, the existing tools and easy-to-use interface will remain the same. Keep reading to learn more about the exciting updates coming within our product roadmap.  

Will Bonterra still provide the same level of support I have experienced as a Network for Good customer? 

While there are exciting changes coming, one thing that will not change is your relationship with us. You will continue working with the same support, training, and service teams.  Your data will be stored, managed, and serviced in the same, secure way. We will continue offering our services and honoring the commitments under your current contract without change, and there is no action you need to take.   

Will the Jumpstart program change under Bonterra? 

No, there will be no fundamental changes to the Jumpstart program. The program elements, such as the needs assessment, coaching engagement, educational curriculum, platform, technical assistance opportunities, and reporting, will remain the same. 

How will Bonterra continue to innovate the product to provide upgrades to the user experience going forward? 

Over the next several months, we’re excited to roll out some exciting product upgrades to allow us to better serve you!  

Mobile payment options: 

We recently introduced Google Pay, which makes it easier for your donors to give on Network for Good fundraising pages and events. This feature has been highly requested by Network for Good customers to make giving as effortless (and rewarding!) as possible for donors—regardless of their device or browser. Plus, Google Pay and features faster disbursements, so our customers will have access to their funds sooner. Stay tuned! Apple Pay will soon be available as part of this update.  

Making payment information ready at the push of a button is a focus across Bonterra. That’s why easy-to-use digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also available for our CyberGrants customers with a corporate social responsibility (CSR) program. 

Standalone Auctions: 

With standalone Auctions, customers will have the opportunity to purchase an auction without having the full Network for Good platform. This will allow anyone who may be interested in Network for Good a chance to experience the product. Plus, customers who need Auctions software for a single event can purchase a single auction to meet their needs. Stay tuned for more details about this new offering soon.   

Continued Auctions upgrades: 

In addition to offering Auctions as a standalone option, we’re introducing new features so you can better manage your auction experience. Currently, when you host an auction through our platform, you have the option to require participants to enter their credit card before bidding, which means you don’t need to chase down bidders for payment after the auction concludes. 

We’re enhancing the admin dashboard to the Auctions platform, which will provide you with the most important information before, during, and after the auction. This means you will be able to quickly and easily complete tasks, generate more bidding activity during the auction, and easily communicate with your bidders.   

Better fundraising features: 

Finally, we plan to continue adding features to the product to make you a better fundraiser. Specifically, we want to help you more easily re-engage donors who haven’t given in the last 12 months. This will include in-product engagement paths and insights you can utilize to create effective campaigns to re-engage those lapsed donors.  

We believe relationships are how things get done, and our relationships with our customers are at the heart of our solutions. We aim to continue equipping you with the tools you need to support your mission, connect the dots, and improve outcomes across communities. We look forward to continuing our journey as Bonterra, together. Learn more about how Bonterra is investing in our unified solutions to do better across the social good landscape. 

Published: June 20, 2023

The post What to expect in 2023 and beyond as Network for Good continues as Bonterra appeared first on Network for Good.

1. Getting board to fundraise and host house parties:

Remember the 3B framework. What is the key behavior that you want the board member to do, what is the barrier, and what are the benefits? Engage board members why the fundraising activity benefits them and the organization, and explain the value of their individual participation. Remove barriers by making it easy. You can provide templates, scripts, and training to make them comfortable with this process. Encourage them to “be ambassadors” instead of simply “supporters” to appeal to a sense of identity and commitment. 

2. Addressing overextended board president:

First of all, term limits are good and healthy for organizational growth and development. But this is a governance issue that requires delicate handling. You might consider an open, respectful discussion during a board meeting about the importance of board rotation for fresh perspectives and shared leadership. External resources or consultants in nonprofit governance could provide advice or facilitate this conversation. Consider using a delayed implementation strategy so that board members aren’t immediately kicked off but have three to five years before they term off and have to wait before being re-invited to serve. 

3. Articulating the return on investment for fundraising tools:

The key is to communicate that investment in tools like a donor database is an investment in the long-term sustainability of the organization. While it might take time to see tangible results, it will improve efficiency, deepen relationships with donors, and ultimately increase fundraising success. The example from the webinar that we’re all comfortable with is our retirement funds. We set aside money today for future use that’s potentially decades away. 

4. Fundraising responsibility without a development committee:

Ideally, all board members should be engaged in fundraising efforts – in some way. The board chair, in collaboration with the executive director, could play a leading role in rallying board members around fundraising initiatives. A dedicated fundraising or development committee can be a future goal if it’s right for your organization. Remember that someone who will do the work is better than someone holding the title. More importantly, people shouldn’t be forced to solicit if they aren’t comfortable doing so. Find roles for each board member appropriate to them. 

5. Engaging a board not used to fundraising:

Training and education are key. Host a board training session specific to the 3B framework. Identify different key behaviors, address barriers, and assign benefits. It can be very helpful to share what would happen if fundraising doesn’t happen and also how easy it is for each person to have a significant impact with incremental effort. For example, tens of thousands of dollars can be raised by board members identifying just one monthly donor each month for their board term. 

6. Board members as CEOs of other nonprofits:

Frame their participation in fundraising not as competition but as synergy. Their fundraising skills and networks could benefit your organization without taking away from theirs. Ideally, there are systems in place to help these board members engage potential donors that are non-competitive. Similarly, there are opportunities to engage in the fundraising cycle without soliciting donors. 

7. Expecting every board member to participate in fundraising:

Every board member should be involved in some way in the process of fundraising. Not everyone has to be directly asking for money, but all can contribute time or talent or treasure, whether by leveraging networks, hosting events, writing thank-you notes, or making personal contributions. Some entities still require 100% board giving but don’t specify the amount so $1 meets that threshold. 

8. Validity of give and get commitments:

These commitments can still be valuable, but they need to be flexible and context-specific. For some boards, a give/get policy works well. For others, it may create barriers. The key is to create a culture of giving that works for your organization. Personally, I would be skeptical of their effectiveness in most organizations because the give/get only excludes to the downside. Meaning, if your threshold is $100,000. Anyone who can’t give that is excluded but someone who might otherwise give $1 million might just give $100.000. Many big organizations have trustees that just meet the threshold. 

9. Board members uncomfortable with asking for money:

Encourage them to see fundraising as mission-sharing. It’s about offering opportunities for others to contribute to a cause they care about. Offer training and support to make them more comfortable with fundraising conversations. I often ask board members in training sessions what buying decision was the most memorable e.g. a purchase they were super happy about. As they share those stories, they can palpably see and feel what it’s like to share a worthwhile experience with others. 

10. Board term limits:

Term limits can bring fresh ideas and prevent board stagnation. They need to be implemented thoughtfully to maintain organizational memory and continuity. Address concerns openly with your board and seek to create a balance between new energy and experienced guidance. Off ramps are also helpful to board members who don’t want to feel stuck serving in certain seasons of life.  

We hope you found this webinar helpful as you work with your board to secure fundraising support. Have another topic you’d like us to cover in an upcoming webinar? Click here to submit your feedback.

Plus, download our brief, A Case for Change: How to Pitch Fundraising Software to Your Board, which includes a board memo template and a board presentation template to help you prepare a top-notch pitch!  

Published: June 13, 2023

The post Boosting Board Buy-In: Your Questions About Board Engagement and More Answered appeared first on Network for Good.

Part of the challenge lies in the fact that results from such investments are not immediately tangible. The return on investment for fundraising tools, for instance, may take a year or more to be seen, making it difficult for board members to calculate the direct impact. Similarly, investing in fundraising capacity, such as staff development or fundraising consultants, requires an upfront financial commitment that does not pay off immediately. 

Despite these challenges, the opportunities that come with increased investment in fundraising are substantial. Greater fundraising capacity can lead to more significant donor engagement, higher donor retention rates, and ultimately, increased funds for the organization’s mission. Advanced fundraising tools can streamline operations, improve data management, and facilitate more personalized and effective donor communications. 

Studies demonstrate these benefits as well. As described in the recent webinar, Boosting Board Buy-in: How to Get Your Board to Invest in Fundraising, two specific reference points may be helpful:  

• Across all institution types, the return on investment in 2018 was 942.9 percent. In general, higher investment yields higher returns. (CASE) 

• A Giving USA study found that a dollar invested in a major gift program produces, on average, $24 in revenue. A dollar invested in a direct mail program produces $10. A dollar invested in a special event produces $3.20. (Harvard Business Review) 

Given these potential benefits, the question becomes: how can nonprofit professionals effectively convince their boards to make these investments?  

First and foremost, it is important to remember that we’re not able to convince anyone of something that they are completely opposed to. However, we are able to help move people to agreement if we follow proven frameworks for change management and persuasion. Drawing on insights from thought leaders like Phil M. Jones, John Kotter, and Jonah Berger, nonprofit professionals can learn effective strategies to secure board buy-in for critical fundraising investments. These strategies involve understanding the board, crafting a compelling value proposition, strategically using language, and confidently handling objections. The successful application of these methods can significantly transform your organization’s fundraising capacity and impact. 

Understanding Your Board: Building a Foundation for Persuasion 

Begin with understanding your board members—their motivations, their concerns, and how they think about investment in fundraising. Recognize that your board comprises individuals with diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and unique perspectives.  

Creating a Strong Value Proposition 

Once you understand your board, it’s time to craft a compelling value proposition. The value proposition should align with both the organization’s mission and the board’s motivations. It’s about making the board see how investing in fundraising can deliver value, whether in terms of increasing efficiency, growing donor bases, or advancing the organization’s mission.  

Magic Words and Subtle Language Shifts: Phil M. Jones and Jonah Berger’s Insights 

Phil M. Jones and Jonah Berger’s insights are instrumental in structuring persuasive conversations. Jones’s “magic words” and Berger’s principles of subtle language shifts can be powerful tools.  

Handling Objections with Confidence 

Objections are an expected part of the decision-making process. Prepare for potential objections, and address them confidently and respectfully. Jonah Berger’s advice on speaking with confidence and using concrete language can be incredibly beneficial when addressing objections. Remember that validating the other person’s viewpoint can open up a more constructive conversation. 

Case Studies and Examples: The Proof of the Pudding 

Sharing case studies of successful instances of securing board buy-in can be extremely persuasive. Demonstrating proven methods and results provides tangible evidence of the potential impact of investing in fundraising. 

Engaging Your Board in Fundraising: An Ongoing Conversation 

Securing board buy-in is not a one-off task but an ongoing conversation. By understanding your board, crafting a strong value proposition, effectively using “magic words” and language shifts, and handling objections with confidence, you can involve your board in fundraising growth.  

Author: Cherian Koshy, VP of Philanthropy at Merit America and Founder of the Nonprofit Operating System

Interested in learning more? Watch our on-demand webinar, Boosting Board Buy-in: How to Get Your Board to Invest in Fundraising featuring Cherian Koshy. 

Put these tips into practice by downloading our brief, Build a Case for Change: How to Pitch Fundraising Software to Your Nonprofit Board, which includes a board memo template and a board presentation template to help you prepare a top-notch pitch!  

Published: June 6, 2023

The post Securing Support: 6 Strategies for Convincing Your Board to Invest in Fundraising appeared first on Network for Good.

Benefits of Network for Good’s mobile payment options: 

Raise more money more efficiently: By offering multiple payment options, nonprofits can appeal to a broader range of donors and make it easier for them to contribute to their cause. 

You can ensure convenient and secure payment options for donors: Allow donors to make payments quickly, easily, and with peace of mind from their mobile devices. 

You can access your funds sooner: Google Pay features faster disbursements for donations. Donations made through this platform are disbursed in five business days, meaning you receive your funds sooner. 

Apple Pay will soon be available as a part of this update.  

Published: June 5, 2023

The post Google Pay Makes Donating Through Network for Good That Much Simpler! appeared first on Network for Good.

Build strong relationships

One of the most important aspects of securing event sponsorships is building strong relationships with potential sponsors. Take the time to research and learn about their values and interests. Researching sponsors in advance shows you have done your due diligence. In addition, it allows you to save time by identifying the right partners to pursue, so that you can strategically position your organization to secure funding without feeling overwhelmed. 

When approaching potential sponsors, it is important to be authentic and personal. Share your passion and dedication to your purpose and explain why your event is important and valuable to both the community and for the sponsor. Do not be afraid to show your personality and sense of humor, but keep it professional. Remember, people support people, so make sure your communications and interactions reflect who you are as an organization and as individuals.

Create a solid proposal  

Crafting a well-developed sponsorship proposal is key to capturing the attention of potential sponsors and getting them excited about supporting your purpose.

To make your proposal stand out, it is important to personalize it for each potential sponsor. Take the time to research each sponsor and understand what they value and how your event can align with their interests. Highlight the specific brand benefits that your event can offer and how it can help them achieve their own goals. Brand benefits can include mentioning their support in social media posts, including their logo on event materials, or even inviting them to participate in your event through breakout sessions or panels. Check out my free downloadable, “What to Offer Sponsors,” and my presentation, “What Sponsors Want and Why They Need You,” to learn about more brand benefits you can offer a sponsor.

Use creative and inspiring language and visuals to make your proposal memorable and engaging. You can do this by inserting photos or video links of your organization in action. Remember, your proposal is not just a document–it is an opportunity to connect with potential sponsors and showcase your organization’s values, purpose, and impact. So, have fun with it, be authentic, and let your passion shine through!

Practice good stewardship 

At this point, you have secured the support of sponsors for your event–this is a huge accomplishment and a testament to your hard work and dedication to your cause! Practicing good stewardship to ensure that these partnerships continue to thrive beyond your event is vital to the longevity of the sponsoring relationship.

First and foremost, it is important to communicate regularly with your sponsors. Keep them in the loop on your progress, share updates on how their support is making a difference, and be responsive to any questions or concerns they may have. This will help build trust and strengthen your relationship with your sponsors.

Another way to practice good stewardship is to express your gratitude and appreciation for your sponsors. Take the time to thank them personally for their support, and recognize their contributions in any relevant materials or activities based on the sponsorship level they commit to. 

Lastly, it is important to follow through with what you agreed upon with each sponsor. Sponsors will likely return if you fulfill the agreement made between the two of you. 

By practicing good stewardship, you will create a community of supporters who are invested in your cause and committed to making a difference. So, as you move forward with your event planning, keep in mind the importance of practicing good stewardship with your sponsors. Together, you can make a real impact and create lasting change for your community. Learn more about practicing good stewardship in my presentation, Art of Sponsorships.

Celebrate your success

Finally, do not forget to celebrate your success! There are many moments that you can celebrate.

1. Pressing send on the emails you have prepared to approach your sponsors.
2. Securing a meeting and beginning a relationship with a potential sponsor.
3. Getting a sponsor’s buy-in or interest in a particular sponsorship level.
4. Receiving the notification that your sponsor said “Yes” to your request and receiving a check from them.
5. Hosting a successful event.

Don’t let these moments pass by. Acknowledge them with your team through celebration. You can even share your success on social media and in your communications with your email subscribers. Celebrating your success will boost your confidence along the journey of seeking sponsors and help build momentum and excitement for your next event.

We hope you’re able to utilize these tips and strategies as you prepare for your next nonprofit event. By focusing on securing strong event sponsorships, you will ultimately raise awareness for your nonprofit’s purpose within your community, and gain a larger, long-term support system for your organization. 

About the author:

Mariah Monique, MPH is the Founder and CEO of The Sponsorship Catalyst, where she and her team helps nonprofit organizations position themselves to secure event sponsors by packaging sellable event sponsorship opportunities. Mariah is a Sponsorship Strategy Educator and Consultant, sponsorship seeker, and a funder, so she has a tri-fold perspective to teaching nonprofit organizations how to secure sponsors. Additionally, she has reviewed and evaluated hundreds of sponsorship packages and pitches, made decisions for sponsorship fund allocation, and built brand activations. She knows what sponsors want.

Published: May 9, 2023

The post 4 Tips and Strategies for Spring Event Sponsorship Success appeared first on Network for Good.

In this guide, we dive deeper into the following elements of supporter engagement including strategies you can implement for success: 

Promote Your Purpose 

The first thing you should do when developing a supporter engagement strategy is ensure your community is aware of your organization and your mission. It can be challenging to develop a supporter base if your community isn’t aware of the great work you’re doing. Raise awareness for your nonprofit through your website, social media, email newsletter, and events. If you’re a new nonprofit, take the time to establish these tools for your organization to ensure you can connect with your community. If you’re a more mature nonprofit, work to refine your strategy for these various tools and platforms to ensure you’re reaching the right audience.  

Donor Management 

Once you have established a strong foundation for your work, think about how you’ll manage donor information. As people learn about your organization and become donors, you need to have a management system in place to ensure you can cultivate those relationships going forward. While newer nonprofits may establish their database using a spreadsheet, it’s important to think about a more sophisticated platform as your organization grows. Consider investing in a donor management system like Network for Good to better manage and utilize your donor data.  

Donor Stewardship

Now that you have a donor management process in place, it’s time to engage with your donors and steward those relationships. In this guide we outline four steps you should take to craft a winning donor stewardship strategy: identify donor giving levels, identify the best stewardship activities for your organization, develop your stewardship plan, and evaluate and adjust your plan. Download the guide for a deeper dive into these steps.  

Donor Retention

Just planning how you engage with donors isn’t enough, you need to keep donor retention in mind every step of the way. In this guide we review how to calculate your donor retention rate so you can establish a baseline and determine how to weave donor retention into everything your organization does.  

Donor Reengagement

According to the Fundraising Effectiveness Project, donor retention is down across the board. That said, it’s important to have a reengagement strategy in place to reactivate lapsed donors. Having a donor management system like Network for Good will allow you to track supporter activity and easily engage with donors on a regular basis.

Interested in learning more about each of these elements of a standout supporter engagement strategy? Download our eGuide today to learn more!  

Published: March 28, 2023

The post Standout Supporter Engagement Strategies for New and Mature Nonprofits appeared first on Network for Good.