From GrantSpace
3 Ways to Get Ready for #GivingTuesday
In 2012, the 92Y and the United Nations Foundation founded the #GivingTuesday movement as a way to kick off the giving season for nonprofits and charities. The campaign, which always falls on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, is designed to tap into the spending momentum of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, directing some of that “giving spirit” to support social good.
So, with the right messaging and fundraising plan (and maybe a little tugging of heart strings), you can get the attention of holiday shoppers by using #GivingTuesday as a springboard for garnering end-of-year donations to your nonprofit. It’s only a month away, though, so here are three ways Foundation Center wants to help you prepare, not only for a successful #GivingTuesday, but also for a strong finish to your fundraising year:
1. Training!
We have tons of great webinars coming up this month and next, both online and in-person. Here’s a sampling of what’s coming up through the end of the year:-
Excellent Practices in Online Fundraising & Engagement, Nov. 5, 12, and 19, 2-3:30 pm ET: John Kenyon shares digital knowledge and tools that will make your nonprofit stand out online.
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Unpack the Winning Proposal, Nov. 6, 2-3 pm ET: Learn by example ― take a closer look at sample funded proposals.
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Motivating Millennials, Nov. 18, 2-3 pm ET: We’ve teamed up with DoSomething.org to bring you insights on how to engage this valuable group of young changemakers.
- Building the Bottom Line, Dec. 9, 2-3:30 pm ET: Learn proven, creative techniques for identifying new diversified revenue streams.
2. Tips From the Experts!
Guest bloggers on GrantSpace and PND’s Philantopic provide a wealth of knowledge to grantseekers ― from how to get your board engaged in fundraising to how to launch a crowdfunding campaign:-
“Help the board understand that the scary part of fundraising―asking for
money―is only about 15% of the work. The other 85%―prospecting,
cultivation, engagement, thanking, and recognition―happens before and
after ‘the ask.’ Every board member can help out in many different
ways.” -- Andy Robinson, Boards & Fundraising: 3 Tasks Everyone Can Do
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“Find the platform that will work the hardest for you: one that saves
you time and money, is streamlined, looks pretty, and, simply stated,
works well.” -- Dana Ostomel, 5 Criteria for Choosing a Crowdfunding Platform
- “Don’t only thank people once for an action or contribution ― find ways to continually show your appreciation throughout the year. Thank them when they make a donation, then send them an email with an update on progress that includes a thank-you message." -- John Kenyon, 4 Cornerstones of Online Fundraising
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The Hottest Season Yet—For Fundraising by Jay Frost
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‘Thoughtful’ vs. ‘Thoughtless’ Giving by Derrick Feldman
- Spend Your Time Wisely to Get More Foundation Funding by Marilyn Hoyt
3. #GivingTuesday Tools!
The folks at 92Y and the United Nations Foundation are offering nonprofits like yours access to free tools and tips to launch your own #GT campaigns, including:-
Case studies
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Sample campaigns
- A collection of training that includes a special free webinar from the #GivingTuesday team, 10 Tips for Achieving Your End-of-Year Goal, Dec. 9, 2-3 pm ET. It will feature a panel of speakers including Foundation Center’s very own Sarah Jo Neubauer, Capacity and Leadership Development Manager.
Community Content Manager
As a member of Foundation Center's marketing and communications team, LIZZ CARROLL is responsible for developing and directing the Center's national social media strategy and incorporating online tools to build relationships and ultimately strengthen the organization's brand, both online and off.