SUMMER FUN: 3 WAYS TO ENGAGE DONORS & RASIE FUNDS

Coming up with exciting and engaging ways to raise money and call attention to your nonprofit’s mission can be hard. Especially during the summer months while so many people are on vacation. However, do not be discouraged. Let’s join them and have some summer fun!

Summer time is the perfect moment to take advantage of current trends and diversify your fundraising strategy from the traditional approaches. All the while, making it fun for both you and your donors. It’s a win-win!

Here are three ways to bring some summer fun to your fundraising through posting “donation asks” on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

1. Selfies for #SocialGood

A selfie campaign is a great way to spread awareness about your cause while also expanding the audience and reach of your nonprofit. A big bonus — it really helps get your brand out there.

• Create a hashtag that is unique to a particular fundraiser you are holding or your nonprofit itself.
• Ask donors to use that hashtag along with a selfie! Not only will this further distinguish your nonprofit with a unique hashtag, but also creates a convenient way for you to keep track of the donors who participate in the selfie campaign.
• Encourage donors to post on their personal social media pages with their friends and family, tagging your organization and using your hashtag of your choice.
• Reward the participants of your selfie campaign by reposting their selfies to your nonprofit page. Nonprofit donor appreciation shows potential donors that you really do value your support base and inspires them to donate and get involved with your cause!
• Nonprofit branded merchandise can be a great prop for donors to use in their selfies, but isn’t necessary! Depending on the cause of your nonprofit, donors could take selfies that reflect your message and purpose. Ex. An animal rescue nonprofit asking participants to take selfies with their pets!
• The main takeaway here is for your donors to keep evangelizing your mission, to participate and donate regardless of where they are or what they’re doing. It’s as simple as that!

2. Giveaway Contests

Giveaway contests are an awesome way for you to show donor appreciation, while also increasing donor retention and continual support for your nonprofit.

• Entering into the giveaway should have one condition: Make a donation!
• You can hold giveaway contests for 24 hours, or even a week, but use an impending deadline to participate to drive action.
• No matter how big or small the donation, all donors should be equally eligible to participate and win a prize. Make your prize directly related to your nonprofit’s cause so that you can spread awareness of your mission through the campaign!

3. Live-Streaming

Live-streaming is an amazing way to engage donors, spread awareness of your nonprofit, and showcase the authenticity of your employees! When live-streaming to boost buzz for your fundraising campaign, make sure that those who click on to your live-stream stay engaged.

• Have fun with it — give an office tour, conduct employee introductions showcasing genuine interactions between people — all to better explain the importance of your fundraising campaign and nonprofit.
• Consider live-streaming not only during fundraising campaigns but also during special nonprofit events. By doing so it allows even those who are unable to attend to see the strives that your nonprofit is constantly taking to grow and spread your message!