Expert Advice on Taking Advantage of #GivingTuesday

By Double the Donation

#GivingTuesday might not be until December, but because planning and preparation are key to any successful campaign, we think the best time to start thinking about how to take advantage of this fundraising opportunity is now!

We’ve compiled advice from over 30 experts on how nonprofit organizations can make #GivingTuesday a hit.

Start Planning Now!

Far and away, the most common piece of advice was to start planning as soon as possible. Getting a head start on promotions, social media trends, marketing materials, and getting in touch with donors (individuals, foundations, corporations, etc.) is going to be the key to a successful campaign!

Lynne D. Filderman, Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer at America’s Charities says:“#GivingTuesday is a movement to inspire generosity; not just another website where you list your charity profile or an event that replaces your existing year-end campaign. The hype from #GivingTuesday should be used to draw attention to your organization’s story and impact. It’s an opportunity to reach new donors and find new ways to excite existing supporters. Whether you choose to integrate #GivingTuesday into your year-end fundraising campaign or as a stand-alone awareness day event, your success will be determined by how focused your message is, how clear your call-to-action is, how active you are in promoting your initiative, and how well you plan – starting now.”

Howard Lake, Publisher at UK Fundraising says:

1. “Create some images showing your nonprofit’s involvement with #GivingTuesday and invite your supporters to share them – with a link to your site. Don’t forget a call to action on the image.”
2. “Plan ahead – invite your corporate supporters to match donations made on #GivingTuesday, either in total or, more likely, up to a certain amount.”
3. “Invite a medium or major donor (or business donor?) to give out one hundred $10 or £10 notes to supporters who promise to use them to raise at least triple the amount in time for #GivingTuesday.”
4. “Stuck for ideas for #GivingTuesday? Ask your supporters now, and choose the best.”
5. “Change the thank you page on your online donation platform, if you can, so that it shows a #GivingTuesday message, which donors are invited to share. For example, ‘I gave to [nonprofit] to help [children, animals, the environment] on #GivingTuesday. You can, too: [link].’”

>> Continue Reading