Nonprofit Tips for #GiveNOLA Day
Written by Amy Boyle Collins
As we #GetReady for GiveNOLA Day, here are a few tips for nonprofits to maximize engagement leading up to the annual community-wide giving day from GambelCommunications’ own nonprofit guru, Amy Boyle Collins:
Don’t be afraid to ask. A recent survey finds 25% of donors plan to increase donations in response to COVID-19 while 54% plan to maintain their giving levels. It’s important to note that younger donors plan to step up their giving - 46% of Millennials will give more compared to 14% of Baby Boomers and 25% of Gen X. While this is a small survey, we know from experience that philanthropy increases overall in the wake of a disaster. (Source: Fidelity Charitable)
Let people know your status; be specific in communicating your needs and offer evidence of how you will continue your mission in light of the pandemic. Donors want to support successful organizations, and they want to see the impact they will help you create in these uncertain times.
Oftentimes giving helps donors channel their feelings of stress into feelings of hope.
Ensure your website and social media reflect the COVID19 situation. You don’t want to appear tone-deaf to the situation. If your services are available and/or your facilities are open to people you serve, be sure to communicate not only hours of operation but how you plan to keep employees and program participants safe.
Create a segmented plan to engage each of your stakeholder groups with a layered communications approach that may include: online meetings and virtual events, phone calls, texts, emails (direct and blasts), social media posts and campaigns, website, video, media stories, etc.
