While there are many tried and true strategies you can employ to raise funds for your organization, you may be missing out on dollars if your strategies are outdated. In the ever-evolving digital marketing landscape, it’s become increasingly important to stay on top of the latest trends and shifts.
If you’re looking to try something new to get more results for your next campaign or event, we’ve rounded up the most valuable tools and ideas to consider.
So, without further ado, here are five trending strategies you can use to bring your fundraising to the next level.
1. Incorporate SMS or Text to Donate Features
People are always on the go. Make giving even easier for the busiest of donors. Give them an option to donate via text.
It’s no secret that people are glued to their smartphones. In fact, a recent survey by Reviews.org revealed that Americans check their phones roughly 144 times per day, and over half consider themselves addicted to their devices!
It’s no wonder that SMS or Text to Donate features have climbed in recent years. It’s a good way to communicate your needs with donors and simplify the giving process.
This is especially true for young donors. Nonprofits will need to learn to reach younger generations of donors to remain successful, and that means tailoring your strategy and message.
2. Get a bit unconventional with event planning
Events are a great way to build excitement around giving. Just remember that not every cause-related event needs to be an expensive-to-plan gala or a swanky fundraiser.
You’ll find (if you haven’t already) that there are lots of everyday people who are interested in supporting your cause and would love to give. Sometimes an unconventional event is a great way to get more people involved with your organization’s mission.
We helped one of our clients, Undies for Everyone, promote this type of event, dubbed Bingo & Briefs, where donors play rounds of bingo benefitting underserved children.
Who doesn’t love bingo?
Bingo for a cause? Even better.
Another of our clients, The Women’s Resource, puts on an annual Power of the Purse fundraiser, where luxury purses are auctioned to benefit financial programs for women and girls in the Houston community.
Shopping for a cause? Count us in!
These are just a few examples of events you can throw to make giving fun and fresh for your donors. Unconventional events can make the donation process feel less transactional.
Build trust and strong relationships with your donors when you plan creative, fun events that align with your cause.
3. Build a website landing page
Landing pages for capital campaigns used to be a nice-to-have. Now, they’re a must.
It’s best when you have a dedicated space online where you can direct your donors for a campaign. Here, they can find all the relevant information they need to get involved.
There’s no need to click out or away. And you can link to it using QR codes (all the rage right now), direct mail, and email campaigns.
We’ve designed many unique landing pages for our clients over the years, including the Owning Our Destiny campaign for The Women’s Resource, Glenwood Cemetery’s 150th Anniversary, and the Ready and Forward capital campaign for the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum.
Landing pages are necessary to help your organization raise funds for your cause. Need help creating one? Our team of expert web designers can assist!
4. Accept different kinds of donations
Not everyone carries cash on them anymore. And not everyone might prefer to donate by check.
Make sure you offer different options to accept donations. By diversifying and being flexible, you’ll make your organization more open to receiving gifts.
Bitcoin, legacy and in-kind donations, partnerships, even things like NPR’s car donations are all great examples of unconventional giving that still supports the cause.
Find ways to meet people where they’re at, with what they can give.
5. Craft campaign teaser videos
As we mentioned before, people are often on the go. Time isn’t a luxury most of us have.
Why not create brief campaign videos and share content in a way that’s easy to digest and watch on the go?
Plus, according to Demand Sage, video is set to account for nearly 82.5% of all web traffic this year!
These campaign teasers work great for C-suite and corporate donors, but they can also be shared with your followers on social media or in targeted email campaigns.
Videos are easy to watch and share and can be a great way for you to get the word out about your cause!
We hope these five strategies will help you raise more funds and grow your organization’s awareness and following.
Want to try one of these strategies but you’re not sure where to start? Fill out the form below or give us a call. We’d be happy to help implement them in your next fundraising campaign!
