Giving Tuesday doesn’t always have to be about the money
- Boost Fundraising and Support |
Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 as a way to encourage people to do good. Last year, 34.8 million people participated in the Tuesday after Thanksgiving event, and gave an estimated $2.47 billion in the US alone. But Giving Tuesday is not just about giving money, it’s about giving back, in any way that you can. As COVID continues to impact our lives, nonprofits need to encourage supporters to give in any way they can—financial or otherwise.
Finding value in non-financial asks
Not every gift has to be financial, so we’ve pulled together examples of fundraising asks that go above and beyond money. This does not mean they don’t have value though. When you add up the contributions of non-financial gifts, you might be surprised to find you have raised more than you would from a traditional request. Non-financial asks can also be a great way to help plug the gap in core funding, bringing in essential skills and resources that funders don’t like to fund.
Nonprofit fundraising ideas that go above and beyond money
Donated goods: The concept of giving goods instead of money is not new. Either through trade or through the sale of donated goods, it’s a great way to raise more money for your cause. Donated goods can also help nonprofits deliver their core service. YouGiveGoods helps nonprofits raise much-needed, brand new goods in just a few easy steps—whether it be food, books, toys, coats, school supplies, and more, they provide you with the tools to create, customize, promote, and manage the drive.
Donated time: According to Volunteer Hub, approximately 63 million Americans, 25% of the adult population, volunteer their time. And, according to the Corporation for National and Community Service, volunteers are almost twice as likely to donate to a nonprofit than those that don’t volunteer at all. The value of volunteers to help run your events, fundraising, back office, etc. should never be underestimated. It’s a great ask for any nonprofit to make!
Pro-bono projects: How much did you spend on your last fundraising campaign? When you are reaching out to thousands, if not tens of thousands of donors, it is going to cost money. But what if you could get the campaign planning, artwork and copy for free? When it comes to pro-bono work, we encourage you to think outside the fundraising box. Spread your wings, and you will be amazed at what you can find.
Celebrity Alums/Supporters: Instead of asking for monetary donations, why not ask your celebrity alums or supporters to donate virtual face time to the highest bidder? Fordham College Alumni Association held a holiday online auction to benefit their scholarship and grant programs. Virtual comedy writing lessons with SNL writers, virtual master classes with Golden Globe winners, and more, brought in $30,000 for the fund.
How to follow-up with your donors
A gift, by any other name, is still a gift. And if someone has given one to you, that means they’re a donor and make sure to treat them as such! Of course, the first thing you need to do is say thank you. Then you need to take them on a journey. There is an art to donor engagement. A good stewardship strategy will cater for communications outside the central ask. It will create touch-points and connections, include small acts of kindness, celebrate milestones, share stories of success and achievement. In short, it will inspire people to keep on giving.
That’s the hallmark of success. And with so much value in non-financial asks, this is one area of fundraising you can’t afford to miss out on. Another area you can’t afford to miss out on? A state-of-the-art CRM that can help you with all your fundraising efforts. Contact us to set up your personalized demo of thankQ CRM today.
