Are you wondering how you might gather donations now that we are unable to leave our homes? You’re not the only one who feels this way. COVID-19 has fundamentally altered the fundraising scene, and the tried-and-true strategies that nonprofit professionals have long relied on are now obsolete. In the age of social distancing, nonprofits have been forced to postpone donor meetings, cancel events, and figure out how to keep raising contributions. The good news is that raising funds for your nonprofit may be done totally online. People nowadays are prepared to go to any length to help one another, and they will understand if you have to adjust the format of your events or connect with them in a different way. Furthermore, because the epidemic is altering our perceptions of normalcy in all aspects of our life, many of these internet fundraising tactics will persist long after the crisis has passed. After all, they have a lot of advantages that make them a more enticing option than face-to-face meetings.
The First Thing You Must Do
It’s critical to keep in mind the end goal of your efforts: you want people to visit your website and donate. To that end, check your website to see if it’s ready for all these new visitors before you start preparing your online fundraising campaign. You want your website to be simple to use, convey a compelling story about your organization, and encourage visitors to join your community. Are you unsure where to begin? Take a look at this list of 22 elements that every nonprofit website should have. People should be able to donate quickly and easily on your website. Here are some ways to start a fundraising campaign online.
Email Marketing Campaign
Sending email solicitations is likely already a component of your nonprofit’s fundraising strategy. It’s a low-cost approach to informing your community about your current needs and how they can assist you. Furthermore, if you’ve taken the proper efforts to build your email list over time, the impact of a single well-crafted email might be enormous. Keep in mind that your audience is likely inundated with emails when composing your message. Make this one stands out by including a compelling subject, several graphics, and a bold, obvious call to action. This email should be distinct from the others you send, such as welcome emails, event invites or reminders, and newsletters.
Campaign on social media
People are spending more time on social media than ever before, so it’s critical that your nonprofit takes use of these platforms, especially if you’re in the middle of a fundraising campaign. What’s the first step, exactly? Make sure you have a social media strategy in place before you start posting. Create engaging material for each of your platforms, and be clear about why you’re asking people to donate and why they should. This will result in more meaningful engagement with your followers, more website clicks and donations, and more sharing across your followers’ networks to help spread the news. You can also take advantage if you have the funds. You can learn more about online fundraising at socialhour.com.
Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding is a powerful tool that takes little time to set up. There are several platforms to select from, many of which are expressly created for organizations. Create a campaign that reflects a clear need, has a set goal, and a definite deadline once you’ve decided on a platform, and start advertising! People will be more likely to spread the news about your cause and help you raise funds if your campaign presents your nonprofit’s story in a captivating way.
