Through the Microsoft Ad Grant program, nonprofits can transform their advertising techniques and venture into the world of search engine marketing (SEM) for free. All you have to do is meet the eligibility requirements, apply, and start creating compelling ads. But before diving straight in and applying, take some time to learn the basics of the program.
What Is The Microsoft Ad Grant?
Also known as Ads for Social Impact, the Microsoft Ad Grants program awards eligible nonprofits $3,000 each month to spend on promoting web content across Microsoft’s digital search and native advertising network. Ads are shown across Bing, Yahoo, AOL, outlook.com, MSN, and Microsoft Edge.
Currently available only to U.S.-based nonprofits, Microsoft Ad Grants expand your marketing budget and empower organizations like yours to accomplish goals such as:
Growing mission awareness by promoting educational content
Attracting and retaining donors, volunteers, and other supporters by unlocking a new platform
Driving more qualified web traffic to your most important landing pages
Plus, access to additional tools through Microsoft for Nonprofits will help you garner a deeper understanding of how users interact with your cause online. That way, you can make sure you’re targeting the right keywords and driving greater mission outcomes through the program.
Note that Microsoft is not taking any more applications at this time while they work on refining the program to support more nonprofits.
Once Microsoft starts accepting applications again, make sure you meet the core requirements that Microsoft breaks down into three categories:
Type of organization: Your organization must be a nonprofit or non-governmental organization with recognized legal status (e.g., 501(c)(3) status for U.S. organizations). Public libraries and museums are also eligible.
Mission: Organizations must operate on a not-for-profit basis and have a mission to benefit their local communities.
Non-discrimination: Organizations must not have a policy or mission of discrimination. This includes (but is not limited to) discrimination in hiring, compensation, training, promotion, termination, services, or any other area.
Note that certain types of organizations are automatically ineligible for the program. Some of these include governmental organizations, academic institutions, healthcare organizations, and political organizations.
As long as your organization meets the program’s requirements, you’ll be accepted into the program! If you’re unsure if you meet the requirements, a dedicated Microsoft Ad Grants manager may be able to step in to confirm your eligibility.
How to Get Started with Microsoft Ad Grants
So you’ve determined that you’re eligible for the program — fantastic! Now you’re ready to apply. Remember that Microsoft has temporarily paused the program for new applicants, but it’s important to know what to expect.
Let’s walk through the steps you need to take to get started with this marketing opportunity once the program coordinators begin accepting new applications.
Step 1) Bring your website up to code.
While not listed in their official application steps, you should take time to optimize your website before applying. After all, this is where you’ll drive users across your Microsoft Ad Grant campaigns.
Walk through your site, paying special attention to the landing pages you’ll promote through your ads. Here are some elements to consider:
Pages with a clear purpose: Each page on your site should have a clear purpose, whether that’s sharing volunteer information, funneling donations, promoting matching gifts, outlining a major initiative like a capital campaign, explaining your mission, or something else. Then, use your CTAs to tell readers exactly what step you want them to take.
Mobile usage:Fundraising research estimates half of all nonprofit web traffic comes from mobile users and mobile-friendly donation forms yield 34% more donations. Make sure you use a mobile-responsive web builder that will automatically resize your content to fit any screen size.
Effective graphic design: You can have compelling written content, but your graphic design will tie it all together and reel users in. Kwala’s nonprofit graphic design guide explains that you should infuse your brand by featuring your logo, colors, fonts, and other recognizable elements. You should also use timeless images and fonts as well as effective colors and contrasts that make your design pop.
In no time, you’ll develop a trustworthy website that users will want to explore once they click on your Microsoft Ads!
Step 2) Apply for Microsoft for Nonprofits
Microsoft for Nonprofits is the broader program you’ll need to join before you can apply for Microsoft Ad Grants. This program provides additional grants and discounts for various Microsoft products, like Office 365 and Dynamics 365.
To register, you’ll need to do the following:
Share role-specific information for your nonprofit’s point of contact.
Agree to Microsoft’s program policies.
Provide organizational information and documents that prove your organization’s eligibility.
Registration review can take up to 7 days. Bear in mind that Microsoft partners with TechSoup to validate applicants’ information. As you wait, TechSoup may contact you for additional details.
Once approved, you’ll receive an email from Microsoft and can access Microsoft’s Nonprofit Hub to take advantage of the different tools.
Step 3) Complete the Microsoft Ad Grants application.
Access the Nonprofit Hub within Microsoft for Nonprofits, which houses the Microsoft Ad Grants application. As you fill out the application, you’ll provide additional information, such as:
Expect to hear back via email within 10 business days. The timeline for approval may alter if Microsoft requests additional information or documentation from you.
Once accepted, you can start building your campaigns, writing compelling ads, and taking full advantage of this nonprofit marketing opportunity.
In no time, you’ll be a Microsoft Ad Grant wiz! And if at any time you need help, you can always reach out to an SEM grant management specialist to answer your questions.
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Fun run fundraisers are a great way to get supporters involved and excited about a particular cause. Fun runs are versatile and can work for all ages. This makes it a successful fundraiser and a popular choice for schools, sports teams, and community groups.
Fun runs can be especially effective if your school or nonprofit’s community of supporters includes a lot of runners. And while it’s certainly an option, your fun run doesn’t have to be a 5K or a marathon. You can adapt it to any age or interest level, making it accessible to anyone that is eager to participate.
What is a fun run fundraiser?
A fun run fundraiser is a type of peer-to-peer fundraiser in which participants sign up to run, collect pledges, and earn donations for each mile (or other specified unit of distance) they run.
Fun runs are very adaptable and cost effective. You can choose a theme, such as a color run or glow run. These fundraisers also build community, making them a popular way to bring people together around the holiday season.
How does a fun run fundraiser work?
Fun run fundraisers are relatively simple to plan as long as you have the right resources. You’ll need a space to hold the event, volunteers to ensure the event runs smoothly, and an intuitive online platform that provides a smooth donation experience.
Follow these simple steps to start your next fun run:
Plan the event, promote it, and find participants.
Create a main campaign page for the fundraiser.
Participants create individual campaign pages and send them to their social networks to collect pledges for donations.
Participants run, then your organization collects the donations.
As you plan out your fun run, don’t forget the importance of marketing your event. You can promote the event by posting flyers throughout your community and online through email, social media, and your website.
Lastly, if you’re looking for additional fundraising opportunities, try combining your fun run with another fundraiser. For example, you could sell branded merchandise like t-shirts or water bottles on the day of the event.
https://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/99Pledges_Double-the-Donation_Nonprofit-Basics-_-Fun-Run-Fundraiser_Feature-1.png304801Adam Weingerhttps://doublethedonation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-dtd.svgAdam Weinger2022-05-20 22:12:222022-12-20 22:17:44Nonprofit Basics: Fun Run Fundraiser
To drive donations for your nonprofit or community organization, you need to reach your audience in compelling ways. One creative way to get the word out is by creating a fundraising video for your next campaign.
Sharing your nonprofit’s work with a fundraising video is a unique and engaging way to connect with your supporters. Video can also be a valuable tool for expanding your audience reach and finding new donors to support your cause.
What is a fundraising video?
A fundraising video is a video created to promote a specific fundraising campaign and inspire viewers to donate. Videos can be a valuable tool for nonprofit marketing or for any organization raising money for a cause. In addition to promoting a specific fundraiser, your video can also increase awareness of your nonprofit’s work.
Background information about your organization, including your mission statement and communities served, can be a valuable addition to your video. This information introduces people unfamiliar with your nonprofit to your work in a creative way.
Fundraising videos may include footage from previous fundraising events, highlighting the success of past initiatives. Including video demonstrating the impact of previous fundraisers, such as interviews with people served by your nonprofit or footage of volunteering efforts, demonstrates to potential donors that their support will have tangible benefits.
How to make a fundraising video
To create an effective fundraising video for your organization, start by defining goals for the video. How many supporters do you want to reach? What do you want the video to communicate to viewers? What actions do you want viewers to take after watching your video?
Once you’ve established your goals, go through the steps of the video production process:.
Pre-production: Plan your video. Outline the information you want to include in your video and determine how you’ll feature it. Video content might include interviews, existing footage, new videos, text, or voiceover.
Production: Film your video. This might include filming a fundraising event or interviewing volunteers about their experiences working with your organization.
Post-production: After production, all of your content needs to be edited together. Combine video, text, and music to create an impactful story.
Remember to always center your organization’s mission and the cause your campaign supports. Be specific, demonstrating what sets your organization apart. For example, if you want to highlight your matching gift program, focus your video on that offering to avoid overwhelming viewers.
Once your video is ready, share it across multiple different platforms to reach as many supporters as possible. Use the video in your website banner, share snippets and links on social media, and include it in your email outreach.
Best fundraising videos
Get inspired by these successful nonprofit video examples! Take note of how they tell their organization’s stories, the type of visuals and messaging they use, and what elements of the videos appeal to you. Watching other nonprofit videos is a great way to discover new ideas for your fundraising videos.
A successful nonprofit video will leave viewers with a clear understanding of your organization, an impactful message that inspires them to support your work, and actionable next steps. Raise more money and grow your supporter base with powerful fundraising videos.
Other Resources to Explore
Nonprofit Basics – Learn more nonprofit management essentials by exploring other expert resources.
Google is one of the most profitable companies in the world, so it may come as a surprise that they have a program dedicated entirely to nonprofits. With Google for Nonprofits, Google does its part to give back to the community and support mission-driven organizations that are creating change in the world.
Since nonprofits often operate on limited budgets, they frequently don’t have enough to spend on productivity or marketing tools. Google aspires to change that with its charitable giving program, streamlining nonprofit communications and putting a world of prospects at nonprofits’ fingertips.
By applying for a Google for Nonprofits account, your nonprofit can leverage useful tools to streamline internal productivity and boost mission awareness. This quick start guide will cover what you need to know about Google for Nonprofits, including what it is, which tools are included, who’s eligible, and how to apply.
What Is Google For Nonprofits?
Google for Nonprofits is a program that gives eligible organizations free access to premium Google products, like Ad Grants and Workspace. Through the program, Google empowers nonprofits to increase internal productivity and connect with new supporters.
Currently available in 65+ countries, Google for Nonprofits is a powerful resource that enables nonprofits everywhere to use valuable tools without having to bear the brunt of the cost. All your nonprofit needs to do is meet the basic eligibility requirements and apply. Within a few weeks, you’ll gain instant access to the free tools, and you can activate whichever ones will empower your team to achieve greater outcomes.
What’s Included In Google for Nonprofits?
No matter if you want to streamline team collaboration or increase your website’s visibility on Google Search, Google for Nonprofits provides products that can easily amplify your work! Let’s dig into some of the tools you can look forward to leveraging.
Google Ad Grants
This is one of the most popular features in Google for Nonprofits! Through this program, eligible nonprofits receive up to $10,000 each month to spend on marketing their web content on Google Search.
Registering for Google for Nonprofits gives you access to the Ad Grants application, which you’ll need to fill out separately. From here, you can bid on keywords that your prospects are searching for online and write text-based ads that inspire people to visit your website and get involved in your work.
Here’s what you can expect from participating:
$10,000 per month of free credits to spend on Google Ads
The ability to track online conversions like donations, newsletter signups, and volunteer registrations
Keyword research tools to determine the right mission-centric search terms
Bear in mind that Google Ads comes with a strict learning curve, especially considering that Ad Grants accounts have to follow strict guidelines in order to stay eligible. Luckily, there are Google Ad Grants experts that can help you set up and maintain your account.
We recommend working with the Google-certified professionals at Getting Attention. They’ve undergone a vetting process conducted by the leaders of the Google Ad Grant program, so you can rely on this agency’s insights into the program.
In turn, you’ll strengthen your digital presence, drive valuable traffic to your site, and raise more awareness for your mission.
Potential Impact
Your nonprofit’s website is your biggest digital marketing asset. With the Google Ad Grant, you can drive more traffic to your site and increase visibility for mission-critical activities via paid advertising for nonprofits.
However, you won’t be promoting content to just any users. With careful keyword research, you can drive qualified leads to your website and give them the opportunities they’ll find most enticing. Share your donation form with likely donors, volunteer opportunities with likely volunteers, matching gift opportunities with likely participants, events with likely registrants, and so on.
Squeeze even more out of your Ad Grant budget by testing out these strategies:
Use ad customization features like sitelink extensions and click-to-call buttons to expand your ads and provide more engagement opportunities to users.
Use geotargeting to narrow down your audience. For example, you might serve a developing country but raise funds in the U.S. Any fundraising campaigns should target users in the U.S.
Install Google Analytics and track your conversions and site engagement. (Hint: this is also a requirement for all participants.) Luckily, Google provides free access to all the tools you need to monitor your campaigns through Google for Nonprofits.
All of these useful features make this Google for Nonprofits resource a must for any organization that wants to grow its digital presence! In fact, Getting Attention’s Google Ad Grant Impact report explains that search ads have the highest ROI among all nonprofit advertising platforms. That’s why more and more organizations are turning to this resource. After all, who wouldn’t want to add $10,000 to their marketing budget each month?
Also known as G Suite, Google Workspace for nonprofits is a collection of Google’s online productivity and collaboration tools. Gain free access to everyday apps like Gmail, Drive, Docs, Calendar, Meet, and more. Empower your team to increase collaboration, securely store documents, and ultimately streamline your internal operations.
Here’s what you have to look forward to with Google Workspace for nonprofits:
Unlimited email addresses that end in your nonprofit’s domain
100-participant video meetings
30 GB of cloud storage per user for documents and email hosting
24/7 support via phone, chat, and email
Administrative access over all accounts at your organization
Best of all, each app within Google Workspace works seamlessly together. For instance, Getting Attention’s guide to G Suite explains that you can create Calendar invites that go directly to invitees’ Gmail inboxes. Then, you can add a Meet link for virtual meetings and create a new Google Doc to take meeting notes.
Potential Impact
Collaboration is a must for any nonprofit organization to run efficiently. Having free access to Google Workspace allows you to streamline productivity and communication between each of your teams.
Here are some easy ways you can make the most of Google Workspace for nonprofits:
Store your organization’s documents in Google Drive. This enables everyone at your organization to search for, access, and edit resources they need, rather than requesting that someone sends it to them via email. Permission controls also allow you to refine your audience and editing permissions for each Google Doc or Sheet, so only the people who need certain resources will have access. What’s more, you’ll still have access to any resources someone created even if they leave your nonprofit.
Meet remotely with team members. If your nonprofit follows a hybrid work model, you can still meet with anyone regardless if they’re in the office. Use Google Meet to video chat, and leverage tools like screen sharing to make meetings run smoothly. As we alluded to earlier, you can also conveniently schedule meetings that include your Google Meet link within Google Calendar.
As you get up and running with Google for Nonprofits, we highly recommend leveraging G Suite. Not only is it essential for collaboration, but their pricing plans can save your nonprofit a pretty penny.
The base plan for Google Workspace for nonprofits is free, while businesses have to pay $6 per month per user. For more cloud storage, you’ll need to choose the upgraded plan that offers 2 TB of cloud storage per user. You’ll only pay $3 per month per user, while businesses must pay $12 for the same plan.
Larger organizations might look into the Business Plan, which offers 5 TB of cloud storage per user, upgraded security controls, and the capacity to hold larger video meetings. You’ll only pay $5.04 per user per month, while for-profits are expected to pay $18 for the same package.
YouTube Nonprofit Program
Elevate your organization’s YouTube channel through the YouTube Nonprofit program. With more than 2.1 billion active users each month, YouTube is the largest video hosting platform in the world, making it a great opportunity to connect with supporters across the globe.
Using your Google for Nonprofits account, here’s what to expect from marketing your cause with this program:
“Link Anywhere cards” to include on your videos. These are annotations that allow you to direct supporters to external links.
Access to the Creator Academy, filled with lessons specifically designed for nonprofits
YouTube Giving features, such as a donation button on your videos
Even if your nonprofit doesn’t already have a YouTube channel, now’s a great time to get started since you’ll have access to all these features that’ll take your videos to the next level.
Potential Impact
Video storytelling is an incredibly engaging way to inspire supporters. The YouTube Nonprofit Program seeks to empower nonprofits to get more out of their videos with extra features.
When tapping into this resource through Google for Nonprofits, maximize your results by taking extra steps like the following:
Leverage the fundraising features with your videos. YouTube comes with a suite of fundraising tools when you access the platform via Google for Nonprofits. Let’s say you run a children’s cancer research organization. You might create videos, telling children’s stories and letting them speak directly to your audience. YouTube’s fundraising features will allow you to stick a donation card on your videos, prompting people to give when they feel inspired.
Encourage influencers to stick your donation card on their videos. Content creators with a decent following will have access to this feature, too. Reach out to those who you feel would be a good fit for your cause. Influencers’ loyal followers will trust their recommendations! Google also offers an outreach toolkit, making it easier for you to connect with content creators.
Video marketing is an increasingly popular way to promote your cause, and for good reason! Video marketers get 66% more qualified leads per year and achieve a 54% increase in brand awareness, according to video marketing research. This is primarily thanks to the quality of education video provides and the fact that it’s an easy form of content consumption for users.
As the most popular video-sharing platform, YouTube allows you to tap into these benefits, especially when you leverage its extra tools for nonprofits.
Google Earth and Maps
Google Earth and Maps is another tool that Google for Nonprofits offers to help organizations creatively share resources and connect with nearby community members. The program provides you with free credits for the Google Maps platform, so you can gain a stronger understanding of your service area, plan your work more efficiently, and share programs and resources with your community.
With unrestricted access to Google Earth and Maps, your nonprofit can:
Display community or donor location data on Google Maps.
Receive a $250 per month credit to apply toward the Google Maps Platform.
Get additional Google Mapping tools, like My Maps and Creation Tools.
While this platform might seem like an unusual resource, it’s actually incredibly useful for connecting with local audiences! Plus, there’s no harm in using it since it’s free through Google for Nonprofits.
Potential Impact
This resource won’t be quite as valuable for some organizations, but for some, it can really enhance how you carry out your work. To inspire your own use of this Google for Nonprofits product, let’s look at an example.
As a well-respected organization, the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) strives to preserve African great apes and their habitats. Conservation projects like these require data-rich information to create, measure, and monitor success. They also depend on engaging stakeholders in transparent and engaging ways. Google Earth’s tools emerged as a unique way for JGI to capture stakeholders’ attention and push their conservation efforts forward.
Google for Nonprofits’ JGI case study explains that since 2009, JGI has been able to capture and share information about deforestation in visually-stimulating ways. Backed by mapping tools, they’ve been able to:
Illustrate disappearing habitats due to powerful factors like unsustainable farming practices.
Manage land use and forest reserves.
Monitor biomass and carbon in dry tropical forests.
Model potential distribution of chimpanzees across Tanzania’s National Parks.
Develop an online course for their youth action program with Google’s Coursebuilder software that uses Google mapping tools.
Conduct detailed inventory and mapping of private forest owners using Open Data Kit (ODK).
It may take some brainstorming to figure out how this Google for Nonprofits product plays into your efforts. It can be as simple as using Google Maps to help nearby beneficiaries locate your services. Or, you might use the platform to showcase interactive images of your locations using Google Street View. Get creative, and you can make real progress for your cause!
Who Is Eligible for Google for Nonprofits?
If you’re registered as a charitable organization in your country, you’re likely eligible for Google for Nonprofits. For U.S.-based nonprofits, that means you need to be a registered 501(c)(3) organization.
However, some organizations are automatically ineligible, regardless of their charitable status. Ineligible organizations include:
Governmental organizations and entities
Hospital and healthcare organizations (exception: charitable arms or foundations associated with healthcare organizations are still eligible.)
Schools, academic institutions, and universities (exception: philanthropic arms of educational organizations are eligible. All others must register for Google for Education to receive similar tools like Google Workspace, Google Classroom, and discounted Chromebooks.)
If you’re not sure if you’re eligible, it doesn’t hurt to apply for Google for Nonprofits! The worst that can happen is your application gets rejected.
Know that during the application process, Google for Nonprofits works with Percent to verify applicants’ legitimacy. This group serves as a bridge between nonprofits, businesses, and donors. It works to validate nonprofits, so companies can offer their products for free or discounted rates without concern.
Need to register with Percent? Nonprofits Source’s Google Ad Grant application guide walks through the steps needed to do so. Plus, you’ll learn how to apply for the Google Ad Grant through Google for Nonprofits.
How Do I Activate Google for Nonprofits?
If you’re looking to increase team productivity or amplify your mission online, applying for Google for Nonprofits should be a no-brainer! Luckily, Google makes it incredibly easy to get started.
They break the process down into 4 easy steps, including:
Meet the eligibility requirements. The criteria vary by country. As we mentioned, you’ll need to be registered as a charitable organization in your country, be registered with TechSoup, and agree to the terms of service. Remember that governmental organizations, healthcare organizations, and schools are ineligible.
Request a Google for Nonprofits account. Once you meet the requirements, you’ll need to request an account for the program. Visit the Google for Nonprofits homepage, click ‘Get started,’ and provide some information about your organization and your role.
Wait for verification from Percent. Google works with Percent to verify the legitimacy of nonprofits. Percent reviews most requests within 2-4 business days and may reach out for more documentation to verify your organization.
Activate the Google for Nonprofits products individually. Once you’re verified, you’ll receive a confirmation email and can activate each Google for Nonprofits product within your account.
That’s all it takes! From here, you’re free to dive straight into using your free tools from Google and take your mission to new heights!
Final Thoughts on Google for Nonprofits
Google for Nonprofits can be an incredibly valuable resource for any nonprofit. Depending on your nonprofit’s work, some tools will naturally be more valuable than others. Like we mentioned, Google Earth and Maps isn’t suited for every nonprofit.
However, every organization can benefit from Google Workspace and Google Ad Grants. Google Workspace for nonprofits allows you to strengthen team collaboration and securely store your documents. Whether you’re communicating via email or editing extensive documents, these tools are a must-have on a daily basis.
As for Google Ad Grants, what organization would turn down free advertising money? The program requires some commitment to learning, though. You’ll want to choose the right keywords and create inspiring ads that persuade searchers to click through to your site. We recommend working with a Google Grants manager to make the most of this opportunity. Plus, the right ones will also help you get set up with Google for Nonprofits. For the best results, work with a Google certified partner, like Getting Attention.
No matter how you envision leveraging Google for Nonprofits, it’s not something you want to miss out on. After all, it’s completely free. Between Workspace, Google Grants, the YouTube Nonprofit Program, and Google Maps, you can make some serious strides for your cause.
Other Resources to Explore
Nonprofit Basics – Learn more nonprofit management essentials by exploring other expert resources.
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Museums are centers of cultural curiosity. Their events create a sense of community, belonging, and inspiration. Audiences of all ages from middle schoolers to retirees are invited to pause and reflect on their history. However, museums can run into some serious challenges when it comes to finding reliable funding.
With a few exceptions, most museums are privately funded and therefore rely heavily on donations. To keep their doors open, museums must be creative with their revenue streams. That’s why promoting museum membership opportunities is essential.
On the other side of the coin, museum members are often interested in joining a community full of curious, like-minded people. However, amid hectic schedules, it’s easy for them to miss out on a museum’s latest displays. Museum memberships provide community members with an extra incentive both to visit new exhibits and return to old favorites.
Therefore, museum memberships offer a win-win for both museums and members.
What is a museum membership?
To put it simply, a museum membership is a monetized, tax-deductible pass available for the general public to redeem for free admission. Membership passes typically offer special discounts and privileges as well.
Memberships are appealing to frequent museum-goers as they will likely save a couple of ticket payments with the added appeal of a few extra perks. Membership packages can be tailored to specific member needs based on annual or group options.
If you’re a decision-maker at a museum or cultural organization, consider implementing a museum membership program to boost awareness and admission levels. Growing your membership base can increase your donation amounts and promotional efforts, so you can focus on your next exhibition.
What are the benefits of a museum membership?
Membership benefits vary depending on the museum and its membership packages. Besides free admission, here’s a list of potential benefits a museum membership might offer:
Class discounts
Free workshops
Members-only events
Discounted visitor passes
Previews of special events
Free parking
Regular event or exhibition updates
Global museum access
Virtual events and online community engagement opportunities
Volunteer experiences
If your museum has multiple locations or partners with other museums, global museum access is a great selling point. Travelers and individuals changing addresses will be happy to have consistent benefits, no matter where they are.
For instance, a family may have kids intrigued by a local children’s museum exhibit while the parents are looking for offerings geared toward adults. By reaching out to your museum network, you can find partnership opportunities that serve both of these audiences, allowing you to advertise a range of experiences to members.
How do members apply?
Although membership sign-ups can differ between museums, they usually follow a standard process:
Visit the museum’s website. From there, locate the membership tab, which is usually embedded in a top, bottom, or side menu.
Select the membership tab. This page may contain various discounts—such as lower prices for students, seniors, and contributing artists—that customers can apply to their memberships.
Choose a membership type. Each membership type should include a description of the benefits and price. Many museums offer membership tiers that enable supporters to access greater benefits in exchange for higher monthly or annual dues.
When setting up your museum’s membership program, ensure your benefits are worth the price. Compare your offerings to competitors and consider how you can differentiate your organization, whether it’s through programming, events, community, or content.
How can museums create a membership program?
Are you ready to implement a museum membership program? Managing memberships can be tricky, requiring museums to balance everything from event registration to payment processing to weekly newsletter communication. Fortunately, software can help.
A robust customer relationship management (CRM) platform or association management software (AMS) can streamline the museum membership process to help you retain current members while recruiting new ones. An effective management system can level up your membership process in a variety of ways, including:
Flexible payment features and automatic renewals. Make it easy for members to sign up by offering a wide range of payment options.
Add-on donations. Transform members into donors by analyzing unique visitor and member data profiles.
Mobile sales and digital membership cards. Make your membership cards easy to access so members can scan their phones and breeze through the museum check-in process.
Additionally, consider investing in a community engagement platform. This tool provides your members with an online space to connect, allowing you to:
Improve member engagement. Community engagement platforms make memberships more valuable by providing members with access to your greater community. You’ll encourage user-generated content and continual conversations around your museum.
Encourage community building. When members can reach out to each other anytime, they are more likely to talk and build connections. If your museum’s members feel connected, they may attend events together, collaborate, and retain their memberships.
Centralize communication. An online community engagement platform keeps your members connected on a single platform. Rather than sending them to third-party social media sites, you can keep them on your website and better direct their attention.
If you already like your AMS, explore community engagement platforms that integrate with your current software. This expands your program’s value for members while retaining the backend tools your staff appreciates for creating events, collecting dues, and managing communication.
Other Resources to Explore
Nonprofit Basics – Learn more about the nonprofit management essentials by exploring other expert resources
Finding the right software to manage your educational institution and programs is essential to the successful functioning of your business. Ideally, one technology can address multiple processes you have in your organization, including registration and student enrollment, one-time and recurring payments, and student reporting.
What Are Education Management Solutions?
Education management solutions are software programs that help school administrators and teachers manage the day-to-day of running a school. All of the top education management solutions on the market today are cloud-based. Education software should include robust data gathering and management tools that allow students and families to input, edit, and access their information as well as provide a database for you to filter, search, and run reports for you and your team.
Solutions should be definition integration via API or built-in integration to Student information systems, CRMs, and more.
User experience for your solutions should factor in the experiences of your team, your parents, students, and faculty.
Features To Look For in an Education Management Solution
It’s important that whatever system you put in place to manage your programs has all the features needed to ensure your team’s success. Here are a few features that we’d recommend looking for while evaluating your options:
Student Enrollment Options
Ease of student enrollment is crucial for your software stack. Create customized forms and fields to gather the information you need, as well as an easy way for families to pay.
The data generated by these processes can be managed by you and your team easily including generating reporting and statistics from this data, managing day-to-day tasks like recording notes, tagging students by where they are in the application process, and automatic tools like email communication and payment plans.
School Registration Software
Ensuring you have all the necessary data on students registering for your classes and programs is crucial to your success.
A good software can replace manpower that can otherwise be focused on marketing, growing your offerings, and improving customer service.
These features will ensure that your registration software will work seamlessly for your team and audience and integrate well with your other education management solutions.
Online Payments
Making it easy for students and families to pay will make or break the profitability of your programs. Streamline the checkout process by offering payment plans to lower the barrier of payment entry, increase enrollment, and ensure you have consistent cash flow.
Look for a software tool that integrates payments into the registration process and embeds on your website. You’ll see a 27%+ increase in on-time payments when your students can pay on your website, as they trust your business and won’t hesitate to make a payment.
Payment plans allow families to commit to purchasing your classes and programs, without the hassle of remembering to pay each cycle. You’ll save time not managing open invoices or manually billing families each month.
Reporting
The ability to extract the information you need to answer business questions is crucial. Whether it’s creating a roster report with custom information each teacher needs about their students, or you’d like to see a sales report for specific classes and registration data – your technology partner should provide a multitude of reports to meet all of your business needs.
Crucial reports for schools include:
Sales reports for monthly, quarterly, and annual stats for leadership
Roster reports
Medication reports and/or health reports
Class contact lists
Overdue or unpaid balance report
Your education management solution should be able to run these reports for you, saving your team valuable time and energy.
Other Resources to Explore
Nonprofit Basics – Learn more nonprofit management essentials by exploring other expert resources.
Increasing Student Enrollment – If you’re among school professionals tasked with increasing student enrollment, here are nine practical tips that will help you increase student enrollment.
Class Registration Software: Top Providers to Explore – Have you been pulling your hair out trying to decide which online class registration software to choose for your business? With so many good options out there, selecting the right software for your business can be really challenging. Lucky for you, we’ve narrowed down your options to just a few!
