Every fundraiser aims to meet essentially the same goal: to raise money and awareness for your cause while connecting with supporters. When it comes down to the details, some fundraising methods will meet your needs better than others. If you’re looking for a lot of support, a big audience, and the opportunity to expand your support system, crowdfunding is the way to go.
However, there’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding the how-tos and best practices of crowdfunding for nonprofits. In this guide, we aim to increase knowledge that drives successful campaigns.
Specifically, we’ll walk through the following frequently asked questions:
In the end, you should have a solid understanding of nonprofit crowdfunding and feel prepared to lead your team in the right direction.
Ready to get started? Let’s dive in.
What is crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding is a type of crowdsourcing that collects goods or services from a large group for an individual or organization. In terms of nonprofit fundraising, crowdfunding is a unique method that typically collects small (or mid-sized) donations from a large group of people, usually over the internet.
Though it can raise money for just about anything, crowdfunding is often used to collect funds for specific projects before a preset deadline—and expand support for your cause through the power of urgency and online convenience.
How does crowdfunding differ from peer-to-peer fundraising?
Crowdfunding and peer-to-peer fundraising each rely on social sharing in order to reach a community-focused network of supporters. The main difference, however, is that crowdfunding for nonprofits typically involves a single online campaign page hosted on a crowdfunding site.
P2P fundraising, on the other hand, equips each fundraiser with their own personalized fundraising page, each collecting funds for a common goal.
How does nonprofit crowdfunding differ from individual crowdfunding?
Although crowdfunding for nonprofits and crowdfunding for individuals may share many similarities, there are a few key differences between the two ideas.
For one, nonprofit fundraisers offer a unique incentive for giving: tax exemption! Registered 501(c)(3) organizations receive tax-exempt status from the U.S. government, which means donations made to the nonprofits can reduce donors’ taxable income when it’s time to file.
Additionally, nonprofit crowdfunding efforts are generally held to a higher level of accountability than individual fundraisers. When a nonprofit indicates that they’ll use the funding collected for Purpose A, they’re typically required to follow through with doing so. As a result, supporters may be more trusting of crowdfunding campaigns benefiting verified nonprofit causes.
In this guide, we’ll focus primarily on nonprofit crowdfunding. However, the tips and tricks shared may be beneficial to individual fundraisers as well.
What are common uses of crowdfunding for nonprofits?
Nonprofit crowdfunding can be used to collect funds for just about anything that aligns with the organization’s overarching mission.
Though the fundraising need can vary dramatically depending on the fundraising organization, we’ve compiled a list of ideas for which a nonprofit may enlist the help of a crowdfunding campaign:
- Natural disaster relief
- Other crisis or emergency aid
- Research funding
- Educational programs
- Upcoming events
- New programming or projects
- Supply or equipment purchases
- Social justice initiatives
- Environmental conservation
- Sports and recreation activities
- Healthcare treatment and support
- Animal welfare
- Advocacy efforts
- Capital campaigns
- Annual funds
- General fundraising
The opportunities really are endless!
For even more ideas, consider browsing a few popular crowdfunding websites to see what other organizations (particularly those with similar missions to your own) are doing.
What are the benefits of crowdfunding for nonprofits?
Crowdfunding is a powerful fundraising method that brings fundamental advantages to nonprofits organizing the campaigns—not to mention the audience that benefits from the project or program being fulfilled.
As you explore possible reasons to host a crowdfunding initiative, here are a few key reasons to consider:
 |
Raising money quickly
Crowdfunding is one of the fastest ways for nonprofit groups to raise money for a project, need, or cause. When promoted strategically via social media, email, and word of mouth (more on that below), a crowdfunding campaign has the potential to reach hundreds, if not thousands, of people. Some campaigns even go viral—and vastly exceed their goals. |
 |
Spreading awareness
Crowdfunding campaigns that seek to raise money for a cause can also help shine a light on that particular issue. For example, an organization raising funds to fight a rare illness may also find that the campaign educates people about that condition, not to mention its treatments and symptoms. The same scenario can occur for crowdfunding pages highlighting social, economic, or political injustices. Campaign creators not only raise money, but they also educate their peers about the overarching issue behind the financial need. |
 |
Expanding new donor reach
Because of their social focus, crowdfunding efforts can also be an excellent way to engage with first-time donors. Supporters might locate your campaign page through a friend or family member, then choose to get involved. From there, the organization has an opportunity to develop an ongoing relationship and keep them coming back to support your efforts time and time again. |
 |
Bringing people together
By its very nature, crowdfunding brings people together and unites them with a common purpose. Individuals can band closely to support a nonprofit cause by contributing to its crowdfunding campaign. When people see their peers supporting a charitable mission online, social proof determines they’ll be more likely to contribute as well. And when the fundraiser reaches a milestone or hits its goal, the entire community is able to celebrate—and feel good knowing that they played a role in the organization’s mission success. |
How much does it cost to launch a nonprofit crowdfunding campaign?
The fees for nonprofit crowdfunding can vary greatly depending on the platform you choose. While kicking off a campaign is generally free of cost, it’s important to be mindful of other expenses that may arise.
This would include any platform fees, campaign set-up fees, payment processing fees, and more. It’s also worth noting whether the pricing structure involves a fixed price, a percentage of funds raised, or some combination of each.
Many fundraising sites even offer a decreased pricing scale for registered nonprofit organizations. Not to mention, there may be an option for donors to cover their own processing fees by supplementing their initial donation amount. In such cases, your organization may be able to collect up to 100% of the contributions.
How do you start crowdfunding?
Every campaign will be different depending on your cause, goal, and timeline. Keep those factors in mind while you’re planning, and follow these general steps to get started:
1. Set your goal and deadline.
In any fundraising campaign, it’s important to be straightforward. Transparency proves that your cause can be supported and also helps inform your supporters about when and how to donate.
Having a specific goal and deadline can also help you manage your time as you plan the rest of your campaign. Specifying a goal, like raising money for supplies or funding repairs to your facility, will motivate supporters to give and create a sense of urgency for the fundraiser. Urgency can also be highlighted by a deadline since this gives supporters a clear picture of how far away you are from your goal—in terms of both time and funding.
2. Plan your campaign.
Decide how you want to promote your cause before actually announcing your campaign. This gives you an opportunity to establish a detailed plan for fundraising before you solicit support.
Crowdfunding thrives on social media’s timeliness and ease of use, so focus your efforts on those platforms. Hosting a small event might also be helpful as long as you have the time and resources to plan and promote one. For larger crowdfunding campaigns, tiers of donation amounts with small perks can be an effective way to incentivize giving.
Some campaign methods might not make sense for your fundraiser, and that’s okay. Choose what works best for your goals, needs, and timeline.
3. Choose a crowdfunding service.
If you’re looking to launch a crowdfunding effort, one of the most essential first steps is selecting the fundraising website through which you’ll host your campaign. After all, this is the interface that your donors will be directly interacting with in order to support your cause.
Lucky for you, there are a ton of excellent options to choose from that may be a great fit for your upcoming project or expense. But how will you know which one offers exactly what you need?
You’ll want to start by comparing third-party crowdfunding platforms. Be sure to select the solution with the features, user experience, fees, and payout models that best align with your organization’s overarching goals and priorities. Then, make your selection!
4. Launch a crowdfunding page.
Once you’ve established which platform to use for your campaign, it’s time to set up and launch your online fundraiser. Make sure to populate your campaign page with your goal, some images, and other helpful details. Then, begin linking to it in promotions and social media posts.
Since your nonprofit website is the go-to source for information about your organization, be sure to include details about your campaign there, as well. Write about the purpose of your fundraiser, including information about events and goals throughout the campaign. Make sure your crowdfunding page is clearly linked from your site, too.
5. Tie in matching gifts.
Did you know that you can substantially increase the potential of your upcoming crowdfunding campaign? Be sure to integrate corporate matching gifts into your overall crowdfunding efforts to do so.
Millions within the workforce—and even some retirees—qualify for matching gift programs through their employing companies. However, the vast majority of these individuals have never been made aware of the programs’ existence. And as a result, more than $4 to $7 billion in available matching funds go unclaimed by eligible donors each year.
So think ahead! Promote matching gift opportunities throughout the entirety of your crowdfunding initiative. Take a proactive approach to inform supporters about matching gifts. You won’t regret it—and the resulting impact will be huge.
6. Promote your campaign.
Once you’ve announced your fundraiser and have begun accepting donations, you’ll need to market your campaign to get your audience giving. Drive engagement by posting your campaign on all social media platforms, reaching out to people already associated with your organization, and encouraging people to tell their friends.
Plus, be sure to tell your existing supporters about the campaign and encourage them to get involved—whether by contributing themselves or sharing the link online!
7. Update your supporters.
Keep your supporters updated regularly, so they stay invested in your crowdfunding campaign—and your overall cause. Donors will appreciate updates on your work, and others in your network may feel increasingly motivated to give after seeing a progress report.
For example, providing followers with the exact amount of funding raised can illustrate the power of someone’s donation. This is especially true as you approach your goal and need only a few more donations to reach it.
How do you market a crowdfunding campaign?
After building the framework of your crowdfunding initiative, your top priority should be marketing your campaign.
Ultimately, crowdfunding efforts depend on effective communication to spread the word about your ongoing fundraiser. Without strategic promotions, your audience won’t know how to contribute to your campaign—or even that you’re hosting a campaign in the first place.
Try these recommended tools and methods for reaching out to your target audience and highlighting your crowdfunding fundraiser:
- Social media: Introduce your campaign on social media to capitalize on the sharing power of the platform. Publish content across your platforms and use tools that allow users to link to giving pages on their profiles. Consider posting at key points of the day when social media traffic is high, and use a hashtag to increase visibility and engagement.
- Email: Supplement your social media promotions with direct email blasts about your campaign and upcoming deadlines. However, you’ll likely want to use email to support your promotions rather than as a primary source of marketing efforts when it comes to crowdfunding.
- Gatherings: Host small gatherings throughout your campaign. You might celebrate with a launch party, midpoint gathering, and final celebration. For in-person events, a donation station with a laptop or tablet displaying the campaign can encourage donations. Plus, displaying a QR code that leads to your giving page can go a long way!
- Giving incentives: Offer donors something small in return for donations. Encourage larger gifts by offering a big prize once an overall goal is achieved.
- Peer-to-peer: Incorporate peer-to-peer tactics to encourage supporters to share your crowdfunding page. When your campaign is complete, leverage the powerful network you’ve created to launch a future social fundraiser.
No matter how you choose to get the word out, your primary focus should be expanding your outreach and keeping donors connected.
What happens if my organization doesn’t reach our crowdfunding goal?
Picture this: You set your crowdfunding deadline at the beginning of your campaign, and it ultimately creeps up sooner than you anticipated. You’re still short of your overall fundraising goal when the time is up. What now?
Though it’s not the intended outcome for any fundraiser, it’s an important question to ask.
In the overall crowdfunding market, there are two types of campaigns: “all or nothing” fundraisers and “keep it all” fundraisers. In an “all or nothing” campaign, the individual or group behind the effort can collect pledged funding only if the fundraiser is successful in meeting its goal.
Generally speaking, however, the most popular nonprofit crowdfunding providers are going to skew toward the “keep it all” funding structure. This means that you’d walk away with whatever funding your donors had contributed despite not reaching your goal.
However, we recommend double-checking the terms provided by your crowdfunding site (or prospective platform) to ensure your team receives the funds regardless of your fundraising total.
What are some crowdfunding best practices for success?
Optimize your campaign! Check out these tried-and-true fundraising tips to bring your nonprofit’s crowdfunding efforts to the next level.
Perfect your pitch.
When fundraising for a nonprofit, it’s essential to perfect your pitch. Be sure to write an engaging and honest story explaining the scope of the organization’s cause and its impact on the community. Avoid information overload, but include the two most important topics: your nonprofit and the cause it supports. Plus, incorporating testimonials from those affected by your organization can help donors understand the impact they can make.
Give a glimpse.
Adding photos and videos to your crowdfunding campaign can help donors understand the organization’s cause and connect with it on a personal level. Showcasing a positive outlook and determination can encourage donors to support the cause. It’s important to attach a face to the cause so donors can make a deeper connection with your nonprofit’s mission.
Extend your reach.
Consider reaching out to local businesses and organizations that may be interested in partnering to support your nonprofit crowdfunding campaign. Ask if they would consider matching donations with a one-off matching gift program or perhaps donating space to host a fundraising event.
Promote giving levels.
One of the best ways to encourage larger donations—and reiterate the impact of an individual’s contribution—is by incorporating concrete giving levels. We recommend tying each level to a tangible use of the funding to help contextualize donations. For example, let’s say a $10 gift feeds a family of four for a day, while a gift of $100 equips that family with nutritious food supplies for the whole month.
Offer incentives.
Crowdfunding also goes hand in hand with product fundraising—and tying the two together can produce excellent results. For your next fundraiser, you might offer exclusive incentives for donors who hit certain giving levels, such as a t-shirt, hat, or something else entirely.
Make the most of workplace giving.
Workplace giving programs are a key form of corporate philanthropy that you don’t want to overlook. Employee matching gifts are one of the most popular examples—which we’ll explore further below—but it can also include efforts such as volunteer grants, employee giving stipends, in-kind donations, and more. Keep in mind that your supporters can be some of your biggest advocates when it comes to workplace giving, so encourage donors to look into the kinds of programs that their employers offer!
How do crowdfunding and matching gifts work together?
Corporate matching gifts can be one of the most effective ways to amplify the impact of your crowdfunding campaign and bring your overall fundraising to new heights.
According to recent matching gift research, more than 26 million individuals work for companies that match employee gifts to charitable causes. And the availability (and knowledge) of corporate matching results in increased donor conversion rates and larger donation amounts.
In fact, 84% of survey participants say they’re more likely to donate if a match is offered, and 1 in 3 donors would give a larger gift if matching is applied to their donation. All in all, this leads to a 71% increase in response rate and a 51% increase in average gift size when donation matching is offered.
So if you want to maximize giving for your upcoming crowdfunding campaign, make sure you don’t overlook the opportunities presented by matching gifts. We recommend:
- Promoting matching gift information to donors (many qualifying employees have no idea that their companies offer such programs);
- Collecting donor employment data to uncover eligible matching gifts;
- Following up with donors after they give to provide company-specific match program guidelines and next steps;
- Leveraging a crowdfunding platform that integrates with the leading matching gift software provider, Double the Donation.
The simpler you make matching gifts for your donors, the more likely they are to participate. And as a result, the more your crowdfunding efforts will benefit!
What are some nonprofit crowdfunding campaigns to be inspired by?
If you’re looking for examples of real crowdfunding campaigns hosted by (or benefiting) nonprofits like yours, you’ve come to the right place.
Check out the following success stories—and make a note of the most impactful elements.
Still live at the time of posting, this ongoing campaign is raising funds for a middle school’s musical theater department ahead of an upcoming performance.
Here’s what this campaign does well:
- Shares a number of photos of students involved in the production, effectively associating a lot of real faces with the cause;
- Provides an in-depth background for the fundraising need, including funding for sets, costumes, and technical equipment;
- Incentivizes giving by ensuring individual donors and business sponsors that contributions made to the fundraiser are tax-deductible.
Here’s an example of a crowdfunding campaign benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, hosted by a dedicated supporter of the organization.
Here’s what this campaign does well:
- Empowers supporters to fundraise on behalf of their favorite nonprofits, offering easy ways to share their own personal connections to the cause;
- Verifies that the funds raised are going directly to a registered nonprofit group (and even provides the EIN for the organization, making matching gifts easy!);
- Surpasses its original fundraising goal by nearly $2,000, ultimately raising around 379% of the initial target.
Crowdfunding efforts can also be used to collect funding needed to start a nonprofit—and that’s exactly what this group did! Though it appears that they fell short of their initial fundraising goal, they were able to raise more than $1,000, which was then used to kickstart the organization.
Here’s what this campaign does well:
- Provides tangible giving levels that correspond to real impact, ultimately encouraging supporters to increase their donations;
- Showcases the organization’s overarching goals, mission, and vision;
- Encourages community through easy social sharing options, an embedded campaign wall with fundraising updates and messages from supporters, and more.
One California-based nonprofit is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with a crowdfunding campaign. And in only seven days, the organization collected nearly $1,500 for its cause!
Here’s what this campaign does well:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of the organization’s history and growth since its inception over a decade ago;
- Utilizes special edition apparel and other swag to drive giving at different levels;
- Shares fundraising milestone updates on the crowdfunding page to celebrate success and encourage continuous support.
Crowdfunding results will vary depending on the organization hosting the fundraiser, its audience, and more. Keep in mind, though, that Nonprofits Source estimates that the average nonprofit crowdfunding campaign raises around $9,237.55.
How can you thank crowdfunding supporters?
After an individual contributes to a crowdfunding campaign, your organization has an opportunity to begin stewarding them into a long-term supporter of your cause. Not only that but thanking donors for their support is just the right thing to do!
That said, in your acknowledgments, be sure that you:
- Address individuals by name (i.e., “Thanks, Chad!” vs. “Thanks, donor!”);
- Thank donors for their specific gifts (“Thanks for your generous $100 donation to our campaign!” rather than “Thanks for giving!”);
- Provide additional context for the tangible impact made possible through a donor’s gift (“Your gift empowers us to offer much-needed school supplies for students in low-income areas.”);
- Share ongoing ways that supporters can stay involved with your nonprofit (request a matching gift, sign up for a newsletter, connect with your organization on social media, etc.).
If you’re looking for a unique and engaging way to wrap up your crowdfunding effort, we recommend exploring an eCard campaign. By employing a dedicated digital greeting card software, you can easily send creative thank-you notes online.
Check out these examples from one nonprofit, Youth For Understanding:
In a world where you’re constantly fighting to break through the clutter, fun online greeting cards can be an excellent (and low-cost) way to get your message to stand out.
Launch your own donor recognition digital letter portal for your team members.
Final Thoughts
Crowdfunding is a powerful tool that can help nonprofits raise funds and awareness for their various causes. By integrating the reach of social media and the convenience of online giving, nonprofits can tap into a widespread and diverse donor base to drive support.
In order to maximize giving, it’s important to note that many companies offer matching gift programs, which can double or even triple the impact of a donor’s contribution to your efforts. Take the time to educate and promote the opportunities to supporters, and see how donation-matching can bring your next crowdfunding campaign to new heights.
Keep learning! Browse these additional recommended resources to dive deeper into top nonprofit fundraising practices:
- Nonprofit Basics – Learn more about nonprofit management essentials by exploring our other expert resources. This includes handy guides on topics like cause marketing, Google Ad grants, corporate sponsorships, and graphic design.
- Digital Marketing – Understand the basics of digital marketing for nonprofits with this fundamental overview. Explore key components of nonprofit digital marketing, what makes mission-driven marketing unique, and more.
- A Crowdfunding Guide – Check out more crowdfunding best practices to set your organization up for maximal success. Read this guide to nonprofit crowdfunding and starting your own crowdfunding campaign.
How to Identify Corporate Partnerships [With Double the Donation]
/in Learning Center, About Double the Donation, Matching Gift Companies, Marketing Strategies, Learning Center /by Adam Weinger12 Best Nonprofit Graphic Design Tools to Amplify Your Cause
/in Learning Center, Marketing Strategies /by Adam WeingerYour nonprofit probably relies on a variety of tools and software each day. From fundraising software to web development platforms, these tools keep your organization up and running. But what about tools that improve your nonprofit’s graphic design offerings?
Graphic design is a pain point for many nonprofits. Design software can be expensive and complicated, leaving many nonprofit professionals frustrated and without quality graphics. However, there are plenty of tools out there that don’t require a degree in graphic design to use.
Plus, turning to professional nonprofit graphic designers can simplify the process even further. They’ll do all the heavy lifting, so your nonprofit marketing team can focus on its strategies rather than learning how to use different design tools.
To get you started on your marketing transformation, we’ll explore the basics of nonprofit graphic design and some of the best tools and services to consider. Here’s what we’ll cover:
If your head is already spinning with questions about numbers and pricing, don’t worry just yet. Most graphic design tools and services offer free or reduced prices for nonprofits, ensuring your team can find a tool that fits within its budget.
If you’d like to skip learning about these tools altogether, consider turning to the professional designers at Kwala. As our recommended graphic design company, they understand the ins and outs of nonprofit graphic design and can bring your design visions to life.
Otherwise, let’s get started with a bit about why nonprofit graphic design matters.
Why invest in nonprofit graphic design tools or services?
Nonprofit marketing keeps your organization alive. Marketing shares your message with the people who want to support your mission, bringing in new donors. Oftentimes, this marketing relies on attractive visual elements to promote your organization, matching gift opportunities, and fundraisers.
In addition to catching supporters’ eyes with your marketing materials, graphics provide important benefits to your organization. Designing logos, social media posts, or flyers that look clean and professional can:
Compelling graphic design does more than wrap your message in a pretty package. Effective graphic design organizes your content in the most efficient way possible, sending your supporters crystal clear messaging. Employ quality graphics in your messaging strategy to engage your audience and effectively communicate with them.
To create these designs, you can’t rely on just any graphic design tools. You’ll need ones that provide the exact features you need, whether you want to create artistic designs, edit original photographs, or create powerful videos.
Oftentimes, nonprofits are better off relying on expert designers who can deliver professional-grade designs. Then, there’s no learning curve required for your team. All you’ll need to do is communicate what you’d like your designer to create, and they’ll bring your vision to life.
Our Recommended Nonprofit Graphic Design Service
If your team doesn’t have the time to create its own designs, consider turning to nonprofit graphic design professionals. As our recommended service provider, Kwala can be a powerful resource for your nonprofit. After years working in the nonprofit sector, their team is devoted to pushing worthwhile causes forward with their professional-grade designs.
This service produces high-quality graphic design content with mission-driven organizations in mind. Between digital and print marketing materials, your team can get custom graphics that communicate your cause and stand out to supporters. Some of their core services include:
Whether you’re sending donor thank-you letters or promoting an upcoming fundraiser, your nonprofit can get custom designs for anything you need by working with Kwala’s talented team of graphic designers.
Why Kwala Stands Out
Kwala’s our top recommendation for several reasons! Here’s what you can expect by relying on them for your nonprofit graphic design needs:
Creating your own graphics can be difficult. Challenges like being short on time, understaffed, or lacking expertise make creating your own designs seem impossible. With services like Kwala’s, you can shift your attention back to accomplishing your mission-based goals.
Top Nonprofit Graphic Design Tools
Your team might have time to undertake its own design projects, or maybe you’re curious about some of the nonprofit graphic design tools that professionals use. In any case, we’ve curated a list of some of the most popular platforms you can use to create graphics for your organization.
Canva
Canva is a graphic design tool complete with templates, ready-to-use graphics, and a stock photo library. With Canva’s extensive range of templates, you can create social media posts, flyers, brochures, and more with just a few clicks. These templates are fully customizable, so you can tweak and edit them to fit your nonprofit’s branding.
Canva offers a free version of its software that includes access to most of the basic editing tools as well as some graphics and photos. However, Canva offers a nonprofit program in which nonprofits are eligible to receive access to a free Canva Pro account.
Whether you want to create a design from scratch or drag and drop your content into a template, Canva is a versatile and beginner-friendly option for nonprofits.
VistaCreate
VistaCreate, formerly known as Crello, is a graphic design tool with templates, stock photos, and graphics. While VistaCreate is very similar to Canva, it focuses more on providing templates for social media content.
With VistaCreate, social media design templates are front and center, making it quicker and easier to create these posts. For nonprofits with a heavy focus on social media, this tool makes designing content for campaigns and projects a breeze. Easy access to a variety of social media post templates keeps your pages fresh and engaging for your supporters.
You’ll be able to:
VistaCreate offers both free and paid plans. With the premium plan, your organization gains access to unlimited downloads and all of VistaCreate’s templates and photos. Fortunately, nonprofits are eligible for free VistaCreate Pro plans.
Colourcode
Colourcode is a free color palette generator. With Colourcode, you can build your own color schemes or use preset themes like the monochromatic palette.
Whether you are getting started by creating a new brand, rebranding an existing organization, or designing a color scheme for a new project, choosing a color palette is essential.
This nonprofit graphic design tool positions the colors next to each other so you can visualize how they look together. Getting a good idea of how the colors mesh ensures that you don’t end up printing a color scheme you don’t like on hundreds of shirts.
DesignMantic
DesignMantic is primarily a logo maker but has templates for other nonprofit needs like t-shirts, flyers, and websites.
To get started, simply select the service you need, your organization’s name, and the industry you belong to. DesignMantic will generate logo designs based on this information, but you are free to modify the design until you’re satisfied.
To customize your logo, this nonprofit graphic design tool allows you to:
DesignMantic allows you to create as many logos as you like at no charge. Typically, the service requires payment for any logos you decide to use. However, nonprofits can apply to receive a free logo.
Pexels
Pexels is a service that offers royalty-free stock photos and videos. Anything featured on the site is entirely free to use, and you can edit the photos and videos as much as you like.
When you take the time to choose photos that accurately communicate your cause, these images will enrich your nonprofit’s marketing materials and social media presence. To take it one step further, recoloring photos or cropping out anything you don’t love is a great way to adapt stock photos to fit your nonprofit’s branding.
Services like Pexels cut out the complicated steps of sourcing images, so you don’t have to take photos yourself or license another photographer’s work.
Adobe Express
Previously known as Adobe Spark, Adobe Express is a program that’s similar to Photoshop and Illustrator. Available on both the web and mobile devices, this program offers:
Whether your organization needs Twitter banners, Instagram Story slides, or fundraising flyers, Adobe Express likely has something to fit your needs.
Because it is part of the Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Express operates similarly to other Adobe programs. This tool is a great option if someone on your team has previous experience using Adobe software but prefers a more streamlined, affordable tool.
Adobe offers a free version of this program with access to some of the templates, editing tools, and stock photos included in the full plan. The paid monthly subscription unlocks all of these options as well as other features like social media planning and scheduling. Don’t forget to enroll in Adobe’s nonprofit discount program if you are planning to use the paid option.
Pixlr
Pixlr is a platform that’s similar to Photoshop and has similar offerings to Adobe Express. However, Pixlr operates solely online and does not require a software download. If your nonprofit prefers a lightweight graphic design tool that can live in a browser, Pixlr is perfect.
There are different versions of Pixlr tailored to different needs, with some geared towards design professionals or video editing. Depending on your nonprofit’s graphic design needs, some features you might find useful include:
Pixlr X is a solid place for nonprofits to start because it is a stress-free, simple way to create designs. This tool offers both free and paid premium options. The paid plan unlocks more features, such as more templates, fonts, overlays, and exclusive video tutorials.
BeFunky
BeFunky is a photo editor that simplifies many popular photo editing tools. For example, you can implement common photo edits such as:
You can edit photos for your social media accounts or website in just a few clicks with BeFunky’s no-fuss editor. The site offers a free version of its software, but it has limited editing capabilities. BeFunky’s paid plan grants access to all of its quick and easy editing tools.
Tectonic
Tectonic is a full-service video production company that helps nonprofits create high-quality videos.
In the world of social media and rapidly-developing technology, video marketing is a powerful force. In fact, marketing experts estimate that 93% of companies acquired new customers because of social media videos. Nonprofits can take notes from this strategy by incorporating video content into their marketing strategies.
While creating videos for your nonprofit might seem time and labor-intensive, finding the right tool for your nonprofit makes the task manageable. Tectonic has worked with mission-driven organizations to produce videos like:
This service helps nonprofits adapt to the current media landscape. Tectonic has experience creating hundreds of videos for nonprofit organizations around the globe. Because their services are tailored to the unique needs and challenges of mission-driven organizations, the videos they produce maximize nonprofit success.
Animaker
Animaker is a platform that makes creating short videos simple. Within its software, you can:
Designed for beginners, this is a great tool if your organization needs to create video explainers or other clips.
Pricing for Animaker changes depending on your needs. While the tool offers a free version, it is limited in terms of editing capabilities and storage. Your nonprofit might find more value in the tools provided in one of the paid plans.
Morweb
Morweb is a CMS and web design agency all in one. This agency helps nonprofits spread their vision through award-winning digital design. If you are looking for a team that can help your organization build its website and grow its digital presence, look no further than Morweb.
Gain access to Morweb’s nonprofit CMS to develop and manage your website with custom tools and support catered to the nonprofit space, such as:
If your team needs help creating a custom website, their expert design team will step in. They have a proven track record of creating web designs that strategically present engagement opportunities and drive users to get involved in mission-driven causes.
All in all, Morweb is a combination of expert services and traditional web design tools, making its offerings factor into your nonprofit’s overall branding and digital strategy. Morweb’s professionals help guide customers through their process to create websites that address your project’s goals. Using Morweb’s fully branded, user-friendly websites in tandem with other graphic design projects adds cohesion and value to your nonprofit marketing.
Still not sure about using nonprofit graphic design tools?
Creating graphics isn’t feasible for every nonprofit organization. If your organization is understaffed, short on time, or inexperienced with graphic design, exploring external options is the best choice. However, working with agencies can be frustrating, especially if they don’t understand the unique nonprofit landscape.
Nonprofit graphic design services remove the guesswork and added stress that comes with working with a traditional agency. As we mentioned earlier, we recommend Kwala, a subscription-based service made up of a small team of talented graphic designers. This team is dedicated to helping mission-driven organizations succeed with professional visual elements.
So, what makes Kwala different? There are a few things that set this service apart from other graphic design agencies and tools:
If your nonprofit is struggling with meeting its graphic design needs, consider contacting a graphic design service. These services are the most convenient, stress-free way to get quality, custom graphics.
Quality graphic design is crucial to engaging both current and potential supporters with your nonprofit’s mission. The internet is host to dozens — if not hundreds — of free and affordable nonprofit graphic design tools. However, if making graphics yourself seems overwhelming, using Kwala’s graphic design services for mission-driven organizations cuts out the stress while providing you with custom graphics.
Additional Nonprofit Graphic Design Resources
Your organization’s marketing strategy is a key part of expanding your reach and growing your pool of donors. Getting started with the proper graphic design tools is a solid first step to creating cohesive visual elements for your organization, but there is so much more to learn.
If you’re looking for quality designs and don’t have time to learn how to use different tools, remember you always have the option to turn to professional designers! Those with nonprofit expertise will know what it takes to encapsulate your brand and communicate your cause to supporters through powerful visuals.
In the meantime, check out these resources to discover more about branding strategies and graphic design best practices:
Nonprofit Ultimate Guide | What to Know About Crowdfunding
/in Nonprofit Basics, Learning Center, Crowdfunding, Fundraising Ideas, Learning Center /by Adam WeingerEvery fundraiser aims to meet essentially the same goal: to raise money and awareness for your cause while connecting with supporters. When it comes down to the details, some fundraising methods will meet your needs better than others. If you’re looking for a lot of support, a big audience, and the opportunity to expand your support system, crowdfunding is the way to go.
However, there’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding the how-tos and best practices of crowdfunding for nonprofits. In this guide, we aim to increase knowledge that drives successful campaigns.
Specifically, we’ll walk through the following frequently asked questions:
In the end, you should have a solid understanding of nonprofit crowdfunding and feel prepared to lead your team in the right direction.
Ready to get started? Let’s dive in.
What is crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding is a type of crowdsourcing that collects goods or services from a large group for an individual or organization. In terms of nonprofit fundraising, crowdfunding is a unique method that typically collects small (or mid-sized) donations from a large group of people, usually over the internet.
Though it can raise money for just about anything, crowdfunding is often used to collect funds for specific projects before a preset deadline—and expand support for your cause through the power of urgency and online convenience.
How does crowdfunding differ from peer-to-peer fundraising?
Crowdfunding and peer-to-peer fundraising each rely on social sharing in order to reach a community-focused network of supporters. The main difference, however, is that crowdfunding for nonprofits typically involves a single online campaign page hosted on a crowdfunding site.
P2P fundraising, on the other hand, equips each fundraiser with their own personalized fundraising page, each collecting funds for a common goal.
How does nonprofit crowdfunding differ from individual crowdfunding?
Although crowdfunding for nonprofits and crowdfunding for individuals may share many similarities, there are a few key differences between the two ideas.
For one, nonprofit fundraisers offer a unique incentive for giving: tax exemption! Registered 501(c)(3) organizations receive tax-exempt status from the U.S. government, which means donations made to the nonprofits can reduce donors’ taxable income when it’s time to file.
Additionally, nonprofit crowdfunding efforts are generally held to a higher level of accountability than individual fundraisers. When a nonprofit indicates that they’ll use the funding collected for Purpose A, they’re typically required to follow through with doing so. As a result, supporters may be more trusting of crowdfunding campaigns benefiting verified nonprofit causes.
In this guide, we’ll focus primarily on nonprofit crowdfunding. However, the tips and tricks shared may be beneficial to individual fundraisers as well.
What are common uses of crowdfunding for nonprofits?
Nonprofit crowdfunding can be used to collect funds for just about anything that aligns with the organization’s overarching mission.
Though the fundraising need can vary dramatically depending on the fundraising organization, we’ve compiled a list of ideas for which a nonprofit may enlist the help of a crowdfunding campaign:
The opportunities really are endless!
For even more ideas, consider browsing a few popular crowdfunding websites to see what other organizations (particularly those with similar missions to your own) are doing.
What are the benefits of crowdfunding for nonprofits?
Crowdfunding is a powerful fundraising method that brings fundamental advantages to nonprofits organizing the campaigns—not to mention the audience that benefits from the project or program being fulfilled.
As you explore possible reasons to host a crowdfunding initiative, here are a few key reasons to consider:
Raising money quickly
Crowdfunding is one of the fastest ways for nonprofit groups to raise money for a project, need, or cause. When promoted strategically via social media, email, and word of mouth (more on that below), a crowdfunding campaign has the potential to reach hundreds, if not thousands, of people. Some campaigns even go viral—and vastly exceed their goals.
Spreading awareness
Crowdfunding campaigns that seek to raise money for a cause can also help shine a light on that particular issue. For example, an organization raising funds to fight a rare illness may also find that the campaign educates people about that condition, not to mention its treatments and symptoms. The same scenario can occur for crowdfunding pages highlighting social, economic, or political injustices. Campaign creators not only raise money, but they also educate their peers about the overarching issue behind the financial need.
Expanding new donor reach
Because of their social focus, crowdfunding efforts can also be an excellent way to engage with first-time donors. Supporters might locate your campaign page through a friend or family member, then choose to get involved. From there, the organization has an opportunity to develop an ongoing relationship and keep them coming back to support your efforts time and time again.
Bringing people together
By its very nature, crowdfunding brings people together and unites them with a common purpose. Individuals can band closely to support a nonprofit cause by contributing to its crowdfunding campaign. When people see their peers supporting a charitable mission online, social proof determines they’ll be more likely to contribute as well. And when the fundraiser reaches a milestone or hits its goal, the entire community is able to celebrate—and feel good knowing that they played a role in the organization’s mission success.
How much does it cost to launch a nonprofit crowdfunding campaign?
The fees for nonprofit crowdfunding can vary greatly depending on the platform you choose. While kicking off a campaign is generally free of cost, it’s important to be mindful of other expenses that may arise.
This would include any platform fees, campaign set-up fees, payment processing fees, and more. It’s also worth noting whether the pricing structure involves a fixed price, a percentage of funds raised, or some combination of each.
Many fundraising sites even offer a decreased pricing scale for registered nonprofit organizations. Not to mention, there may be an option for donors to cover their own processing fees by supplementing their initial donation amount. In such cases, your organization may be able to collect up to 100% of the contributions.
How do you start crowdfunding?
Every campaign will be different depending on your cause, goal, and timeline. Keep those factors in mind while you’re planning, and follow these general steps to get started:
1. Set your goal and deadline.
In any fundraising campaign, it’s important to be straightforward. Transparency proves that your cause can be supported and also helps inform your supporters about when and how to donate.
Having a specific goal and deadline can also help you manage your time as you plan the rest of your campaign. Specifying a goal, like raising money for supplies or funding repairs to your facility, will motivate supporters to give and create a sense of urgency for the fundraiser. Urgency can also be highlighted by a deadline since this gives supporters a clear picture of how far away you are from your goal—in terms of both time and funding.
2. Plan your campaign.
Decide how you want to promote your cause before actually announcing your campaign. This gives you an opportunity to establish a detailed plan for fundraising before you solicit support.
Crowdfunding thrives on social media’s timeliness and ease of use, so focus your efforts on those platforms. Hosting a small event might also be helpful as long as you have the time and resources to plan and promote one. For larger crowdfunding campaigns, tiers of donation amounts with small perks can be an effective way to incentivize giving.
Some campaign methods might not make sense for your fundraiser, and that’s okay. Choose what works best for your goals, needs, and timeline.
3. Choose a crowdfunding service.
If you’re looking to launch a crowdfunding effort, one of the most essential first steps is selecting the fundraising website through which you’ll host your campaign. After all, this is the interface that your donors will be directly interacting with in order to support your cause.
Lucky for you, there are a ton of excellent options to choose from that may be a great fit for your upcoming project or expense. But how will you know which one offers exactly what you need?
You’ll want to start by comparing third-party crowdfunding platforms. Be sure to select the solution with the features, user experience, fees, and payout models that best align with your organization’s overarching goals and priorities. Then, make your selection!
4. Launch a crowdfunding page.
Once you’ve established which platform to use for your campaign, it’s time to set up and launch your online fundraiser. Make sure to populate your campaign page with your goal, some images, and other helpful details. Then, begin linking to it in promotions and social media posts.
Since your nonprofit website is the go-to source for information about your organization, be sure to include details about your campaign there, as well. Write about the purpose of your fundraiser, including information about events and goals throughout the campaign. Make sure your crowdfunding page is clearly linked from your site, too.
5. Tie in matching gifts.
Did you know that you can substantially increase the potential of your upcoming crowdfunding campaign? Be sure to integrate corporate matching gifts into your overall crowdfunding efforts to do so.
Millions within the workforce—and even some retirees—qualify for matching gift programs through their employing companies. However, the vast majority of these individuals have never been made aware of the programs’ existence. And as a result, more than $4 to $7 billion in available matching funds go unclaimed by eligible donors each year.
So think ahead! Promote matching gift opportunities throughout the entirety of your crowdfunding initiative. Take a proactive approach to inform supporters about matching gifts. You won’t regret it—and the resulting impact will be huge.
6. Promote your campaign.
Once you’ve announced your fundraiser and have begun accepting donations, you’ll need to market your campaign to get your audience giving. Drive engagement by posting your campaign on all social media platforms, reaching out to people already associated with your organization, and encouraging people to tell their friends.
Plus, be sure to tell your existing supporters about the campaign and encourage them to get involved—whether by contributing themselves or sharing the link online!
7. Update your supporters.
Keep your supporters updated regularly, so they stay invested in your crowdfunding campaign—and your overall cause. Donors will appreciate updates on your work, and others in your network may feel increasingly motivated to give after seeing a progress report.
For example, providing followers with the exact amount of funding raised can illustrate the power of someone’s donation. This is especially true as you approach your goal and need only a few more donations to reach it.
How do you market a crowdfunding campaign?
After building the framework of your crowdfunding initiative, your top priority should be marketing your campaign.
Ultimately, crowdfunding efforts depend on effective communication to spread the word about your ongoing fundraiser. Without strategic promotions, your audience won’t know how to contribute to your campaign—or even that you’re hosting a campaign in the first place.
Try these recommended tools and methods for reaching out to your target audience and highlighting your crowdfunding fundraiser:
No matter how you choose to get the word out, your primary focus should be expanding your outreach and keeping donors connected.
What happens if my organization doesn’t reach our crowdfunding goal?
Picture this: You set your crowdfunding deadline at the beginning of your campaign, and it ultimately creeps up sooner than you anticipated. You’re still short of your overall fundraising goal when the time is up. What now?
Though it’s not the intended outcome for any fundraiser, it’s an important question to ask.
In the overall crowdfunding market, there are two types of campaigns: “all or nothing” fundraisers and “keep it all” fundraisers. In an “all or nothing” campaign, the individual or group behind the effort can collect pledged funding only if the fundraiser is successful in meeting its goal.
Generally speaking, however, the most popular nonprofit crowdfunding providers are going to skew toward the “keep it all” funding structure. This means that you’d walk away with whatever funding your donors had contributed despite not reaching your goal.
However, we recommend double-checking the terms provided by your crowdfunding site (or prospective platform) to ensure your team receives the funds regardless of your fundraising total.
What are some crowdfunding best practices for success?
Optimize your campaign! Check out these tried-and-true fundraising tips to bring your nonprofit’s crowdfunding efforts to the next level.
Perfect your pitch.
When fundraising for a nonprofit, it’s essential to perfect your pitch. Be sure to write an engaging and honest story explaining the scope of the organization’s cause and its impact on the community. Avoid information overload, but include the two most important topics: your nonprofit and the cause it supports. Plus, incorporating testimonials from those affected by your organization can help donors understand the impact they can make.
Give a glimpse.
Adding photos and videos to your crowdfunding campaign can help donors understand the organization’s cause and connect with it on a personal level. Showcasing a positive outlook and determination can encourage donors to support the cause. It’s important to attach a face to the cause so donors can make a deeper connection with your nonprofit’s mission.
Extend your reach.
Consider reaching out to local businesses and organizations that may be interested in partnering to support your nonprofit crowdfunding campaign. Ask if they would consider matching donations with a one-off matching gift program or perhaps donating space to host a fundraising event.
Promote giving levels.
One of the best ways to encourage larger donations—and reiterate the impact of an individual’s contribution—is by incorporating concrete giving levels. We recommend tying each level to a tangible use of the funding to help contextualize donations. For example, let’s say a $10 gift feeds a family of four for a day, while a gift of $100 equips that family with nutritious food supplies for the whole month.
Offer incentives.
Crowdfunding also goes hand in hand with product fundraising—and tying the two together can produce excellent results. For your next fundraiser, you might offer exclusive incentives for donors who hit certain giving levels, such as a t-shirt, hat, or something else entirely.
Make the most of workplace giving.
Workplace giving programs are a key form of corporate philanthropy that you don’t want to overlook. Employee matching gifts are one of the most popular examples—which we’ll explore further below—but it can also include efforts such as volunteer grants, employee giving stipends, in-kind donations, and more. Keep in mind that your supporters can be some of your biggest advocates when it comes to workplace giving, so encourage donors to look into the kinds of programs that their employers offer!
How do crowdfunding and matching gifts work together?
Corporate matching gifts can be one of the most effective ways to amplify the impact of your crowdfunding campaign and bring your overall fundraising to new heights.
According to recent matching gift research, more than 26 million individuals work for companies that match employee gifts to charitable causes. And the availability (and knowledge) of corporate matching results in increased donor conversion rates and larger donation amounts.
In fact, 84% of survey participants say they’re more likely to donate if a match is offered, and 1 in 3 donors would give a larger gift if matching is applied to their donation. All in all, this leads to a 71% increase in response rate and a 51% increase in average gift size when donation matching is offered.
So if you want to maximize giving for your upcoming crowdfunding campaign, make sure you don’t overlook the opportunities presented by matching gifts. We recommend:
The simpler you make matching gifts for your donors, the more likely they are to participate. And as a result, the more your crowdfunding efforts will benefit!
What are some nonprofit crowdfunding campaigns to be inspired by?
If you’re looking for examples of real crowdfunding campaigns hosted by (or benefiting) nonprofits like yours, you’ve come to the right place.
Check out the following success stories—and make a note of the most impactful elements.
Still live at the time of posting, this ongoing campaign is raising funds for a middle school’s musical theater department ahead of an upcoming performance.
Here’s what this campaign does well:
Here’s an example of a crowdfunding campaign benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, hosted by a dedicated supporter of the organization.
Here’s what this campaign does well:
Crowdfunding efforts can also be used to collect funding needed to start a nonprofit—and that’s exactly what this group did! Though it appears that they fell short of their initial fundraising goal, they were able to raise more than $1,000, which was then used to kickstart the organization.
Here’s what this campaign does well:
One California-based nonprofit is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with a crowdfunding campaign. And in only seven days, the organization collected nearly $1,500 for its cause!
Here’s what this campaign does well:
Crowdfunding results will vary depending on the organization hosting the fundraiser, its audience, and more. Keep in mind, though, that Nonprofits Source estimates that the average nonprofit crowdfunding campaign raises around $9,237.55.
How can you thank crowdfunding supporters?
After an individual contributes to a crowdfunding campaign, your organization has an opportunity to begin stewarding them into a long-term supporter of your cause. Not only that but thanking donors for their support is just the right thing to do!
That said, in your acknowledgments, be sure that you:
If you’re looking for a unique and engaging way to wrap up your crowdfunding effort, we recommend exploring an eCard campaign. By employing a dedicated digital greeting card software, you can easily send creative thank-you notes online.
Check out these examples from one nonprofit, Youth For Understanding:
Launch your own donor recognition digital letter portal for your team members.
Final Thoughts
Crowdfunding is a powerful tool that can help nonprofits raise funds and awareness for their various causes. By integrating the reach of social media and the convenience of online giving, nonprofits can tap into a widespread and diverse donor base to drive support.
In order to maximize giving, it’s important to note that many companies offer matching gift programs, which can double or even triple the impact of a donor’s contribution to your efforts. Take the time to educate and promote the opportunities to supporters, and see how donation-matching can bring your next crowdfunding campaign to new heights.
Keep learning! Browse these additional recommended resources to dive deeper into top nonprofit fundraising practices:
Nonprofit Basics: Starting a Foundation
/in Nonprofit Basics /by Adam WeingerInterested in establishing a permanent positive impact? Starting a foundation is a great way to further the social good initiatives you care about. Individuals, families, and corporations are all eligible parties that can start their own foundations.
If you’re looking to create a long-lasting family legacy or have become increasingly aware of an unmet social need, starting your own foundation will propel your ideas forward. Let’s break down some foundation basics.
What is a foundation?
A foundation is a charitable trust or nonprofit organization typically formed to provide charitable grants to other organizations or institutions. Foundations can support a variety of different causes such as those related to science, religion, education, or culture.
There are two foundation types: public foundations and private foundations. Public foundations are funded by a variety of sources, such as individuals, private foundations, or government entities. These separate sources make it easier for the foundation to decrease its financial risk by diversifying its revenue. The majority of community foundations are public foundations which are also known as grant-making public charities.
Private foundations are typically funded by individuals or families. Private foundations are subject to greater regulations by the IRS as they must meet a certain yearly “payout requirement”. Oftentimes, private foundations are a direct reflection of individual or family values. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is a well-known example of a private foundation. Some other examples of private foundations include family foundations, corporate foundations, and private operating foundations.
What are the benefits of starting a foundation?
There are several benefits that come with starting a foundation. Some of these benefits are tangible while others may be more reflective of individual values. Here are a few to consider:
How do I start my own charitable foundation?
If you’ve decided that now is the time to start your own foundation, there are a couple of steps to follow. Be aware that starting a charitable foundation takes time and resources. Therefore, these steps will require careful planning and dedication to complete:
Being proactive with your foundation’s legal compliance will ensure you are documenting it correctly. Once you have filed the initial necessary paperwork, it is important to prioritize year-round record keeping. Keeping detailed records will help you quickly resolve any financial discrepancies.
Other Resources to Explore
Nonprofit Basics – Learn more about nonprofit management essentials by exploring other expert resources.
Getting Started with Nonprofit Legal Compliance – Gain some more insight on how to adhere to the necessary nonprofit legal requirements.
Grantmaking: Everything New Foundations Need to Know – Read this article for a full explanation of the grantmaking process.
Nonprofit Basics: Employee Engagement Programs
/in Nonprofit Basics /by Adam WeingerEvery organization wants passionate employees who are committed to their work, but motivating your employees to fully engage isn’t something that just happens by chance. Cultivating a workplace culture of happy, diligent employees requires deliberate strategy and planning through employee engagement programs.
Employee engagement programs will look a bit different between the corporate and nonprofit spheres, but ultimately all organizations can benefit from gaining a deeper understanding of what these programs are and the elements that make one successful.
What are employee engagement programs?
Employee engagement programs are deliberate efforts your organization takes to connect with employees and encourage them to take part in building a positive work environment.
We’ll discuss specific examples later, but ultimately employee engagement programs can vary widely between organizations from informal afterwork get-togethers to an in-office recognition program.
What are the characteristics of a successful employee engagement program?
Not all employee engagement programs will be successful, and what works for one organization may not reach employees at another organization in the same way. However, all successful employee engagement programs do share a few characteristics, including:
Alt text: All successful employee engagement programs have a few characteristics in common.
When planning your employee engagement program, strive to understand how your employees view your workplace. Knowing what they value, how they currently feel about their work, and what motivates them to work will provide direction when planning your first employee engagement program.
What are examples of employee engagement programs?
As mentioned, there are a number of employee engagement program types you can explore. If you’re looking for real-life examples of employee engagement at companies, check out this guide.
As a general overview, a few popular programs that will work at most workplaces include:
Allow employees to submit feedback and present their ideas.
Employees are motivated by a variety of factors, and one of the major ones is personal empowerment. This can take many forms, such as clear career development paths or limiting micro-managing in favor of independent work.
One popular empowerment option is giving your employees the chance to share their ideas with leadership. These ideas can be aimed at specific tasks employees perform everyday or focused on how your organization operates as a whole. Along with providing employees an opportunity to think about your business or nonprofit more deeply and have their ideas heard, you’ll likely also gather reliable suggestions for ways to improve your organization.
To collect these ideas, create a feedback survey system. Here are a few different types of survey models:
Additionally, you can also send out surveys that ask employees about their specific experiences at your organization. If you aren’t sure how your employees view your workplace culture, this can be a useful way to collect specific information and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
If employees do report bad experiences, ensure you have a closed-feedback loop system in place to follow up with them. This ensures that their feedback is noted, corrections are made to resolve the issue, and a member of your team reaches out to them to let them know their concerns are heard and are being appropriately addressed.
Empower employees to plan and lead social events.
As mentioned, employees appreciate personal empowerment and independence. This applies both when they’re at and outside of the office. While leadership planned and led engagement events can go a long way towards establishing your commitment to a better workplace culture, giving employees the reins has several additional benefits.
Chances are your employees will have a stronger on-the-ground perspective of what types of events their fellow employees would be interested in participating in. Plus, letting employees plan these events takes scheduling, budgeting, and booking event spaces off of your plate and gives inspired employees the opportunity to take on that responsibility instead.
Host employee volunteer days.
Employees want to work at organizations they feel are doing good in the world, and you can show your commitment to the causes your employees care about by hosting employee volunteer days.
Partner with a local nonprofit and organize a day for members of your staff to come in and work together. It will provide them an opportunity to do meaningful work for their community and get to know one another in an environment outside of the office.
You can also create an employee volunteer grant program. Rather than organizing the volunteer day yourself, employees will volunteer for causes they care about individually. Then, you can show your support by making a donation to the organizations they volunteered at based on how many hours they volunteered.
Other Resources to Explore
Nonprofit Basics – Learn more nonprofit management essentials by exploring other expert resources.
Top Corporate Giving Software to Drive Employee Engagement – Corporate philanthropy programs can be a major driver in employee engagement. Learn how you can streamline your corporate giving process with these software applications.
Getting Employees to Care: Employee Engagement and Culture – Interested in learning more about how your workplace culture influences employee engagement? Explore this article on how to motivate your employees by crafting better workplace experiences.
Nonprofit Basics: College Website
/in Nonprofit Basics /by Adam WeingerWe live in a digital age, where almost every company, organization, and group needs a website to connect with its audience. Your college or university is no exception to this rule. University students want to find information online quickly, whether dates and times of upcoming events, requirements for majors and minors, or contact information for their professors. This means all universities must have a website and keep it current and relevant.
What is a college website?
A college website (also known as a university website or a higher education website) is an online resource that showcases a university and its activities. College websites are often used as a marketing tool to promote a university’s programs, research, and events to prospective and current students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni.
Many college websites also have a strong focus on fundraising and connecting with donors. Their websites can present a perfect opportunity to remind prospective donors, such as parents and alumni, about all of the successful projects and initiatives the university undertakes. These reminders serve as inspiration to donate to help continue the university’s impact and better students’ education, extracurriculars, and social events.
How do you build a college website?
College websites serve a pivotal role in the functioning and fundraising of many colleges and universities. For this reason, your college or university should ensure that its website is optimized and up-to-date.
If you have a web designer on your college or university’s marketing team, you can potentially build your college website in-house. However, it’s generally recommended to work with a web design and development agency that specializes in higher education web design.
A dedicated agency can offer the following services:
What are some examples of effective college websites?
There are plenty of college websites to review to gather inspiration for your college or university, whether you’re looking to tweak your website or complete a full overhaul. Here are a few examples of websites that meet the needs of both the college or university and its users:
1. Kenyon College
Taking a minimalist approach, Kenyon College’s website has an easy-to-navigate layout with a concise sidebar menu. The website also highlights the college’s brand through the tasteful use of the school color purple on the homepage’s background.
2. Stanford University
Stanford clearly lays out its top-priority landing pages on their homepage, allowing visitors to gain insight into the site’s most relevant pages. Plus, Stanford keeps its user base updated on current events with links to articles about news in the Stanford area and beyond.
3. Rhode Island School of Design Alumni
Rhode Island School of Design Alumni is a unique website, with an animated “News and Events” button at the top of the page. The website reflects the school’s goals and values, allowing its brand to shine. At the same time, the site maintains an air of simplicity through its use of a black-and-white background.
4. Georgetown University
At the top of its homepage, Georgetown University provides a menu that segments its audience based on their relationship with the university. The site also includes a video across the homepage, allowing visitors to experience campus and Georgetown life from their first interaction with the website.
Other Resources to Explore
Nonprofit Basics – Learn more about nonprofit management essentials by exploring other expert resources.
The 20 Best College Websites (And What Makes Them Great) – Still searching for more inspiration? Visit Kanopi’s roundup of the best college websites to explore more effective sites.
Higher Ed Website Design: 10 Trends and Tips for 2022 – Read on for more information about making sure your college website is up-to-date, optimized, and relevant for today’s users.
Nonprofit Basics: Nonprofit Events
/in Nonprofit Basics /by Adam WeingerNonprofit events are a highly customizable way to engage with existing supporters and forge relationships with new people who care about your cause. Whether you’re hosting a peer-to-peer fundraiser, live auction, or gala, you’ll need to create a memorable experience for your supporters.
Events are a significant tool to this end since they can easily be tailored to an organization’s needs, preferences, and budget. Let’s explore the basics along with useful ideas to make your next nonprofit event the most successful one yet.
What are nonprofit events?
Nonprofit events are in-person or virtual activities hosted by nonprofits in order to connect with existing and potential supporters. To run a successful event, you’ll need a robust volunteer team, a strong event plan in place, and essential elements like a venue and catering if you’re hosting it in-person. Plus, you’ll need to put a creative fundraising idea into action.
Let’s dive into just a few of the benefits of nonprofit events:
What are examples of nonprofit events?
Events can be held successfully in several different formats depending on your organization’s goals. Nonprofits can host in-person events, virtual events, and hybrid events. One of the benefits of living in the age of the Internet is that nearly any event idea can be adapted to fit in-person or virtual formats.
Each kind of event has its advantages and disadvantages, so decide what makes the most sense for your nonprofit. In-person events can be costly if not carefully planned, and can also limit potential attendees to people that live in proximity to where the event is being held. The regional focus may not be a drawback if a nonprofit only serves the local community, but it could be limiting for a large-scale nonprofit.
In-person events, however, provide a face-to-face element that helps people stay engaged at the event and allows them to build meaningful connections with others.
With virtual events, you’ll have the extra challenge of keeping supporters engaged since they won’t physically be together and can easily get distracted. However, virtual events allow your organization to connect with potential supporters who care about your cause across the world. They can also facilitate building community if you make sure that these tools are in place ahead of time while you are planning your nonprofit event.
Let’s explore a few ideas for nonprofit events, all of which can be adapted to your nonprofit’s specific needs, and can be hosted in-person, virtually, or as a hybrid event.
Gala
Galas are formal events that often feature special performances, a live or silent auction, and the opportunity to socialize with others. Since galas can be expensive, your organization can look for corporate sponsors that will provide financial support in exchange for marketing at your event.
Galas can be hosted virtually with some thoughtful planning, such as asking supporters to dress up and even sending catering to their homes, to ensure that guests enjoy the experience and feel as engaged as they would with an in-person event.
Auction
Auctions are a wonderful way to engage your supporters in a fun and interactive way. Guests can bid on special items or packages that have been donated or that your nonprofit has procured at a low cost. Your organization will benefit from all of the proceeds and your guests will be able to enjoy the items or experiences they’ve won s. Auctions can be easily hosted online with the support of a reliable auction software and live streaming service.
Walkathon
Walkathons can help you actively engage participants in your efforts. By adding a peer-to-peer element, you can encourage participants to collect donations from people in their personal network, and to receive pledges for reaching walking goals.
You can either host a designated event where everyone walks together, or host your walkathon virtually by encouraging people to walk on their own or with friends to hit their goals. Consider offering supporters prizes and incentives for raising the most amount of funds. For this, you’ll need an event registration platform with peer-to-peer fundraising functionality!
Concert
Concerts are a tried-and-true fundraising event. People enjoy hearing good music, whether you’re able to book a local school’s orchestra or ask volunteers with musical talents to lend a hand. It’s easy to encourage people to invite their friends to this event and potentially draw in more supporters who wouldn’t have been familiar with your organization otherwise.
Webinar
Webinars and virtual conferences are a great opportunity to engage with the topics that your supporters care about in an engaging way. In addition to providing insights from experts during this event, you can offer viewers the opportunity to chat with each other and ask questions while they attend. This event is simple to plan and has low overhead costs.
Nonprofit events are a crucial way to build relationships with new and existing supporters, and to keep them actively engaged with your organization. After your event, keep up the momentum by thanking your audience for attending, and by offering them additional ways to get involved with your mission.
Other Resources to Explore
Nonprofit Basics – Learn more nonprofit management essentials by exploring other expert resources.
Event Registration Tools – Get more registrants for your upcoming events when you use the right signup software. Check out our top recommendations here!
9 Volunteer Thank You Letter Samples to Show Appreciation – Engaging your supporters extends beyond the event itself. Take advantage of these volunteer thank you letter templates to show your appreciation to your volunteers for their work.
Nonprofit Marketing: A Guide for Amplifying Your Mission – If you want to learn more about how to promote your event and fine-tune your nonprofit’s marketing strategy, take a look at this guide.
Nonprofit Basics: What is Annual Giving?
/in Nonprofit Basics /by Adam WeingerWhile it’s widely understood that nonprofits raise funds to support their important causes, nonprofits themselves incur their own costs. These costs—such as renting an office space, compensating employees, and paying the bills—aren’t covered in restricted fundraising campaigns, such as capital campaigns. That’s why annual giving, which supports the daily costs incurred by nonprofits, is an essential fundraising effort for nonprofits each year.
What is Annual Giving?
According to BWF, annual giving encompasses a nonprofit’s efforts to receive donations and funds received for daily operations, ongoing projects and initiatives, and other activities for which an organization might not have a specific fund set aside. Essentially, annual giving describes the initiatives that a nonprofit or university carries out to raise reliable funding throughout the year.
While annual giving is essential throughout the year, the year-end giving season is the most important time of year for annual fundraising. With Giving Tuesday occurring near the end of November and inspiring giving across the nonprofit sector, it serves as a great opportunity to capitalize on year-end generosity.
In addition to Giving Tuesday donations, year-end giving is popular through the December holiday season not only because of the spirit of generosity during this time but also because it’s the last chance donors have to make a tax-deductible donation for the year. In fact, according to Nonprofits Source’s 2022 Charitable Giving Statistics, 30% of annual giving occurs in December, and 10% of annual giving occurs on the last 3 days of the calendar year.
Why is Annual Giving Important?
Annual giving can be a reliable source to help fund your organization’s ongoing programs and projects. As an ongoing initiative, annual giving allows your nonprofit to fulfill its mission, as well as communicate its mission on a regular basis. Additionally, annual giving comprises unrestricted funds. This means that, unlike an endowment, these funds are not confined to being used for a specific purpose but can be used for continual improvements to your organization.
When they’re well-thought-out, annual giving campaigns can also help form stronger donor relationships and build a donor pipeline that continually transforms prospective donors into actual supporters. Donors can support your organization at any point throughout the year, allowing them to feel connected to your nonprofit and its purpose. Annual giving allows your donors to express their loyalty, which helps them feel that they’re making an impact, while also allowing your organization to identify your most loyal supporters.
How to Plan a Successful Annual Giving Campaign
If you’re ready to get started with building an annual giving campaign for your organization in the upcoming calendar year, there are a few key considerations. As you’re planning your annual giving strategy, keep in mind the following recommendations:
Other Resources to Explore
Nonprofit Basics – Learn more about nonprofit management essentials by exploring other expert resources.
8 Steps to Create a Powerful Annual Giving Campaign – Read on to learn more about maximizing your annual giving efforts with more tips for your next campaign.
Digital Fundraising | 7 Powerful Campaign Ideas to Try – Launching your annual campaign digitally? Check out BWF’s ideas for hosting a successful digital fundraising campaign.
Nonprofit Basics: Adoption Fundraising for Families
/in Nonprofit Basics /by Adam WeingerThousands of children are adopted into loving families each year. Adoption provides numerous benefits for the child and the parent adopting. It gives children a sense of family, provides opportunities they may not have had otherwise, and offers parents the chance to experience raising a child.
Unfortunately, adoption isn’t always accessible to every family due to the high costs associated with the adoption process. Private adoption, for example, can cost between $30,000 and $60,000. So, how can adopting parents offset these expenses? One way families can afford this costly process is by organizing adoption fundraisers.
Let’s get started by discussing what adoption fundraising is.
What is adoption fundraising?
Adoption fundraisers are special fundraisers that help families that adopt a child cover the costs and fees associated with the adoption process.
Concerns about adoption fees are one of the main reasons prospective adoptive parents shy away from adopting. Raising some or all of the funds they need to pay for home inspections, court and legal fees, counseling for the child and their birth parents, social work services, and medical needs help families feel like adopting is attainable.
How can parents organize an adoption fundraising event?
There are a few different ways that adoptive parents can raise the money they need to adopt a child into their family. Parents can either start an adoption fundraiser or work with a nonprofit organization. Here’s how the process will look depending on which route they take:
Both fundraising approaches have their advantages, so choose the option that makes the most sense for your situation. Remember that while fundraising can be difficult, it can also have a significant impact by allowing you to complete the adoption process.
What are some adoption fundraising ideas?
The high upfront costs associated with adoption can be a barrier to entry for many families interested in adopting. But, a strong fundraising event can help families offset these expenses, making adoption more accessible. Fundraising ideas like these can provide parents with a path to adoption:
Parents should choose fundraising ideas they have the budget and capacity to complete. Since the goal is to raise money, it’s essential to carefully select practical and profitable ideas to avoid wasting precious time and energy. This idea holds true, especially when parents are fundraising individually.
While adopting can come with hefty upfront costs, adoption fundraisers can help offset those costs and provide prospective parents with a path forward. Parents can choose to fundraise on their own or with a nonprofit organization, depending on their preferences. Nonprofits often have more tried-and-true frameworks in place but may also require a percentage of the proceeds.
Fundraising individually allows prospective adoptive parents freedom but can require a lot of energy. Thankfully, there are plenty of effective fundraisers parents can undertake from item donation drives to auctions. At the end of the day, remember to express thanks to volunteers, donors, and anyone else who supported your journey.
Other Resources to Explore
Nonprofit Basics – Read more essentials about nonprofit management by exploring these resources.
Nonprofit Marketing: A Guide for Amplifying Your Mission – Explore ways to leverage nonprofit marketing to build awareness for an organization’s mission.
Nonprofit Newsletter Template for Nonprofit Marketers – Learn more about the basics of nonprofit newsletters and how to make them shine.
Nonprofit Basics: Moves Management
/in Nonprofit Basics /by Adam WeingerMoving supporters towards donating requires intentionality. To persuade donors to give, especially major donors, your nonprofit will need to regularly interact with them to build a relationship and lead them to giving.
This process, known as moves management, is a precisely defined approach for how a nonprofit interacts with donors and guides them through the donor journey. To begin cultivating and documenting these essential donor relationships, nonprofits should develop an understanding of moves management as a method for organized and deliberate fundraising.
What is moves management?
Moves are efforts a nonprofit makes to earn support by pushing a supporter along in their donation journey. Moves management is the act of tracking and recording those moves to understand where each supporter is in their journey. This intentionality allows nonprofits to take specific and more successful actions based on the status of each supporter.
What is moves management strategy used for?
The moves management strategy you choose to employ in each individual case will depend on the history and status of the supporter. For instance, you should use moves management to advance relationships with these three types of high-value supporters:
Moves management is useful for all of these scenarios, as well as for courting gifts for specific events and campaigns. Consider annual events in your moves management strategy, such as ramping up activities near the end of the year when many donors are likely looking to give.
What are the steps in moves management?
Moves management strategies will vary depending on the nonprofit, but for many nonprofits, the general steps are as follows:
Your CRM will likely be your central tool for recording which moves are being made and when. Create donor profiles for each of your prospective donors and implement an internal process to ensure these profiles are updated after each interaction with a donor.
Other Resources to Explore
Nonprofit Basics – Learn more nonprofit management essentials by exploring other expert resources.
Nonprofit Marketing: A Guide for Amplifying Your Mission – Gain a better understanding of nonprofit marketing best practices.
Prospect Research: The Ultimate Guide for Nonprofits – Read more about tools for prospect research and where to begin.