Engaging with donors is one of the most important tasks a nonprofit needs to attend to. With new social platforms and communication channels to contend with, nonprofits need to take the time to consider their message and who will see it. When it comes to crafting your message, one key question should come to mind: Is my audience willing to read a paragraph about my nonprofit?
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Leading any group comes with its own particular set of challenges. However, the tight budgets, limited staff and long hours common to many nonprofit workplaces lend itself to a particularly difficult environment for the average nonprofit leader. Though it’s not impossible, it does take a particular set of traits to thrive in this atmosphere, and many nonprofits are lucky enough to have found one or more of these individuals.
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By now we are all aware of the power of the Millennial generation. Though they are often described in an unflattering way, most nonprofit leaders know that this group of young, philanthropically-minded individuals is quickly becoming a group they need to focus on – if they are not already. Though they may not currently hold the financial power of Baby Boomers, by 2017, Millennials are expected to begin spending upwards of $200 billion annually. With numbers like these sitting on the horizon, it is clear that the time to begin building relationships with Millennial donors is now.
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It is no secret that many churches are reluctant to integrate technological solutions into the realm of church giving. Tyndale University recently suggested that 46% of church leaders discourage the use of technology as a resource during services or to promote church growth. Among the number of reasons leaders use to discourage the use of technology, one claim targets a particular section of the church membership above others: “Our older church members won’t know how to use it.”
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“We’re a traditional church, and including technology would change our identity.” “We have a number of older church members that may not understand how to interact with newer church technology.” “We don’t have the volunteer hours to dedicate to making effective use of technology.” There are any number of excuses church leaders use when defending their reluctance to integrate newer advances into the tech realm. Regardless of each church leader’s feelings on including a technology plan, the issue needs to be considered by every church because tech integration is becoming an issue in society at large.
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Over the last few years, church technology has changed the face of ministry in many organizations. In previous years, the only way to actively gain new members was to encourage your church family members to invite friends and family to join fellowship on Sunday mornings. Now, your church has the ability to increase exposure and facilitate the process of inviting new members by creating and maintaining an informative church website.
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Whether your nonprofit’s donors have chosen to contribute with recurring gifts or write one large check each year, at one point they were approached by your organization. Appeals come in many shapes and sizes, like phone calls, in-person meetings, or email blasts, but one element is the same across the board – the ask.
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Communication with church members can come in a number of forms. Today, messages from the pulpit and a monthly mailed newsletter are not the sole communication methods church leaders have at their disposal. Social media platforms, text blasts, customized apps, email blasts and websites have all taken a strong hold in the arena of church communication. Though they may be present on these platforms, many church leaders may be unaware of the connection power these mediums have to offer.
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A good fundraising strategy is about more than simply raising awareness for your nonprofit’s cause and asking supporters to get involved. Much like a game of chess, creating an effective plan for your funding endeavors is all about thinking a few steps ahead. All nonprofit leaders know that countless hours of work occur before any capital campaign can begin. Once the proper framework has been set, an organization will be much more likely to reach their fundraising goals. But, are there ways to maximize the time spent on a fundraiser’s generation phase? Focus on a few of the following areas when creating your nonprofit’s fundraising strategy to save time and maximize the results of your efforts.
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The summer months are a unique time in many churches. Not only is your organization involved in a number of fundraisers, outreach endeavors and ministry opportunities, but your church members may also be preparing for any number of personal trips and family gatherings. With the increase in the number of activities competing for your church members’ time, it is not uncommon to see pew attendance dwindle.
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