Giving Tuesday Ideas & Tips

November 29, 2016 is #GivingTuesday and it is vital for nonprofits to participate in this hashtag holiday. In 2015, over $116 million dollars was raised in part to #GivingTuesday, and now many organizations use this day of generosity to springboard into their holiday fundraising efforts.

As we breeze into November, there are only a few weeks left until this year’s #GivingTuesday. With time running short, here are some ideas and tips to make the most out of the holiday.

1. Join the #GivingTuesday movement

Over 40,000 organizations in 71 countries have participated in past #GivingTuesdays. Sign up now at https://www.givingtuesday.org/organizations to have your nonprofit recognized as an official #GivingTuesday participant.

2. Start campaigning early in the month

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday on the forefront of many potential donors’ minds, getting in front of them early with a #GivingTuesday campaign will serve as an active reminder for them to support your cause during the hashtag holiday. If you are running out of time, consider doing multiple email blasts and Facebook campaigns, as these types of digital channels are quick to launch and can generate affluent impressions over a short time span.

3. Set a clear goal

Let potential donors know what your organization wants to achieve with the #GivingTuesday funds. The more creative you are with your goal, the more you’ll connect with your audience and motivate them to donate.

4. Dedicate Your Social Media Profiles to #GivingTuesday

Change up your Facebook cover photo, icon, and other branding to reflect #GivingTuesday. Additionally, make sure you schedule posts and other content to remind potential donors throughout the month. Post success stories from previous #GivingTuesday efforts. If this is your first #GivingTuesday, upload photos and videos that explains and supports your cause.

5. Be Active on Social Media

Responding, thanking, and retweeting those who have supported and donated will help you build stronger relationships with donors.

6. Use Hashtags

Encourage supporters to share an #Unselfie after donating and use the trending topic of #GivingTuesday to create buzz. Last year, the #GivingTuesday hashtag generated over 114 billion Twitter impressions and 1.3 million social media mentions.

7. Leverage Existing Donors

Send out a reminder email that #GivingTuesday is approaching and that their support is greatly appreciated. Rally your followers to create a Facebook Fundraising campaign to benefit your cause and invite their friends and family to donate.

8. Make it a One-Step Process for People to Donate

Whether you are collecting donations via your organization’s website, landing page, or Facebook page, minimize the steps needed to complete the donation process. Providing a link in social media posts that takes donors straight to the donation page is recommended, and make sure your landing page is mobile-ready.

9. Ask for Time As An Alternative to Money

Invite donors to donate their time instead of money. Younger supporters who believe in your cause may not have money to donate but will be more than willing to contribute their time. The aforementioned Facebook Fundraising campaigns could be perfect to push to this group.

10. Run campaigns Through the end of the year

While giving Tuesday falls on November 29th, charitable contributions are at peak during the last month of the year. Don’t miss out by ending your campaign too early. Use #GivingTuesday to set the groundwork for the rest of your 2016 fundraising strategy and continue to build relationships with new and existing donors. Happy #GivingTuesday!

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