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Category: Charity Fundraising

Last-Minute Christmas Fundraising Ideas

Posted on by Ella Jacques

Although we are sure many charities will have their Christmas fundraiser plans solidified by now, we want to share our last-minute ideas in case they spark some seasonal inspiration!

There is no denying the feeling of joy that comes from spreading kindness and making a difference in the lives of others during this magical time of the year. In fact 49% of people say they are more likely to donate to a charitable cause around the festive period. Whether you’re a part of a community group, a school, a charitable organisation, or simply an individual with a big heart, this blog is your go-to guide for Christmas fundraising ideas that go beyond the ordinary with the help of the Givergy platform.

The Benefits of Christmas Fundraising

There are so many reasons why planning fundraising campaigns into a festive season like Christmas can aid your organisation. The main ones are:

Spirit of Generosity: Christmas is synonymous with the spirit of giving. During this time, people are naturally inclined to be more generous and charitable. The festive atmosphere and the emphasis on gratitude create an ideal environment for fundraising efforts, as individuals are more open to supporting causes that make a positive impact.

Heightened Emotional Connection: Christmas is a season that fosters strong emotional connections. Families come together, and individuals reflect on the values of love, compassion, and goodwill. Capitalising on this emotional sentiment can enhance the effectiveness of fundraising campaigns, as people are more likely to connect with and support causes that align with the spirit of the season.

Increased Social Engagement: Christmas brings people together, both online and offline. Social gatherings, parties, and events are prevalent during this time. Leveraging these opportunities to promote and raise funds for a cause can significantly amplify the reach of your campaign. The holiday season encourages social sharing and word-of-mouth promotion, creating a snowball effect for your fundraising efforts. This means more awareness for your cause long after the tinsel has been stored away for another year.

Last-Minute Christmas Fundraising Ideas

Seasonal events are a fantastic way of raising money and awareness simultaneously. They are also the perfect excuse to go all out, with glitter and glitz expected, making for a fun environment. 

Below are some of our top Christmas fundraising ideas for charities that can be arranged even if you only have a few week’s notice.

  1. Arrange a gift-wrapping service that is paid for via donations. This is a great way to engage the local community to ensure that not only raises money, but increases charity awareness. You can ask local companies to donate the wrapping supplies and set up somewhere with a busy footfall to maximise impact.
  2. Lead a Christmas-themed silent auction. Collect donated prizes, such as gift cards, electronics, or holiday hampers, and use some festive-themed communications to share your fundraising site. Advertise the auction via your supporter’s community and encourage them to spread the word to make a bigger impact.
  3. Host a ticketed Christmas-themed competition. Organise activities like a gingerbread house decorating contest, a Christmas trivia night, or a holiday-themed scavenger hunt. Participants can purchase tickets for a small entry fee and winners can receive prizes donated by local businesses.
  4. Organise a virtual Christmas concert or talent show as a virtual gala event. Who doesn’t love a talent show or fab event this time of year? Running this online means your overheads are lower and the audience can be larger. You can use the event to share stories about your work and upcoming fundraising initiatives for the next year.

Create The Perfect Christmas Fundraising Event With Givergy

Are you ready to deck the halls and add Christmas flair to your operations to raise more this season? Even though time is running out, we have a proven track record of being able to turn around event ideas in a short space of time. Get in touch with our team today to chat about last-minute Christmas fundraising plans that can bring added attention to your worthy cause for an entire year.

Turning Traditional Fundraising Into Digital Success

Posted on by Emily Clare

With the increasing use of technology and digital platforms, turning traditional fundraising into digital successes can significantly enhance your fundraising efforts. Charities that rely solely on traditional fundraising may struggle as our world advances in the digital era, but the reality is that raising more is only possible if you harness the power of technology.

44% of charities don’t have a digital strategy, which is worrying as they all risk getting left behind where others are thriving. The digital transformation of the giving sector allows more money to be raised, improved trust and increased transparency with donors. All of these factors work together to improve charities’ branding and reputation, which means they can help more people whilst establishing long-term futures. 

Keep reading to learn how to turn traditional fundraising methods into digital successes for your organisation.

What Is Traditional Fundraising?

Firstly, let’s clarify what is meant by the term ‘traditional fundraising’.

Traditional fundraising refers to raising funds or financial support for a cause through conventional, in-person methods. These can include things like door-to-door canvassing, auctions, bake sales, and other in-person charity events. Traditional fundraising has been the standard approach for charitable causes for many years, focusing on building a solid rapport with donors through face-to-face interactions.

While these still offer success, they limit the ability for an organisation to expand its reach, and awareness, which greatly affects the amount of vital funds that need to be raised.

Why Does Givergy Believe in Digital Fundraising?

If you have attended any of Givergy’s Future of Fundraising events, you know how strongly we believe in innovation and technology in the fundraising industry. 

The future of fundraising is racing towards digital methods now more than ever due to several reasons:

  1. Digital fundraising allows for increased cost-effectiveness compared to traditional methods. For example, the cost of hosting an online fundraising campaign can be significantly cheaper than hosting an in-person gala. With a digital campaign, a wide range of online fundraising tools can be used, making it easier for charities to engage and excite supporters.
  2. Digital fundraising offers greater convenience and accessibility for donors. Online platforms allow supporters to contribute to causes anytime and anywhere, eliminating geographical barriers and time constraints. This accessibility can lead to increased donor participation and engagement. Moreover, digital platforms provide charitable causes with quality opportunities for storytelling and showcasing impact. 
  3. Digital fundraising reaches critical demographics needed to keep fundraising alive and strong. Younger generations, such as Millennials and Gen Z, are more digitally connected and have different preferences for engaging with charitable causes. By reaching them through digital methods that feel authentic, they are more likely to donate and support.

As our world gains technological advancements, charities can utilise tools that empower them to raise funds, promote their causes, manage donors, engage communities, and collaborate online.

How To Transform Traditional Fundraising Methods

Here are a few traditional fundraising methods along with their suggested digital transformations:

Traditional Method: Door-to-door canvassing 

Digital Method: Online fundraising

Volunteers going door-to-door in a neighbourhood or community, soliciting donations or selling products on behalf of a charitable organisation used to be the norm. Nowadays, people appreciate their privacy a bit more, so having someone knock at the door unexpectedly doesn’t always have the desired impact.

Instead of having volunteers out pounding the pavements, online fundraising is a digital alternative that simplifies the donation process. Furthermore, it has a high chance of success as it increases visibility and reach, enables storytelling and aligns with the preferences of modern donors. Givergy’s fully customisable campaigns allow each organisation to create an online presence that best represents their intentions and goals.

Traditional Method: In-person gala events

Digital Method: Virtual galas

Don’t get us wrong, in-person gala dinners and events are still a proven way to raise money. There’s no need to go completely digital straight off the bat, but embracing the balance the digital world has to offer can make a world of difference. 

By hosting a virtual gala, you can still include exciting event moments like entertainment and testimonials. The difference is that you can reach a larger audience than the boundaries of a room. Many in-person galas are annual events, but with virtual galas, it’s easier to host more than one, giving you the opportunity of making consistent impacts throughout without an expensive budget. 

Furthermore, virtual fundraising contributes to a reduced environmental footprint by eliminating the need for physical travel and printed materials. This aligns with the growing awareness and preference for eco-friendly practices. You can essentially achieve good by doing good!

Traditional Method: Telethons

Digital Method: Live Streams with integrated silent auctions and pledges

We all probably grew up watching televised fundraising campaigns that integrated our favourite celebrities and other forms of entertainment. The big names will likely use this method for a long time, but due to the saturation of smaller charities, it can be hard for some to stand out in this way. 

Live Streams have become powerful tools for fundraising, offering a dynamic and interactive platform that engages audiences in real-time. These are primarily conducted on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitch. Livestreams still offer the same levels of engagement and collaboration that telethons have but also integrate the option to easily donate from a phone, tablet, or computer, aligning with the needs of the modern donor.

Live Streams offer interactive features during live events, such as polls, Q&A sessions, and live chat. These features encourage active participation and engagement, making viewers feel more involved in fundraising and your cause.

Go Digital With Givergy

Does your charity need to join the digital world of fundraising sooner rather than later? Even though transitioning to new methods can be scary for some, we can assure you that the benefits outweigh the risks. 

Our team offers a collaborative approach to the task, finding the best digital methods of raising more that will resonate with your existing and potential audience. To find out more, contact us.

How to fundraise effectively in the gaming space

Posted on by Shane Bailey

The video game industry has come a long way since the days of arcade machines. In 2022, the global video game industry was estimated to have generated more than US$300 billion in revenue, engaging more than two billion people on a daily basis across consoles, PC and mobile. It’s a form of entertainment that eclipses non-interactive mediums like film, TV and music, yet ‘gamers’ aren’t necessarily top-of-mind for consumer brands and non-profits.

Identifying and reaching the gaming audience can be a challenge. With few options to reach the gaming audience through the games themselves (outside of mobile in-game advertising), how does one engage gamers, particularly for non-profits with limited resources? Here are some tips and guiding principles to help your charitable organisation find success in the gaming space.

6 Tips to Fundraise effectively in the gaming space

  1. Build credibility:

People often use gaming to escape; to leave reality behind and visit a fantastical realm, connect with friends across the world, or test their mettle in a challenging experience or online competition. Through interactivity, gaming is an emotion-filled form of entertainment, so when a brand interrupts that experience, it’s not always welcome. It’s why building credibility in the eyes of gamers is so important. To that end, think about the brands endemic to the gaming space you can partner with to help introduce your charity to the gaming audience, such as well-known publishers like Xbox, EA Games and Ubisoft or consumer brands like Elgato, HyperX and Logitech. Similarly, are there content creators or personalities in the space who can act as ambassadors for your cause? Before jumping straight to the biggest names in gaming and streaming, like Ninja, Loserfruit and Dr. Lupo, try starting small first and expanding from there. Grassroots creators are much more likely to work with you as they grow their own online, personal brand. Laying a strong foundation of credibility first will make it much easier to build upon your success in the space.

  1. Find the right experts:

It can be difficult navigating a world completely unknown to you and the team, so look for ways to engage experts in the space. This doesn’t necessarily mean hiring someone from the gaming industry. There are many people in the space that can deliver the expertise you need. If community fundraising via live-streaming is your first focus, start with influencer and talent agencies that represent these content creators, and be sure to ask questions when you start. It’s likely that these agencies field proposals from a variety of brands every week and the last thing you want is for the creators they represent to view you in the same way they view another brand looking to advertise via their streams and social channels. Ask how the agency’s creators like to work with charities. What would an engaging charity or fundraising campaign look like to them? Is there a way their creators can team up to create something larger, like a streaming marathon where multiple creators work together? With a bit of imagination and collaboration, creating something a bit different can be exciting for the creators you work with.

  1. Add value:

Always remember that your partnership with these creators and brands is exactly that: a partnership. How is your charity adding value to this relationship? Can you demonstrate the impact the audience’s involvement will have on your mission? Particularly for grassroots content creators, spotlighting them on your website and social channels can be really meaningful. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone as well. Jump on livestreams with creators who fundraise for you and thank them and their community for their support. You don’t necessarily have to play the game they’re playing, but just appear as a guest for 10-20 minutes and show how much they are appreciated. The same can be said for any brands you partner with. Treat them in the same way you would any traditional corporate partner and build that value together.

  1. Be where they are:

A part of finding the expertise to navigate the gaming space is understanding where and how to communicate with gamers and content creators. You’ll likely have a difficult time gaining support by focusing on social ads, cold emails and phone calls. Instead, look to where the gaming audience is highly engaged. X/Twitter and TikTok are both platforms content creators use to speak directly to their own communities, so try casually sliding into their DM’s there. Try not to be too heavy-handed in your initial approach either; they don’t need the full pitch upfront. Ask if they’ve fundraised for a charity before and if they’d be open to working together. If you have the capacity and resource, taking the time to get to know streamers when and where they stream can be hugely beneficial. Tune into their streams and pop in their live chat to say hello. This can make it much easier to then send a message to them after the stream to introduce yourself more formally.

  1. Leverage a connected community:

One thing that is definitely true about content creators in the streaming space and people who work for big gaming brands is that everyone is connected. When you chat with a brand manager at Nintendo, it’s likely they know the local team at PlayStation or an agency who works for Twitch. Similarly, the content creators you chat with likely have creator friends, are involved in a community of streamers who play together, or know creators who have had success supporting charitiesin the past. Even if someone is unable to support you directly, they will likely know someone else who can, so always ask for those introductions or to be pointed in the right direction.

  1. Don’t forget the basics:

It’s important to remember that gaming brands and content creators you partner with are not dissimilar to other corporate partners or P2P fundraisers. Everyone who supports your organisation wants to do a good job, so be sure to make it as easy as possible for them to find success. Equip them with all the usual fundraising tools who would your traditional partners and fundraisers. For content creators, it’s worth taking the time to create assets suitable for their streams as well. Being a good partner and empowering your supporters to do the best job they can will maximise the chance that they’ll come back and support you again.

 

 

 

Complete Guide to Fundraising Hosts

Posted on by Tim Stansbury

Including a fundraising host is still a drastically underused element of fundraising events, but we’ve seen first-hand the amazing results that can come from focusing on this part of an event. If you have not included an engaging fundraising host, you may be missing a large piece of the puzzle!

Keep reading to learn all about these vibrant and game-changing individuals so that you can decide how best to use them for your future fundraising events.

What Is a Fundraising Host?

A fundraising host is a person who can provide consultative support to organisers and committees pre-event, plus then be responsible for hosting the fundraising activities at the actual event. Simply put, at an event, a fundraising host is responsible for engaging donors to raise the most funds possible.

Pre-Event Support?

The role of a fundraising host can include a variety of tasks. Still, it should always start with several pre-event, statistically-driven meetings to discuss the best possible approach for fundraising at your event. 

Looking back at data from previous events, such as the amount raised in the Live Auction, Silent Auction and Pledge moment, the number of bids and donations made, popular levels and timings of giving, are critical to get the perfect strategy in place.

At The Event

Fundraising hosts should be responsible for running the auction and/or donation drive; they should know how to work a crowd and engage with an audience. The events they host can range from small gatherings and golf days to large galas or auctions. The goal of a fundraising host is to create an enjoyable and engaging event that encourages attendees to donate generously to the cause at hand.

Do Fundraising Hosts Work?

Absolutely. And we’ve got the stats to prove it. We’ve seen some simply astounding increases in funds raised by including a fundraising host. Get in touch, and our team would love to chat this through with you.

Brilliant fundraising hosts allow guests to indulge in giving – that amazing feeling of doing something positive for others. Altruistic DNA is in all of us; giving makes you feel better. People want to give, and an engaging fundraising host allows them to do it.

We continue to say that fundraising is not a spectator sport – you shouldn’t be relying on 10% of the room to give 90% of the funds. For a donation moment or pledge drive, fundraising hosts allow a collaborative nature of giving. Using the fundraising leaderboards, they can get everyone involved.

Event Host or Fundraising Host?

We strongly recommend that your Fundraising Host is not also your Event Host. Your audience must connect with the Fundraising Host during those crucial moments of giving. To do this, it’s best they are kept back to do their job, drive fundraising on the night, and not mix that message with other elements like introducing speakers or explaining where the fire exits are. 

Having a skilled host focused on fundraising can help make the event substantially more effective and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Image: Fundraising Hosts North America from left to right – Harry Santa-Olla (HSO Productions), Chuck Mutz (Black Tie Auctions), Sherry Mulhar (Red Apple Auctions) and Layne (The Auctionista) – Find out more by clicking here.

How Can a Fundraising Host Elevate an Event?

  • One of the most crucial roles of a fundraising host is to help create a positive and engaging atmosphere for donors. A good host will help keep the event running smoothly, ensuring that everything is on schedule.
  • A fundraising host can also help build a sense of community and shared purpose among donors. By creating a positive and engaging atmosphere, focused on a common goal that the whole room can commit to and hit as part of a collective, you are more likely to hit that target.
  • A host also helps donors to  feel more connected to the cause and become motivated to give. This can be especially important for fundraising events that are aimed at building long-term relationships with donors rather than just raising money in the short term.

The ‘Why’ or The ‘How’?

A charity founder, board member or event Chairman should discuss the ‘why’. Often followed by an emotive film or speaker, this is the message ‘why’ guests should support the charity and get involved in giving. This message is far more authentic from these individuals than from a fundraising host.

The host is there for the ‘how’ to give; the ‘why’ should have already been covered by the time they get on stage. To learn more about this, listen to our recent podcast episode, ‘Fundraising Hosts & Appeal Moments’, where auctioneer and fundraising host Harry Santa-Olalla spoke about the task in length.

How to Choose a Host?

Every charity will decide upon their desired fundraising host for different reasons, but below are some of our top considerations you should make:

  • You should always decide what areas you want the fundraising host to focus on and assess their suitability based on previous experience.
  • A fundraising host also needs to represent your organisation. While they can adapt to your tone of voice and messaging, you should always select someone who is the ideal brand advocate for you in terms of styling and presentation.
  • Choose your fundraising tools in advance and ensure the host has the right experience. For example, you may want to run an auction, so you must find someone to run auctions professionally.
  • Check the host’s references and online reviews to ensure they have a good reputation in the industry.
  • Consider the host’s fees and whether they fit within your budget. Remember that a good host can help you raise more money, so it may be worth investing in a quality host.
  • Ensure the host is available on the event date and has enough time to prepare.

At Givergy, we are always looking for ways to help our clients raise even more which is why we are huge advocates of using fundraising hosts. If you’re based in the United States, check out our recommended hosts here.If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Popular and Unique Fundraising Ideas For Independence Day (4th July)

Posted on by Ella Jacques

Independence Day really is an opportune time to fundraise. With people feeling patriotic and ready to celebrate, there are plenty of opportunities to raise money and awareness for your cause, whilst also having fun. Keep reading to find the most popular Fourth of July fundraising ideas, plus discover some unique Independence Day fundraising ideas which will make your event stand out.

Why should you fundraise on independence day?

Are you looking for the perfect time to fundraise for your cause? Look no further than around or on Independence Day! Many countries all over the world celebrate their own Independence Day and it’s a cause many people are passionate about. Plus, with time off work and school, people have more time to attend fundraising events and volunteer their efforts.

Independence Day is also synonymous with summer fun and outdoor activities like picnics, barbecues, and fireworks displays. Fundraising events that incorporate these types of activities can be particularly attractive to donors and supporters.

Businesses and organizations are also often eager to sponsor fundraising events around Independence Day because it aligns with their own patriotic values and corporate social responsibility efforts.

So, if you’re looking to raise money for your cause, why not do it around Independence Day and leverage the national significance, free time, and outdoor activities that come with it?

What are some of the most popular independence day fundraising ideas?

Looking for some tried and tested, much-loved independence day fundraiser ideas? We have you covered! Here are some of our favorite Fourth of July fundraisers.

Host a Fourth of July themed talent show

With a little bit of planning, you can put on a fantastic event that showcases the talent and creativity of your community while also raising funds for your cause.

To help keep your talent show relevant to Independence Day, make sure you set a theme. For example, you could encourage performers to showcase their talents in singing patriotic songs, reciting historical speeches, or performing dance routines inspired by American culture.

Another idea is to encourage performers to compete for prizes. You can ask local businesses to donate prizes like gift cards, concert tickets, or merchandise, and award them to the winners of different categories such as “Best Vocal Performance” or “Best Dance Performance”. This will not only incentivize performers to do their best, but it will also generate excitement and engagement among your audience.

Firework extravaganza

Come on, it wouldn’t be the Fourth of July without fireworks!

One idea for hosting a firework display fundraiser is to partner with local businesses and sponsors to help cover the costs of the event. Add a fundraising element by creating a ticketed event or asking for pay-as-you-feel donations to view your Independence Day firework extravaganza. You could even consider offering VIP packages that include preferred seating or access to exclusive areas, to help to increase donations further.

Consider hiring a professional firework display company to put on a spectacular show. You can choose a patriotic theme that is relevant to Independence Day, such as red, white, and blue fireworks or fireworks that spell out “USA”. You can also incorporate music into the show to create an even more immersive experience for your audience. Extra points for any flag shapes created in the sky!

Community BBQ

If there’s one way to get donations, it’s with food!

Host an all-American community BBQ with traditional American treats like hot dogs and grilled chicken. Include a kids section where the kids can help to serve and even safely cook.

If you really want to go all out and improve your donation figures, then we’d suggest hiring entertainment such as a local band, and having fun activities at your community BBQ such as a dedicated photobooth station (with plenty of flags and hats on hand!).

Not only could you generate funds from ticket sales, but you could have donation bucket volunteers going round throughout the day, and even host a raffle to get further donations from guests.

Sell patriotic merch

Ahead of the big day, why not take advantage of the fact people will be looking to show their support by offering patriotic merch for sale, which they can wear proudly.

Set up a stand in your community or even sell online via places such as Facebook.

Everything from badges, hats, t-shirts, flags – you could even make your merch tailored to your state or county.

Parade or March

Everyone loves a show right? Why not create a family friendly event your community will love, to celebrate all things Independence Day?

Consider working with your local council to plan the route of the march or parade. You can choose a patriotic theme that is relevant to Independence Day, such as red, white, and blue decorations or a marching band playing patriotic music. You can also create floats or displays that highlight your cause and encourage people to donate.

Even something as simple as having groups of fancy dress and dancers – it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money, but you will need sharp organising skills to make sure all the different groups are well-rehearsed ahead of the event.

On the day itself, make sure you have volunteers with payment readers at the ready, so those enjoying the show can help raise funds for your important cause.

Face painting & glitter station

This is a great one for the day itself, when lots of people will be eager to show their support for Independence Day.

Consider hiring professional face painters or recruiting volunteers with artistic skills to provide a variety of designs that are relevant to Independence Day, such as flags, fireworks, and stars and stripes.

Create a festive atmosphere around the face painting station by offering themed decorations and props. You could even set up a backdrop that features patriotic designs or create a photo booth area where guests can take pictures with their newly painted faces. You can also set up a small merchandise area where you sell patriotic accessories such as hats, bandanas, and pins.

What are some unique independence day fundraiser ideas?

If you’re looking for something a bit different for your independence day fundraiser, then check out these ideas to make your 4th of July fundraising efforts stand out, and generate more donations for your cause.

Red, white & blue challenge

Could you wear red, white and blue for a whole week, even month, to show your support for the annual holiday? 

We love this fun sponsored challenge, which requires you to dress in the American colours for a set period of time. And of course the longer you do it, the more donations you’ll get. 

You could even go one step further and get your entire office or class to join in!

Drone display

Think of a firework display, but 2023 style. 

For this fundraiser you could enlist the help of some drone experts to help you create an awe-inspiring drone show for your community, all patriotic themed, as a ticketed or pay-as-you-feel event. (Just make sure all the drones have flying licences!).

This is likely to generate a lot of interest since drone shows are still relatively new and exciting (not to mention safer!).

Flag design competition

One for the budding artists of your community.

Run a competition for the best designed patriotic flag, charging an entry fee in order to generate donations. You could ask entrants to create the flag out of different materials, with the most inventive ones being put to a public vote!  

The flags could then be proudly put up around your community for the big day itself.

Patriotic painting fundraiser

Offer caricature or portrait paintings to your local community, complete with a patriotic background. This is something you could do ahead of Independence Day or even on the day itself, having various volunteers stationed around the community, armed with their paintbrushes to capture those wonderful memories. 

You could create a set donation fee or offer people pay-as-you-feel, just make sure your donations will cover the costs of the suppliers.

 

In conclusion, Independence Day can be an excellent opportunity to raise donations. By leveraging the holiday and engaging with supporters through creative and fun events and initiatives, you can raise awareness for your cause while also bringing people together to celebrate the holiday.

83% of charities still fundraising in 2020

Posted on by Ben Crook

With murmurs of ‘second waves’ and ‘new social distancing’ rules coming into play across the globe, there is understandably some concern and uncertainty regarding fundraising in the Autumn season and throughout the remainder of 2020.

As one of many businesses trying to navigate these murky waters, we decided to send a quick survey to our global clients to gauge the appetite for fundraising for the rest of 2020 and get a feel for what, specifically, our charity clients were focusing on.

Many thanks to all who completed the survey; from over 500 clients we accumulated the below results:

  • 83% of global charities are still looking to fundraise in some capacity in 2020
  • The highest ranking was creating an online fundraising campaign – 35%
  • Hosting a Virtual Gala was next at 22%
  • 18% of our clients are going to host a ‘hybrid’ event – with a small number of guests at a venue and the event / fundraising streamed live to incorporate an online audience
  • 8% of clients are still planning to hold some sort of live event
  • 17% of our clients have decided to put fundraising on hold for 2020 and will no doubt look to make up lost revenue in 2021

Clearly, the will to fundraise and drive crucial revenue is still at the forefront of many charities’ minds, at a time when support for most organisations is absolutely essential.

The good news is from the many online fundraising campaigns and virtual galas we’ve supported since COVID-19 gripped the world, clients have seen some incredible results, with many surpassing funds raised from live charitable events in 2019. In total, our charity clients have raised in excess of US$5.8m since April through our platform alone.


Case Study – Asylum Seekers Resource Centre (Australia)

We believe supporters know their generosity in giving is still crucial to the survival of the causes they love most, and are still passionate about supporting in a time of need.

A great example and recent success story came from the work of the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre in Australia; click here to read more on how they beat their goal by $43,000 with an online fundraising event.

Full stats per Givergy region below. We hope this information is useful to you. Any questions or for support with your own 2020 fundraising campaigns, please click below – we’d be delighted to hear from you.

Understanding Matching Gifts: Top 4 Insights for Nonprofits

Posted on by Ben Crook

These days, nonprofits need all the revenue they can get. Luckily, corporate philanthropy is at an all-time high, and companies big and small are looking to leave their marks on causes they care about. What’s the top way they accomplish this you ask? Matching gifts, of course!

Matching gifts have the power to transform your nonprofit’s fundraising strategy. They can effectively double (sometimes even triple!) the donations you’re already receiving. When donors know that their impact can potentially multiply without having to reach back into their pockets, they’re much more likely to express their philanthropic desires.

Even with the tremendous potential that matching gifts represent, many nonprofits overlook them in their fundraising strategies. Either they simply don’t understand the process, or worse, they don’t even know the opportunity exists.

To guide you through the process, we’ve compiled a number of industry best practices to maximize matching gifts across your organization.

1) Educate your staff and donors on matching gifts.

To fulfill your matching gift potential, you must start internally. First and foremost, it’s imperative that your leadership and staff understand them in full. Then, they can effectively advocate for matching gifts, relay information, and answer any questions donors and prospects may have.

Simply put, corporate philanthropy refers to the social and philanthropic initiatives that companies launch. It’s a way for businesses to give back to their communities and make an impact on worthy causes. Most commonly, they accomplish this through sponsorships, partnerships, grants, and employee giving programs.

For nonprofits of all sizes, employee giving programs are the most accessible form of corporate philanthropy. Companies create these programs as a way to generate positive PR and to encourage employees to become more well-rounded individuals. While corporate giving programs encompass a range of programs, matching gifts represent your biggest opportunity for growth.

Matching gifts are a specific type of corporate giving program in which a company matches its employees’ donations to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations. Acquiring these funds is a fairly straightforward process. Simplified with dedicated matching gift tools, here’s how the process typically looks:

Step 1: A donor makes a gift to your nonprofit.

Step 2: They check their eligibility for their employer’s program.

Step 3: If eligible, they submit a request for a match to their employer.

Step 4: The company reviews the request and confirms the gift with your nonprofit.

Step 5: The employer sends the match to your organization.

It’s as simple as that! While the process is fairly straightforward, each company sets its own stipulations around its matching gift policy, making it a bit more complicated. Let’s take a look at requirements commonly covered in companies’ guidelines:

– Match ratio: This is the rate at which donations are matched. Most of these are at a 1:1 rate, meaning the initial donation will be doubled. Some employers match at a lower rate, while others will go as high as 5:1!

-Match amounts: Companies set minimum and maximum donation thresholds for the gifts they’ll match. The average minimum amount is around $25 while maximum amounts often range between $10,000 and $25,000.

-Employee eligibility: This indicates which employees are eligible to participate in the program. Usually, these are based on position or status with the company (i.e., part-time, full-time, or retired).

-Nonprofit eligibility: More often than not, companies place restrictions on which organizations are eligible to receive funding as well. This enables them to contribute to the cause that they care the most about.

Knowing the ins-and-outs of these impactful programs enables your nonprofit to make the most of your revenue and engagement opportunities.

2) Promote matching gifts across all communications.

Now that you know the matching gift basics, it’s time to spread the word. To do this, incorporate appeals across all of your communications. Studies have found that employing multiple approaches to identifying match-eligible donors results in 77% more identified match-eligible donations, according to this corporate giving statistics page. In other words, the more communication channels you use, the more visibility matching gifts will receive.

Let’s discuss how you can tie matching gifts into your current communications:

-A dedicated matching gift page. Your website is a great way to kick off the conversation about matching gifts. Create a well-designed matching gifts page that features information on what matching gifts are, how they launch your organization’s efforts forward, and what the typical steps in the process are. Embedding a search tool for donors to easily check their eligibility is a smart move for this page, too.

-Email newsletters. You’re likely sending newsletters on a regular basis, whether it’s daily, weekly, or monthly. This is a great opportunity to promote matching gifts! Consider sending an email about the opportunity, crafting a small section about it, or even dedicating an entire newsletter to it. In any case, make sure to explain what matching gifts are and how supporters can participate. As you start crafting your emails, use these effective matching gift letter templates by Fundraising Letters to guide your efforts.

– Direct mail. While most supporters prefer online communications, nothing replaces the authenticity of direct mail. Anytime you send tangible communications, include a paper insert highlighting matching gifts. Ensure it’s eye-catching, straightforward, and persuasive.

-Educational resources. Producing in-depth content on matching gifts is a great way to generate long-term value for your organization. Provide supporters with all the resources they need, so they fully understand the value of matching gifts. For instance, create compelling blog posts about the process and tell emotional stories about how matching gifts have impacted your mission.

To promote matching gifts to the fullest extent, you need to develop a dedicated strategy in your communications plan. The above suggestions are just a handful of the many ways you can promote matching gifts. Whether you encourage word-of-mouth marketing or rely on social media to get the job done, get creative in your approach and market them whenever possible.

When you let donors know their potential impact through matching gifts, they’ll be much more likely to do everything they can to grow their impact – especially since it comes at no extra cost to them.

3) Tie matching gifts into your special events.

It may come as a surprise, but many companies that offer matching gifts will also match in-person donations made at special events. Whether you’re hosting a gala or a 5K, matching gifts are one major way you can energize supporters and maximize their engagement at your fundraising events.

You could potentially double the revenue you’re earning at your event with a few simple steps:

-Add matching gift information to your ticketing form. One of the first places supporters will encounter your event is your registration form. Make sure registrants know about their opportunities right off the bat by including a short paragraph on your ticketing form. Keep it short and simple—just enough to pique their interest but not so much that it intimidates them. Then, invite them to research their eligibility by linking to your matching gift database.

-Include matching gifts on event promotion materials. After registrants sign up for your event, they’ll feel compelled to share their excitement with their friends. Make sure to include information on your marketing materials that will capture attention. This could include eye-catching images, statistics, and major employers in your area that offer match programs.

-Encourage participation in corporate philanthropy at your event. Since you’ll have everyone’s attention, this is the perfect opportunity to make an announcement about matching gifts. At the very minimum, hand out an informational flyer, but also consider hosting a live demo on the event’s big screen. If any of your sponsors are in attendance, ask a representative to speak about their own matching gift program and answer any questions donors may have.

Once any major event wraps up, remember to highlight matching gifts in your follow-up emails as well. Lack of awareness is a major obstacle to overcome. By simply making a short announcement about matching gifts at your events, you can potentially grow your revenue with ease!

4) Streamline the process with dedicated technology.

Handling matching gifts manually slows down the process and leaves room for human error. Instead, your team should invest in dedicated matching gift software.

As matching gift programs have expanded, some software providers in the nonprofit fundraising space have developed dedicated matching gift technology. In order to properly leverage matching gifts, you’ll need to invest in technology to pinpoint all opportunities. By leveraging a database, your team will efficiently accomplish the following:

-Locate and engage with match-eligible donors.

-Keep up with where they are in the match process.

-Quickly access companies’ guidelines and requirements.

Think of it this way: why wouldn’t your donors want to increase their donations without reaching back into their own pockets?

By outsourcing time-consuming work to a dedicated platform, your team will increase matching gift knowledge, streamline the identification and submission process, and overall grow revenue. Plus, your donors will feel much more crucial to your cause by increasing their impact.

As you start to incorporate matching gifts into your day-to-day strategies, keep these industry best practices in mind. From marketing to event planning, make sure your team is leveraging matching gifts every step of the way.

It’s time to claim your portion of the $4-7 billion that goes unclaimed in matching gifts per year. Now that you’re well-versed in matching gifts, start prioritizing them and rallying up support. You’ll grow revenue and boost donor engagement in no time!

Guest blog: Adam Weinger from Double the Donation

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