The post The InitLive To Bloomerang Volunteer Rebrand Kit appeared first on Bloomerang.
This article originally appeared in Bloomerang. See the original article here.
At the end of 2022, we asked 1,000+ nonprofit professionals what worked well in 2022, what they believed would work well in 2023, and their general outlook on the current fundraising climate.
Based on survey results, we found that fundraising success is determined by the media channels nonprofits use to share their message and mission. Determining where to start and what channels are most worthwhile can be confusing, especially when staff capacity and external pressures are involved.
To discover the channel mix preference, we asked nonprofit professionals to rank how likely they were to use specific media channels for fundraising. Coming in highest was email campaigns, with 88.6% of respondents stating they planned to use email marketing in 2023.
In this article, we break down the reasons why email campaigns are a perfect place to begin engaging your donors and how your nonprofit can use email to your advantage starting today.
Here are a few ways you can get started and make the most out of your nonprofit’s email marketing strategy.
GuideStar reports that new donors who receive a thank you within 48 hours of donating are 4 times more likely to give to your organization again.
Generating thank you emails to your donors after every gift is a simple way to let them know that they are seen,appreciated and making a difference in the world. In your thank you email, provide a receipt of their donation, along with a letter or short message about the impact of their gift.
Start thanking your donors today using our thank you email template.
An email welcome series showcases your organization’s mission and creates an opportunity for your supporters to be active participants in your campaigns.
Another option for automatic emails is to create a welcome series. Building an email welcome series requires storytelling and mapping upfront, but will ultimately help supporters feel more connected to your mission and understand the organization’s challenges. An email welcome series also helps supporters identify where they can and want to get involved.
Ideas to include in an email welcome series are:
Setting up automatic emails through a donor database allows you to create engagement that connects your donors more deeply to your mission and continues to work for your nonprofit without continual effort from you or your team. Once it’s built, it’s done!
Putting some intention behind your pre and post-donation communications can make all the difference to a donor – why not capitalize on this low-hanging fruit today?
If your current donor database doesn’t offer automated emails and you want to start engaging with your donors in this way, we are here to help. Bloomerang has an easy-to-use email automation tool directly in the database.
Another crucial way to ensure you’re getting the best results from email campaigns is to segment your supporters into different groups. A more personalized message goes a long way to fostering meaningful, long-term donor relationships. No one likes generic emails clogging their inbox.
Segmentation is determined by the information most important to your organization – from demographics to giving capacity to donation timeframes. Whichever direction you choose to take it, segmented messaging leaves a lasting impression on donors, leading to increased retention rates and fundraising success.
It’s no secret that sticking to regular habits can lead to powerful results over time. Donor stewardship practices aren’t much different. By consistently seeking ways to care for and value donors through email campaigns, you are setting the organization up to do more good and power your mission.
Donors want to know that they are making a positive impact. When your nonprofit takes the time to connect, thank and showcase the work accomplished because of their generosity, the return on investment can be monumental.
It’s no wonder why so many survey respondents shared that email is their most used communication channel to achieve fundraising goals. Your best bet in 2023 and beyond is to use email to drive fundraising efforts home through consistent, segmented, and genuine communication.
The post Email Marketing: Your Fundraising Campaign Starting Point appeared first on Bloomerang.
This article originally appeared in Bloomerang. See the original article here.
People support what they know. Advertising and marketing have recognized this for decades. The more familiarity you can create for your organization, the more likely people are to want to get behind it.
There are many amazing causes to give to and support. Currently, there are over 10 million nonprofits worldwide and 1.5 million in the United States alone. That can be daunting, but don’t worry, according to the United States’ population census there are currently 335,755,690 Americans (as of writing this article) and 56% of them gave to charity in 2021.
This is all to say, there is a lot of competition out there, but there are also a lot of donors ready to support your cause. That is, if they learn to know, like, and trust it.
One of the ways you can increase familiarity and brand recognition for your cause is to create and distribute merchandise. I know, this can sound pretty basic, but there are a lot of organizations out there that haven’t tapped into this form of marketing and dare I say, fundraising.
Having strategically branded and crafted merchandise to sell is something any organization can do, as long as it supports the cause and main mission of your organization.
Here’s how!
Through the art of dropshipping, an organization can design and create products for individuals to purchase without having to stock and sell the products themselves. One of the reasons organizations shy away from selling goods to support their cause is the extra inventory, accounting, and work involved. However, third party companies make merchandising possible and easy.
According to Shopify, “dropshipping is an order fulfillment method where a business doesn’t keep the products it sells in stock. Instead, the seller purchases inventory as needed from a third party – usually a wholesaler or manufacturer – to fulfill orders.”
In other words, as the nonprofit, you design and market the products, but another company actually produces and ships them to the individual. Think of Amazon, where you simply go online and purchase the product and it arrives at your door. This is the experience your customers and donors can have when they support your organization through shopping your merchandise.
In short, selling merchandise helps give your donors another way to support you, gives them an item to keep around their house and home to remind them of you (most likely resulting in other gifts or donations down the road), offers buyers a chance to give a gift from your organization to another individual who may support you, and even helps raise profits for your organization through the margins made on the products.
This can be a great option for nonprofits looking to sell merchandise as a way to raise funds or promote their cause.
Intrigued by the idea?
There are many companies that offer dropshipping services. Some popular options include Shopify and Oberlo. Take some time to look into the different suppliers to find one that offers the types of products you want to sell, and has a good reputation.
In order to sell your merchandise, you’ll need to set up an online store. There are many options for creating an online store, such as using a platform like Shopify, Etsy, or WooCommerce. Choose the option that works best for your needs, aesthetic, and budget as there is typically some cost associated with this.
It is now time to add products to your store. You can do this by connecting your store to your dropshipping supplier using a platform like Oberlo or by manually adding products and their details to your store. Pro Tip: Make sure to include high-quality product photos and detailed descriptions.
Now, you’ll need to set up a way for customers to pay for their purchases and choose a shipping method. You can use a payment gateway like PayPal or Stripe, and choose from a variety of shipping options, such as standard shipping or expedited shipping. Many times, the platforms you have selected will guide you through this process.
Dropshipping can be a convenient and cost-effective way for nonprofits to sell merchandise and raise funds. With a little planning and some online marketing, you can get your dropshipping venture off the ground and start making a difference.
If you are now on board with the idea of dropshipping for merchandise but are a little lost as to what to sell, let’s get into a little more detail about how to choose and design products.
Remember, your product should somehow relate to your organization.
For example, if you are an animal welfare organization, perhaps dog bowls or pet toys with your logo or designs on them would be appropriate.
If your organization is environmentally focused, consider creating reusable cups or straws.
If you are more educationally inclined, designing and selling notebooks, backpacks, and pens would be a great first step.
Explore the products the dropshipping site you chose has to offer and think about what your audience may want. Every nonprofit audience is different so doing some demographical research on what sells would be helpful for you as well.
Adding more products to your collection can’t hurt. Remember, with the dropshipping model, you only pay for what you sell.
When it comes to the products you choose, you can get creative. If your design is strong and has a good message, consider adding:
As long as the message and branding are related to your organization, they can be considered items that are being used to help your nonprofit fulfill its mission.
Once you have created an online shop and chosen which products you want to design and sell, the next step is to brand the products and create attractive designs to upload onto the products selected. In other words, the shops you have chosen have hundred of products to choose from, but they are typically blank. It is up to you and your team to create designs that can be uploaded onto the product.
Pro Tip: Graphic design software like Canva can take a lot of the guesswork out of what looks good and can provide a springboard for your designs.
If you’d like a little more help when it comes to what to put on your items, read the tips below.
Identify your audience: As with anything marketing or sales related, it’s important to research and understand who your nonprofit is seeking to connect with. This will help guide your branding decisions and ensure that your designs are effective in reaching and engaging your target audience.
Define your mission, vision, and values: Your branding should always reflect the mission, vision, and values of your organization. Consider what you stand for and what sets you apart from other nonprofits in your field.
Color palette: Colors are a very powerful tools in branding. Choose a color palette that reflects the personality of your organization. Choose a palette that reflects the tone and mood of your design.
For a little guidance on what colors typically evoke what emotion, here are some common color representations used in branding:
Please remember, these color representations are not set in stone and can vary depending on context. It is always important to put a lot of thought into the intended tone and message of a brand and choose a color palette that aligns with those goals.
Design a logo: Your logo is the key element of your branding. It should be simple, attractive, and memorable.
Select fonts: The font you choose to use in your branding and designs send a message as well. Try to choose a font that is easy to read and communicates the tone of your organization.
Use high-quality visuals: Visuals are a key part of branding, so it’s important to use high-quality images and graphics that reflect your organization and its mission.
Be consistent: Consistency is key in branding. Use the same color palette, fonts, and visuals consistently across all of your marketing materials to create a cohesive brand identity.
Develop a concept: Before you start designing, take some time to brainstorm and develop a concept for your design. This will help to ensure that your design has a clear purpose and direction.
Keep it simple: Simple designs are often the most effective. Think of McDonalds – it’s just a yellow M on a red background, but we could all recognize it from anywhere. Avoid cluttering your design with too many elements and focus on creating a clear and cohesive message.
Once your store is set up and ready to go, it’s time to start spreading the word. You can use social media, email marketing, and other methods to let people know about your merchandise and the cause it supports. Marketing your merchandise won’t be much different than any other marketing effort when it comes to the steps needed and methods used.
Here are some basic marketing tips for getting your merchandise off the ground:
Before you start marketing your merchandise, it’s important to understand who you are trying to reach and what types of products they might be interested in. Try to do some research on your audience’s demographics such as age, gender, and location. This will help you know what products to showcase first.
Work with your team to create a marketing plan that outlines the strategies and tactics you will use to promote your merchandise. This could include tactics such as a giftshop located at your physical office or vicinity, social media marketing on your platforms, email marketing to your constituents, and in-person events like pop up shops or your next gala.
Depending on your target audience, social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter can be powerful tools for promoting your merchandise. Be sure to use these platforms to share pictures and descriptions about your products, engage with your audience, and drive traffic to your website or store.
Email marketing can be an effective way to reach and engage with potential customers because it’s delivered straight to them. Email marketing helps you know what percentage of emails sent are opened and what links are clicked on by your audience. Create email campaigns that showcase your products and provide valuable content to your subscribers. Consider how you can also include a story of someone you’ve served or a result you have gotten to remind your audience what they are supporting when they purchase something from you.
Holding in-person shopping opportunities and events can be a great way to showcase your merchandise and connect with potential customers. Think about hosting a pop-up shop or partnering with local businesses to host events. Consider adding your products to your next silent auction, or include a list of products in your next newsletter or on site at your organization if you have one. Ask that board members share new products with their contacts.
As with any commerce, offering discounts and promotions can be a great way to drive sales and generate buzz about your products. Consider offering discounts to new customers or running promotions for limited periods of time to create a sense of urgency. Also consider running discounts and promotions on days that are symbolic to your organization or on major fundraising days like Giving Tuesday. Encourage board members, staff, and volunteers to wear and showcase items from your shop for some free promotion.
When it comes to the legalities of selling merchandise, be sure you are covering your organization. As mentioned, nonprofit organizations are typically allowed to sell merchandise as long as the profits from the sales are used to further the organization’s core mission.
However, as with any company or organization, there may be certain legal requirements that need to be followed. In the United States, nonprofits are generally required to obtain a sales tax exemption in order to sell merchandise tax-free. In some instances, the organization may also need to register with the state as a sales tax vendor. When it comes to sales tax, nonprofits typically don’t have to pay sales tax on what they sell unless it has gone over a certain amount or unless you have sold merchandise for a certain time period. Each state may have its own unique laws on sales tax so please do your research. If you have sold enough merchandise to hit the sales tax threshold, all you need to do is begin to add sales tax onto your customers tab, be sure to track how much sales tax has been collected, and pay it to the government when the time comes. Please check with your auditors or accountant on your state’s particular laws and act accordingly.
Additionally, also look into obtaining any necessary licenses or permits in order to sell merchandise, depending on the nature of the products being sold and the location where the sales are taking place. For example, a nonprofit that sells food products may need to obtain a food handling permit, and a nonprofit that sells products online may need to obtain a business license from the state in which it is located.
While it’s always important for a nonprofit to carefully research and follow any applicable legal requirements, don’t let any of these items discourage you from beginning to sell your merchandise. Most of the time these laws are easy to oblige and only take a few hours of research to make sure you are compliant.
In sum, if you follow these steps to set up an online store with products that represent your mission and brand, you will be able to increase your revenue for your mission, give your donors and supporters another way to connect with you, and increase your brand recognition. It’s a win, win, win!
The post How To Increase Brand Recognition And Fundraising With Set It And Forget It Approach: A Step-By-Step Guide To Creating And Selling Merchandise Online appeared first on Bloomerang.
This article originally appeared in Bloomerang. See the original article here.
Nonprofit organizations rely on the commitment and active engagement of their board members to make a significant impact in their communities. The allocation of time and effort by board members is crucial for the success of these organizations. In this blog, we will explore the signs of a successful nonprofit board by examining the specific areas where board members can contribute their time. By dedicating just 120 hours per year, board members can make a substantial difference in the organization’s growth, advocacy, fundraising efforts, and overall success.
A successful nonprofit board starts with committed board members who prioritize attending meetings and events. Board members should allocate ten hours per year for regular board meetings, where they actively participate in discussions, provide input, and make informed decisions. Additionally, they should dedicate eight hours to special events and fundraisers, showing their support and engaging with donors and stakeholders. Committing 12 hours per year to committee work allows board members to contribute their expertise in specific areas of focus. Finally, attending the annual meeting for two hours is essential to staying updated on organizational achievements, challenges, and future plans.
Successful board members go beyond their boardroom roles by actively advocating for the nonprofit. Investing ten hours in talking about the organization with family, friends, associates, and various groups helps raise awareness and broaden the network of potential supporters. Engaging in conversations with prospective donors and sharing the impact of the nonprofit’s work is a crucial step in building relationships and attracting vital resources. Board members can leverage their connections within business, religious, and civic communities to spread the organization’s message and increase its visibility.
A successful nonprofit board understands the power of influence. Board members should dedicate 18 hours to convince foundations, government officials, legislators, business leaders, and community influencers that their organization is a wise investment. By sharing success stories, presenting the nonprofit’s impact and demonstrating its financial stability, board members can secure crucial support and partnerships. Building relationships with key stakeholders allows board members to advocate effectively and access resources that further the organization’s mission.
Successful board members prioritize staying informed of the organization’s activities, challenges, and opportunities. Allocating 18 hours per year to read and respond to information provided by the nonprofit ensures that board members are up to date. By actively engaging with the materials and offering feedback or suggestions, they contribute to the organization’s growth and improvement. Regular communication channels should be established to facilitate the flow of information between board members and staff.
A successful nonprofit board actively participates in the organization’s planning processes. Investing eight hours to attend the annual board retreat and strategic planning workshop allows board members to contribute their insights, ideas, and expertise. By collectively defining the nonprofit’s strategic goals, objectives, and action plans, board members provide guidance and ensure alignment with the organization’s mission. The planning process strengthens the board’s connection to the organization and fosters a sense of ownership and accountability.
Successful board members understand the importance of fundraising and take an active role in supporting the nonprofit’s financial sustainability. Allocating 18 hours per year to fundraising activities, such as making calls, writing letters, and participating in major fundraising events, demonstrates commitment and leads by example. Board members should be willing to ask for donations themselves, as it reinforces their belief in the organization’s mission. By dedicating time and effort to fundraising, board members show their commitment and inspire others to contribute to the nonprofit’s success.
Successful board members invest in their personal and professional development to better serve the organization. Dedicate 16 hours per year to attend local boardroom training, conferences, and webinars to gain knowledge about effective board governance. By staying informed about best practices, emerging trends, and challenges in the nonprofit sector, board members can make more informed decisions and contribute to the organization’s success. Lifelong learning is essential for board members to stay relevant, provide valuable insights, and continuously improve their effectiveness in their roles.
The commitment of just 120 hours per year can make a significant difference in the success of a nonprofit organization. By attending meetings, advocating, influencing, staying informed, planning strategically, fundraising actively, and investing in education, board members play a crucial role in the organization’s growth and impact. Their dedication and active engagement contribute to building strong relationships, securing resources, and ensuring the organization’s long-term sustainability. If you are passionate about making a difference in your community, consider joining a nonprofit board and investing your time to create positive change. Together, we can achieve remarkable outcomes and transform lives.
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InitLive Volunteer Management by Bloomerang makes it easy to grow your volunteer base, simplify tasks and save time in the process.
The post Signs Of A Successful Nonprofit Board: Making A Difference With 120 Hours appeared first on Bloomerang.
This article originally appeared in Bloomerang. See the original article here.
Have you ever wondered where you can find a group of passionate donors who share your vision? The answer lies right within your very own volunteer base. These incredible individuals, who are already committed to your cause, hold the key to unlocking the donations your nonprofit needs to thrive.
Finding and engaging new donors is one of the toughest challenges nonprofits face today. The urgency to secure the donations necessary for your nonprofit’s success is evident, but the challenge isn’t impossible.
We’ll explore a new solution to an existing problem by leveraging the power of your own volunteer base. Within this dedicated group of supporters, you can identify and transform them into your most enthusiastic donors, furthering your mission and ensuring the long-term sustainability of your nonprofit. Are you ready? Let’s go!
Engaged volunteers that have hands-on involvement with a nonprofit develop a deep emotional connection. That’s because when people engage in a positive physical experience, our brains release neurotransmitters like dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins that create a strong emotional connection and sense of happiness. This chemical response deepens our sense of meaning, fosters empathy, and strengthens the neural pathways associated with the experience, resulting in a strong, lasting bond.
The secret to unlocking the full potential of volunteers lies in their active participation. They directly witness the impact of their contribution of time, which can inspire them to further that impact and become donors.
Research supports the notion that engaged volunteers are highly likely to become committed donors with 50% of volunteers stating that their experiences have led them to give more financial support. In fact, volunteers donate an average of 10 times more money to charities compared to non-volunteers.
By tapping into the strong connection of engaged volunteers, nonprofits have an opportunity to cross-cultivate them into super supporters – a person who generously gives both time and money.
Here are the steps you can take to turn your volunteers into donors and create your own community of super supporters.
Identify volunteers who consistently demonstrate commitment and active involvement. Create a Group (or “segment”) of these volunteers that you can use to send them targeted communications. While a spreadsheet can be used, best-in-class nonprofits use a relationship management system because it saves time and delivers instant insights and reporting not found in a spreadsheet. Relationship management systems also offer centralized data management, segmentation, and communication features. If you find yourself spending more than four hours per month on volunteer management tasks, it may be worthwhile to explore how a relationship management solution can streamline your operations.
Fostering strong relationships with engaged volunteers requires personalized communications that express gratitude. Regular impact updates are important for creating a sense of connection, appreciation and purpose. Demonstrating the tangible impact of their work reinforces their sense of purpose, and builds trust, leading to emotional connection and increased retention.
Create a compelling campaign specifically tailored to the engaged volunteer segment that makes the “ask” for their financial support. Showcase the direct connection between their volunteer efforts and the need for financial resources to sustain and expand the organization’s programs and initiatives. Present a clear and compelling call-to-action that gives them multiple ways to donate. Emphasize that their financial support will amplify the impact they have already made as volunteers, reinforcing their vital role in the organization’s success.
Identify and prioritize individuals who consistently demonstrate exceptional dedication, passion and commitment. Provide them with personalized communication, exclusive updates and special recognition. Empower them to become ambassadors for your cause, sharing their experiences and expanding your reach. Seek their feedback, involve them in decision-making and cultivate a sense of ownership. By nurturing these super supporters, you tap into their influential role as ambassadors, amplifying awareness and attracting new supporters to further your organization’s impact.
It’s time to unlock the potential of your volunteers and invite them to become donors. These extraordinary individuals have the power to create a profound impact on your cause, and letting their untapped potential go to waste is leaving money on the table.
Super supporters can be a transformative force that brings about positive change. So embrace their passion, ignite their spirits and let your super supporters fuel your mission so you can make an exponential difference in the lives of those you serve.
The post Turn Your Dedicated Volunteers into Repeat Donors appeared first on Bloomerang.
This article originally appeared in Bloomerang. See the original article here.