ten ephilanthropy tips for tough times - foundation center - 2009-01-08

Ten ePhilanthropy Tipsfor Tough Times

• Stimulate fundraising• Attract new constituents

• Engage current constituents

Norman Reiss Manager, Online Services

Crohn's & Colitis Foundation

Nonprofit Bridge www.nonprofitbridge.com

Foundation CenterJanuary 8, 2009

©Nonprofit Bridgewww.nonprofitbridge.com

Tip #1

• Optimize online donations

– Available on your web site?

– Easy to find?

– Provide many ways to donate?

– Have you tested all forms?



Tip #2

• Review email newsletter signup options

– Easy to sign up?

– How much information do you ask for?

– Can you commit to a regular schedule?

– Always ask for email addresses



Tip #3

• Email newsletter strategies– Don't send everything to everyone

– Keep to a regular schedule

– Track statistics on open rate, click thru etc.

– Write a powerful subject line

– Pay attention to unsubscribes

– Include one call to action



Tip #4

• Use multichannel strategies

– Plan appeals to use online and offline components

– Structure your organization so that online and offline staff work together

– Use content optimized for each platform

– Maintain an integrated calendar



Tip #5

• Keep in touch with constituents

– Focus on top supporters

– Personalize auto responders

– Show them other ways they can help besides financial contributions

– Demonstrate the difference they are making



Tip #6

• Be visible on other platforms

– Not everyone will visit your web site

– Develop a presence on Facebook

– Use Technorati, Google Search to learn who's talking about your organization online

– Write a blog and develop relationships with nonprofit bloggers



Tip #7

• Promote online fundraising

– Spread the word about organization events

– Encourage third party fundraising efforts

– Use an established online vendor

– Develop 'friends supporting friends' events



Tip #8

• Use web statistics

– Use Google Analytics – free

– Track most popular web pages

– Review which sites visitors come from

– Look at trends, not absolute numbers



Tip #9

• Focus on usability– Ask 5 people to do common tasks on your web site

– Use surveys to get information, e.g. SurveyMonkey

– Pay attention to general inquiries

– Review all online transaction forms



Tip #10

• Stay positive

– Constituents have always continued to donate during past recessions

– Online strategies may not require a large capital investment

– Focus on opportunities, not on problems



Resources

Network for GoodOnline Fundraising Guide

Mal WarwickFundraising in Tough Times

About.comNonprofit Hard Times Survival Guide

The AgitatorTips for Fundraising in Tough Times

Nonprofit ConsultingFundraising in Difficult Times

Beth’s BlogSocial Media in Economic Downturn

Philanthropy JournalSuccessful Fundraising in Tough Times

Nonprofit TimesGiving and the Recession



Questions?

Norman Reiss

Manager, Online ServicesCrohn's & Colitis Foundation

www.ccfa.org

Nonprofit [email protected]

Giving and the Recession

http://www.nptimes.com/instantfund/08Dec/IF-081218-1.html

ten ephilanthropy tips for tough times - foundation center - 2009-01-08

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