Encourage generosity! How? Allow people to choose from several options. One size does not fit all. One suggested giving action may appeal to one person, while a different one inspires someone else. Overall, people do want to contribute and do want to help. Choices can be helpful to encourage giving.
For example, a small private school in the Midwest gathered together a number of different items and created an online auction as one of their fundraisers. A special website was created to showcase the items and for one week people could bid. The website had photos and relevant descriptions, which let people get a good idea of what they were bidding on, since they couldn’t see them in person.
Choices help to promote giving and commitment. With each choice, it is important to include a “call-to-action” which can be a brief description of the organization’s mission with a “donate button” for people to click on. It is important to make it clear how a person can participate or donate.
While there are many options, following are five “giving actions” to encourage generosity.
1) Week-long online auction
Create an online auction which lasts a week and allows people to participate in a silent auction virtually. Create a website with the auction items clearly listed in photos and descriptions.
2) Create a specific dollar amount for a goal and ask people to help reach that goal
If an organization has a special dollar amount that is needed by a certain date, ask others for help. Share the amount and the hoped-for deadline for reaching that amount. One focus can be on if everyone gives a little, it adds up to a lot.
3) Participate in a nationwide “Giving Tuesday” or create your own for a month
Many organizations participate in a nationwide giving campaign, such as “Giving Tuesday.” Information should include specific examples of how people can help. Another spin-off from this is to pick a different month in the year and have a certain day each week be a giving day for the organization. For example: in the month of October, every Thursday is “Benefit Thursday” and something special about the organization is featured. Or a special project is featured, asking for help to fund it.
4) Sales letter
In the letter, focus on one idea and include examples of what is happening and what help is still needed with a specific call-to-action. Also it’s good to include encouragement and value to the people reading the letter.
5) Legacy giving
Sometimes legacy giving is referred to as “planned giving.” A person designates a specific organization through a will or other formal designation.
See more ideas with “Five Actions to Encourage Generosity” and “Five More Actions to Encourage Generosity” at www.butterflycopywriting.com in the “Connect-Impact-Empower” section. Share your favorite way to engage people to be a part of your nonprofit.
Connect with Val at val@butterflycopywriting.com to explore more giving action ideas to encourage generosity specific to your organization..
Do you need help with figuring out the best ways to let others know about your event? Contact Val at val@butterflycopywriting.com. I can help you determine the best promotion choices for your event and help you create them.