Did you know that online giving increased 9.2% from 2014 to 2015? Or that the number of gifts given online grew by 13%? While online giving still makes up only a small fraction of total donations to non-profits, it is a trend that is here to stay.
Give to the Max Day 2016 is set for November 17th. It continues to be a big part of how non-profits increase their share of online donors. Last year alone, 62,750 donors contributed over $18 million benefiting 5,726 Minnesota nonprofits and schools. Better yet, 87% of nonprofits and schools received gifts from brand new donors!
So what can your organization do to make the best of this day of generosity? Here are a few tips:
- Set realistic and achievable goals. Whether it raising $1,000 or receiving 100 gifts, having a specific goal in mind gives you something to share with potential donors and helps engage them in being a part of something bigger than themselves.
- Don’t rely solely on social media alone to get your message out. Use all channels available to let people know what you are up to. Send email blasts, shoot out press releases, send flyers home with school kids. But don’t forget to include a link to your GiveMN page!
- Use this opportunity to share stories of the good work you are doing. When people can see the impact you are having in your community they will be more likely to give.
- Don’t be discouraged. It takes time to build relationships with new donors and you have to be willing to play the long game. Online giving will continue to grow with each year and you are laying a foundation for the future.
Online giving has created a whole new world of opportunity for non-profits and we are really just scratching the surface. We can expect that this is an area of giving that will continue to grow, and we have to be willing to adapt as the technology keeps pushing us. For more information about Give to the Max Day and a toolkit with logos, press release templates, flyers and more click here.
