3 Bad Habits of Ineffective Fundraising Campaigns

Even the most organized and dedicated fundraising campaigns can make dreadful mistakes that may result in the loss of potentially thousands of dollars. Although it’s nearly impossible to hold a “perfect” fundraising campaign, avoiding these top three bad habits of ineffective fundraising campaigns may increase the profitability and visibility of your fundraising efforts.

Bad Habit #1 – Lack of Confidence

Most people do not enjoy asking for money. If you were the child who quietly asked your neighbors if they’d like to buy driven coffee for your school fundraiser, or worse, you had your parents orchestrate the entire event, you may find yourself paralyzed at the prospect of asking a multitude of strangers for donations. This is the biggest mistake you can make for any fundraiser.

Avoid feeling ashamed when asking for donations by clearly outlining why you need funds and where the funds will be going. Remember, you’re not asking money to help pay for rent. You’re raising funds for a community organization or cause. No matter the reason, build confidence by knowing what you’re doing isn’t “panhandling,” but asking your community to become involved in a cause or organization you feel strong about. Be proud of your attempt to help a situation.

Bad Habit #2 – Talking At, Instead of With Donors

This is one of the hardest habits to break. You’ve spent a considerable amount of time building your knowledge base and researching specifics about your cause or organization. Since you have such a dedicated memory space, it’s easy to begin talking at donors instead of opening up a conversation. You’ll never attract high-quality donors if you do nothing but monologue at them.

Engage donors by opening a dialogue. It is important to take time to divulge what you wish to say while opening up a space to clearly hear the donors. This is the only way you can create open and transparent relationships with donors, and these are the only relationships that yield high-qualty donations.

Bad Habit #3 – Avoiding Fundraiser Changes

While you may have spent countless hours brainstorming and creating your fundraising campaign, the most successful campaigns are those that are open to change. Don’t be afraid to alter your tactics and modes of communication. Just because you spent months creating the “perfect” campaign doesn’t mean that it’ll be successful. The truth of the matter is, some campaigns are destined to fail. Another truth is all campaigns are destined to be successful if you’re willing to adapt and change your game plan according to the unique requirements and demands of your target donor demographic.


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How to Brand Your Fundraising Efforts

If you’ve taken any time to research what it takes to create a successful online fundraising campaign, or to be successful in online marketing at all, then you’ve likely stumbled across the topic of “branding.” In terms of online presence, branding refers to the act of establishing your organization as not only an authority, but THE authority within your industry or niche. While the steps to brand your fundraising efforts may vary based upon your industry, there are several universal rules.

Tip #1 – Synchronize Logo and Color Scheme
Perhaps one of the most important steps in branding your fundraising efforts is to use a uniform logo and color scheme for all communications. This means using the same color scheme and logo for social media posts, newsletters, infographics, websites and in all donor communications. Uniformity is the most powerful element in branding.

Tip #2 – Consistent Message and Mission Statement
Creating and sticking to a consistent message and mission statement is among the most powerful ways to streamline all fundraising efforts and branding your cause. When you go forth with a consistent message then all efforts and communications align with the primary goal. This is essential when communicating with potential donors on a small and large scale. Before ever beginning a fundraiser, make sure your organization and the entire support staff align with your message. If those speaking on your behalf don’t understand what you stand for, then incorrect information may be delivered. Mission organizations are one of the best examples of this branding tip. World Vision, for instance, has a strong mission statement and message available with all of their branding and marketing efforts.

Tip #3 – Become an Authority
If you wish to attract donors who are dedicated to your cause or organization, then you must create a space where valuable information is collected. Creating a blog or content-rich website is essential to branding your organization. Think of ways that you can educate visitors on not only surface-level information, but abstract information as well. The goal is to provide visitors with valuable and unique information regarding your industry or cause. Doing so engages visitors and creates loyalty. The reason: you’re providing free and accurate information. Visitors will want to repay this act by giving donations to your cause.

Tip #4 – Create Social Media Hashtag Campaigns
In order to create a true brand, you must communicate with potential donors in their current language; social media. The most effective way to brand your campaign and organization through social media is to utilize hashtag campaigns. For example, #GiveChildrenBackpacks if your organization provides school supplies to poverty-stricken children. This not only promotes your organization, but also creates a buzz regarding your fundraising efforts. Both are essential when branding your cause.


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