Online Fundraising & Social Media Terms for Beginners

Over the weekend I attended an event and met a nice older gentleman who worked at a nonprofit organization. While I was discussing some of what we do here at Fundly, a glazed look came over his eyes and he just stood there smiling. I realized that so many times we take for granted that people naturally understand, and are involved in, the world of technology these days. Since you may be new to the nonprofit world, social media, or online fundraising, I thought it would be nice to take a moment to briefly explain some commonly used terms.

Blog – an informational website that has a particular theme and consistent updates. It is an ongoing commentary on topics of interest that allows readers to interact via comments, likes, and shares.

Crowdfunding – enlisting individuals to network and pool resources via the internet to support a cause or organization. For example, in the fallout of a natural disaster, many people log on to a popular website and donate to an organization aiding those affected by the destruction, sharing with and encouraging their social networks to do the same.

Like – supporting or showing approval to a comment made on Facebook. A virtual thumbs up!

Microblogging – mini updates of what you are working on, sharing articles that you like, or attaching pictures that you would like others to see. What people “post” on Facebook or “Tweet” on Twitter.

Online Fundraising – raising money for a cause or organization using internet resources, such as social networking sites and e-mail.

Post  - status updates, comments, pictures, and shared content on Facebook.

Retweet – reposting what someone has already Tweeted for your followers to read.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) – the process of improving the visibility of a website in a search engine’s organic search results, such as Google or Bing. SEO incorporates keywords into a website that will result in a higher ranking in search results and, ultimately, more traffic to the website. Think about what words people will type into the search engine to find out more information about your organization or topic and highlight those terms on your site.

Share – reposting others’ content onto your own Facebook Page to share with your friends or followers.

Social Media Fundraising – using social media networks (such as Facebook, Twitter, and Google+) to raise money by sharing donors, updates, thank you’s, and supporters. This also entails encouraging donors and supporters to promote and share your cause.

Social Media Network – Facebook and Twitter are the two most popular social media networks. They allow people, businesses, and organizations to create a profile/account to connect with other people or organizations they know that are registered there. Once you approve of someone connecting to you on that site, you can read what they write and they can see what you write (also called a “post” on Facebook or “Tweet” on Twitter). Other popular Social Media Networks include: LinkedIn, Google+, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Tweet – comments that are made on Twitter.

Webpage – most websites have various links that are connected to the website. Picture the website as a book and each tab a separate chapter.

Website – the compilation of webpages that makes up a specific website.

Widget – “Widgets allow users to turn personal content into dynamic web apps that can be shared on websites where the code can be installed. For example, a “Weather Report Widget” could report today’s weather by accessing data from the Weather Channel, it could even be sponsored by the Weather Channel. Should you want to put that widget on your own Facebook profile, you could do this by copying and pasting the embed code into your profile on Facebook.” Wikipedia can say it better than I can!
If I’ve left any terms out that you would like to know more about, please leave a comment below. Also, if there is a relevant term that you would like to add, please post your idea in the comment section also.

Fundly News Roundup: Looking to the Future

In one newly launched campaign, a Seattle-based comic artist raised money to protect the legacy of a 19th-century inventor by tapping into the “electrifying” power of social media fundraising. However, this campaign was only one of many to see remarkable results as August began to wind down. Here’s a roundup of the week’s fundraising news.

Tesla museum fundraiser gets a jolt

Let’s Build a Goddamn Tesla Museum – Nikola Tesla was an inventor in the late 19th and early 20th century who was instrumental in bringing electricity to the world. But despite his enormous contributions to science and society, there is no museum honoring his work. Recently, artist Matthew Inman sought to change that, kicking off an online fundraising campaign to buy Tesla’s former laboratory in Long Island, New York, and turn it into a museum. After just a week, Inman had raised more than $1 million, far exceeding his $850,000 target.

Athletic supporters

Fans for Fruth – The Fond du Lac School District in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, has been raising money to revamp its Fruth Memorial Athletic Field, and is nearing its $800,000 goal, according to The Fond du Lac Reporter. The field has been home to Fond du Lac and St. Mary’s Springs’ football teams for more than 90 years, and is set to receive a new entranceway and pavilion, press box, concession stands, restrooms and increased handicap accessibility, the source said.

Final wishes

Michael Antcliffe – After being diagnosed with cancer in 2011, then-36-year-old Canadian Michael Antcliffe asked his friends and followers on Facebook to donate $10 to cancer research upon his death, according to the CBC. Last week, Antcliffe passed away, and so far his social media fundraising effort has raised more than $20,000 to help local cancer patients in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Glenn Craig, head of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, told the source it “really shows … the power of social media.”

Before I Die Wall – Following the success of similar projects in cities around the world, Kimberly Gambucci recently turned to Fundly.com to raise money to create a Before I Die Wall in Phoenix. The concept,
originated by artist Candy Chang, encourages community members to share their hopes and dreams for the future in a public space. Gambucci is hoping to raise $2,000 by October to complete the project.

Organizational success

The Boys & Girls Club of Salem – In New Hampshire, the Boys & Girls Club of Salem recently implemented a new donor platform that takes advantage of social media fundraising to achieve its fiscal goals, according to Virtual-Strategy.com. Within a week of using the new online fundraising platform, the organization was able to raise $15,000 to replace a gym floor, the group’s executive director told the source.
Epilepsy Society – Across the pond in England, the Epilepsy Society was able to increase its donor contributions by 15 percent over the last year, despite having cut its overall fundraising budget by more than 15 percent, according to Civil Society Media. Epilepsy Society Fundraising and Marketing Director Bridget Gardiner told the source that the increase resulted largely from a significant investment in social media fundraising campaigns.

Schooled in the art of fundraising

Fundraising for Education – Non-profits aren’t the only ones to have tapped the power of social fundraising. A growing number of students are taking to the platform to raise money to cover the cost of education. RedOrbit.com recently highlighted the story of one young man from Central America who was able to finance his education at Cornell University and move his family to Ithaca, New York, after sharing the story of the gang-related murder of his childhood best friend, and his ambition to improve public policies in his home country.

Are You Appealing to the Right Audience?

For-profit companies spend billions of dollars determining who uses their products and hire ad agencies to create the perfect hook. From “hot chicks” to annoyingly perky jingles, it is often times easy to determine who the target audience is. As a nonprofit leader, do you know who your audience is? What are you doing to appeal to your spectrum of donors?

There are a lot of great things about online fundraising, but one of them has to be the ability to change your website’s appearance and the variety of ways that you can target different donors. While product marketing generally focuses on one demographic, nonprofit marketing needs to appeal to a vast amount of people. It’s important to analyze who the majority of your donor base is, how to attract a younger donor to instill future giving, and determine what past campaigns have worked and why.

Huffington Post writer Jessica Prois reported on a new study published by the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University, which determined that baby boomers and older women give an incredible 89 percent more of their income to charity than men.

“Women of all demographics are influencing philanthropy in new ways through technology, family foundations and an insider ‘culture’ of giving that includes using groups to fundraise,” comments Prois.

Why is this study pertinent? I think it breaks down several misconceptions that we tend to have towards our donor demographics. Often times, the focus falls on the 35 and under crowd, with the assumption that they are the primary audience on social networking sites and are more skilled at using technology for social change. This study shows that the baby boomer generation is, in fact, just as active in fundraising through social media. Furthermore, while men continue to receive a higher paycheck then women, their female counterparts lead the pack in generosity.

Another important takeaway reveals that nonprofits need to take the time to analyze who is contributing the most to their cause, creating a strategy for future campaigns. While it is important to focus a large percentage of time and money on current donors, it is also important to incorporate opportunities for involvement for any gaps in the giving demographic you may have. Take your donor base into consideration when planning events and promotional graphics. These graphics can also be threaded throughout your campaign and website to draw potential supporters in visually. Check out some website examples that are using color schemes and images to grab attention, appealing to current and potential supporters.

LiveStrong.org is uses crisp graphics and a bold color scheme to appeal to a younger, athletic crowd.

SavetheChildren.org includes powerful close-up pictures of young children that would tug on any mother’s heart strings.


Finally, and most importantly, define and illustrate the personality and image of your organization. Take a look at your employees and leadership team, are they a proper representation for the people you are helping and the donors you are trying to attract? Does your website or giving page portray your organization properly? Knowing who you are attracting and then creating an outreach plan can help you work smarter, not harder with your fundraising efforts.

Feeling Burned Out? Stop, Drop, and Roll

I’ve worked with countless nonprofit leaders over the years and they all have a few things in common: an intense passion, extremely high expectations, and an incomparable work ethic. While these are all extraordinary qualities to possess, these traits can also cause a bad case of burn out. Since being exhausted is never fun (for you or your coworkers), here are some ways to prevent burn out and continue delivering for your cause:

Stop! One of the major causes of burn out is neglecting to take some time for yourself. A seemingly obvious remedy, the act of taking a little “me” time can be hard to accomplish with a long “to do” list weighing on your mind. This can be especially true in philanthropy, education, and child care, where there is a constant focus on meeting the needs of others. When there aren’t enough hours in the day, how in the world do you find time to take a breather from your impending tasks?

The best way to eliminate burn out is to prevent it. Try to set a consistent time of day when you take a walk around your building, synchronize your break time with a fellow coworker to chat, or just stand up and stretch. Do your best to also leave your workday at the office and focus on your family and friends. 95% of what we think is important can wait another day.

Drop! Get rid of what isn’t working. Take time to evaluate your projects, calendar, and events to measure input verses output during your work day. Sometimes our inner control freak comes out, clinging on for dear life – let go and delegate! While it may be easier said than done, trusting others allows you to focus on important aspects of your organization. Every task may feel important, but be sure to take the time to focus your efforts and avoid spreading yourself too thin.

Get rid of unrealistic expectations. As the leader your passion, dedication, and sacrifice will far exceed that of your staff. Though they are dedicated to your cause and organization, your employees may not be willing to put in 60 hours a week without overtime. Furthermore, not every supporter will attend every function, read every e-mail, or fund every project. It is a great feat to find qualified staff willing to work for and partner with your mission and monumental to have a donor show their support for your cause in any capacity.

Roll … with the punches. Some of the best leaders surround themselves with a trusted group of advisors who can handle problems when things don’t go as planned. Most of the time, supporters and volunteers won’t see a small hiccup in an otherwise flawless event or campaign. As cliché as the old saying is, “expect the best but plan for the worst.” Something is bound to go wrong when you are planning a major direct mail campaign, annual event, or important presentation. Do want you can to solve the problem and then let go. Holding on to a list of past problems or failures fuels burnout and distracts your focus.

Being flexible is also important as new fundraising trends spring up. Don’t stress about what you do or don’t know about online fundraising, social media, or phone apps. Build a strong support system of other nonprofit leaders that can provide encouragement and share valuable resources. Find out what works for them, what online resources they use, and what trends they tend to follow. Meeting with others who know what you are going through can be the best way to bring fresh ideas to the table and prevent you from spiraling out of control towards a sever case of burn out!

Fundly News Roundup: Viral Videos & International Aid

Non-profit organizations can put a lot of weight behind their social fundraising campaigns by adding video content, and one expert in the field recently offered some insight into the best ways to make an eye-catching fundraising video. Meanwhile, a Fundly.com campaign has captured the imagination of the fundraiser’s local community, spurring an incredible amount of donations in the last week. Here’s a roundup of these stories and some of the week’s other social fundraising news:

A video’s worth a thousand words

The DoGooder Non-profit Video Awards - Recently, Michael Hoffman, president of video agency See3 Communications, sat down with ReelSEO.com and offered some do’s and don’ts for non-profits that want to add video content to their fundraising campaigns. One of the points he stressed was that organizations should not focus on themselves, but rather the people they serve. Fundraising videos should also include a clear call to action, he said.

Social change and lemonade

Make a Stand - As we reported two weeks ago, 8-year-old Vivienne Harr recently embarked on a campaign to raise $125,000 to help end child slavery, and her cause appears to have caught on. Not only has the local media in her hometown of Fairfax, California, started reporting on her ambitious goal, media outlets around the world have picked up the story, leading to more than $20,000 donations in a single day. On her Fundly.com page, one supporter pointed out, “You made the news in Brazil.”

Local and international aid

Lisa King for Gaza, Mozambique - Habitat for Humanity helps build shelters for impoverished families all over the globe, and one woman has turned to Fundly.com to raise money for the cause. Lisa King is just shy of her $2,000 goal to fund her trip to Mozambique, where more than half the population lacks adequate shelter. King has nearly two months left to accomplish her goal.

The Center for Pranic Healing - One organization is hoping to relieve the suffering of humanity in a different way. The Center for Pranic Healing teaches people to use their energy to promote healing, health and happiness, which group leaders say will lead to a balanced life. The center has set a goal to raise $500,000 over the next three months on its Fundly.com campaign, to promote its teachings.

Fundraising for a song

Daniel’s Music Foundation - At age 12, Daniel Trush suffered a brain aneurysm and spent nearly three years in recovery. Today, at 27, he is fully recovered and has his own music foundation, which offers free music lessons to all individuals in the New York area who have disabilities, including children, veterans and the elderly. The $25,000 one avid supporter hopes to raise through Fundly.com will go toward establishing a space for the foundation in New York City.

Fundraising is for the dogs

The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - Across the border in British Columbia, Canada, local celebrities were recently locked away in kennels, relying on friends to raise money for the B.C. SPCA to get them out. One prominent prisoner, Erin Cebula of Entertainment Tonight Canada, told regional news source The Province that she had “been doing most of [her] fundraising by social media.”

Puh-puh-puh-poker face

Charitable poker runs - One popular fundraising activity appears to be banned in the state of Kansas, according to Nonprofit Quarterly. During a motorcycle poker run, bikers ride from location to location collecting playing cards and hoping for the best poker hand possible. According to the state of Kansas, however, this constitutes gambling and is illegal. But one Kansas official has come up with an interesting workaround: Bikers can throw darts to try and hit their desired card, making it a game of skill instead of chance.

5 Top Nonprofit Leaders to Follow

Running a nonprofit is like being the captain of a ship. You’re leading a crew to a specific destination only to have unforeseen storms stir up the waters, you may come across other ships competing for your hearty catch, and sometimes you just feel completely lost at sea. Fear not! There are those who have mapped out the course ahead of you and are willing to share tips and lessons from their perilous journeys. Here are five nonprofit leaders that you should keep an eye on by following them on Twitter or subscribing to their blogs:

1)      Nancy Schwartz: @NancySchwartz from New York, NY; Blog: Getting Attention
Schwartz’s blog is a top pick, addressing issues that are in today’s headlines and applying them to the nonprofit world. From analyzing other nonprofit’s mistakes to cheering for Olympic gold, she clearly has her finger on the pulse of current events and boldly shares her opinions. Furthermore, she has great posts pertaining to topics that a majority of organizations struggle with, such as the entry on how to Make Your Nonprofit Messages Stick and her tips on training your staff to be great representatives for your organization.

2)      Sandy Rees: @SandyRees from East Tennessee; Blog: Get Fully Funded
Often times, the number one task that nonprofits focus on is getting the cash to carry out their mission. Rees has created an awesome blog that solely focuses on getting your hands on the much needed funding that seems to make the world go ‘round. Most nonprofits would agree that one complaint never uttered in this sector is “we have too much money”. With Rees’ suggestions, expertise, and a variety of resources, you can create a solid strategy to obtain your fundraising goals.

3)      Marnie Webb: @webb from San Francisco, CA; Blog: Caravan Studios
What I enjoy about Webb’s blog are her insights, examples, and out-of-the box way of thinking. Her prose is entertainingly quirky, while the information that she brings to the forefront is practical and applicable. Webb has researched the latest trends concerning the use of technology in fundraising while also emphasizing the building blocks for running a traditional nonprofit in an ever-changing world. Instead of scanning through hours of pages on the internet, her blog allows you to discover different schools of thought pertaining to the philanthropic world by highlighting the points of interest from different articles. Webb’s blog is seemingly like those yellow and black Cliff’s Notes pamphlets you deny using in college (without the bad rap)!

4)      John Haydon: @johnhaydon from Boston, MA; Blog: John Haydon
Technology can seem like a blessing and a curse. What was designed to make our lives simpler and more efficient, has made many of us confused and overwhelmed. Many nonprofits are left wondering what social networking sites they need to be on, how much attention should they devote to this medium, and where should they even begin in this whole process. Haydon’s blog does a great job at addressing these very issues, plus much more. He has also created an extremely helpful Facebook profile, The Nonprofit Facebook Guy, to keep nonprofits in the know about the latest features on the social network. Whether you’re a novice using the internet or a seasoned pro, you’ll find tips and valuable recommendations to stay abreast concerning online fundraising and social media.

5)      Katya Andresen: @katyaN4G from Washington, DC; Blog: Katya’s Nonprofit Marketing Blog
Marketing is much of the lifeblood of any nonprofit. You could run the most effective programs in the world, but it wouldn’t mean a thing if no one participated or donated. In a world where we are blasted with advertisements on TV, the internet, and in our favorite magazines, it’s hard to stand out. With so many images and slogans vying for our attention, developing an eye-catching story and marketing strategy can be a struggle for many organizations. This struggle sometimes appears unsurmountable when there are countless other charities asking for money to support their worthy cause. Andresen explains the ins and outs of marketing, traps to avoid, and presents good examples of what can be done to overcome these challenges. She also discusses ways to insert new life into your marketing plans and keep donors tied in to your organization.

Fundly News Roundup: Social Media & Peer Support

A recent roundtable discussion with the leaders of some of the most powerful social networking sites in the world revealed some of the many ways non-profits can use social media in their fundraising efforts, and gave clues to the future of philanthropy. Meanwhile, individuals and organizations across the country have been taking action to support their friends and communities – sometimes quite literally. Here’s a roundup of the week’s fundraising news:

Social support

The Fast Company - Recently, business media magazine Fast Company gathered some of the top brass at websites like YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Zynga to discuss the impact social media has had on non-profit fundraising and philanthropy. Speaking to reporter Farhad Manjoo, Hunter Walk, director of product management at YouTube, said successful social fundraising campaigns have to have three components: “content, community, and a call to action.”

Extra support

BraLaPalooza - A Chicago-based non-profit is using social media to get the word out about an upcoming event. Support1000 is an organization that collects new and gently-used bras to give to social services organizations that help women. The group recently took to Twitter and Fundly.com to spread information about BraLaPalooza, a one-day event on August 25 during which volunteers will sort and ship more than 15,000 bras to organizations around the world.

Support the troops

8-6-11 - Just over a year ago, 31 U.S. soldiers were shot down and killed in Afghanistan. Many of those soldiers were Navy SEALs. Recently, a Fundly.com campaign was started to raise money to help their surviving family members, and to honor their memory.

Honor Flights - On August 7, the Lafayette, Indiana, chapter of the Gold Star Moms held a charity event to raise money for a chartered flight to Washington, D.C., for local World War II veterans. These trips, called Honor Flights, allow these ex-soldiers to visit the nation’s capital and view the recently erected WWII monument. A flight scheduled for September already has 84 veterans signed up, and an October flight is more than half full, according to The Journal & Courier.

Child support

Zumbathon - A recent tragedy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, left three children orphaned. To help raise money to support them, their grandmother held a charity event on August 4 during which more than 200 attendees worked out to the popular dance-based exercise, Zumba.

Robert’s Frozen Custard - Another trio of orphans from Germantown, Wisconsin, were the beneficiaries of a supportive community recently when local merchant Darren Stamm announced he would give 100 percent of the profits from his Robert’s Frozen Custard Shop on July 31 to the youngsters. Hundreds of people lined up for this event, according to local Fox affiliate WITI. It was the first of three planned for the kids. The second took place August 11 at Fat Charlie’s Restaurant in Richfield, Wisconsin.

Life support

The Fleisher Foundation - An organization dedicated to heart health recently completed its fundraising goal through Fundly.com. The Fleisher Foundation announced this week it has raised more than its $10,000 goal in a campaign to promote CPR training and combat sudden cardiac arrest. The money was raised as part of the foundation’s annual 10k Mud Run, during which participants take to the Marine obstacle course at Camp Pendleton.

Healing Hands - A fundraiser was held recently in Bristol, Virginia, to benefit the Healing Hands Health Clinic, which provides healthcare to low-income members of the community who can’t afford insurance. Donors shared their personal experiences with the organization during the Cirque de Soleil-themed party and helped raise $100,000 to support the healthcare provider, according to the Bristol Herald Courier.

You Ask, We Answer: Overcoming Common Barriers

 Check out the highlights and expanded answers from last week’s live Q&A.

Q: If an NPO is just starting & isn’t reputable yet, what are some fundraising tips or ways to gain trust over social media?

A: Share your story in a way that connects with people emotionally and allows the passion for the cause to shine. It’s the human touch and common ground that causes people to relate to an organization and come along side to partner with them. Parents are particularly drawn to causes concerning children because of the strong bond they have with their own. People with a shared passion for the outdoors have a sense of camaraderie about environmental issues. Who is your target audience? In answering this question, it is important to consider the best avenues through which to reach out to that audience.

Sharing your impact is also important if the organization has been able to show some positive results thus far. Take pictures of your events and gather quotes from the attendees to post on your website and social media profiles. Share the progress you’ve made over the past year concerning people that you’ve aided, acres of rainforest that you helped to protect, or show pictures of the progression of a building project. Donors want to be a part of something life changing and great, don’t be afraid to tell them how great you are!

Finally, social media is just that… social! Here are the best ways to earn a great reputation: follow through on promises and get the backing of someone reputable to endorse you. Share success stories and use social media to promote the impact of your organization. Next, rally supporters around your cause. It could be as big as finding a company or local personality to state their support, or as simple as encouraging your friends on Facebook to “Like” your page. The best way to gain someone’s trust is to find someone they trust to recommend your nonprofit. Your Fundly page provides an avenue for donors and supporters to share each time someone contributes to a cause, encouraging others to join them.

Q: We’re in our mid campaign slump. Best way to crawl out?

A: Are you sharing those important milestones with existing supporters and others using email, Twitter, and Facebook? With this momentum, now seems like a perfect time to contact blogs, websites, and local media – ask them to share! Milestones are a great way to rally supporters to help you reach your goal!

If the tide is low for your organization, why not create some waves for yourself? Organize a free meet and greet with donors, potential supporters, city officials, local business people, or fellow nonprofit leaders – remind them of how great your organization and its impact are! Arrange a special brainstorming session with your board or staff to generate new ways to encourage others to give or reach an untargeted group of supporters. In the meantime, this is also a great opportunity to “clean house”. Consider renovating your website, testing what times of day get the best responses for your Tweets, or taking polls on Facebook to see what interests your donors. Now is the perfect time to do the things that you’re too busy to do the rest of the year.

Fear not,  you’re not alone! Summertime tends to be the slow season for many nonprofits as their donors are on vacation and when kids are not at school so more money is spent on entertaining them. Hang in there!

Do you have a question about online fundraising for one of our Fundly professionals? Follow #fundraisingtips on Twitter every Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. Pacific time. We look forward to helping you create successful online fundraising campaigns to promote your cause. If you won’t be able to attend the Q&A, leave your question in the comment section below and look for it in the recap next week!

Fundly News Roundup: Individuals, Organizations, & Social Justice

In the wake of a tragic shooting, survivors and supporters are banding together to raise money to help victims and their families. Meanwhile, individuals and organizations around the world have been kicking off campaigns to bring social justice, spirituality and strength to those in need. Here’s a roundup of the week’s fundraising news.

Fundraisers for Aurora

Aurora, Colorado – On July 20, a shooting took place in a crowded movie theater in the Denver suburb of Aurora, leaving 13 dead and dozens more injured. In response, the families of victims, along with members of the local community, have initiated several fundraising efforts to help cover the cost of treating those who were wounded. Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper has been working together with one charitable organization to organize a text message-driven fundraiser in support of the Aurora Victim Relief Fund. So far, they have raised more

… And justice for all

Make-A-Stand – After learning about child slavery on a trip to California with her family, 8-year-old Vivienne Harr decided to help put a stop to it. To achieve her goal, Vivienne has built a lemonade stand and intends to use it to raise $150,000. She has also started a Fundly.com fundraising page so anyone can support her campaign by buying a virtual cup of lemonade. The pre-adolescent abolitionist is also enlisting the support of her fellow kids in starting their own lemonade stands for charity.

Badass Brooklyn – Another dedicated group of individuals has started a Fundly.com campaign to liberate a group of oppressed prisoners – but these captives are of the canine variety. Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue finds dogs in high-kill animal shelters in the South, buys them, vaccinates, spays or neuters them, and finds them a home with a caring family in the New York borough of Brooklyn. Every “Badass Friday,” the group asks followers to donate $5 – roughly the cost of a beer or coffee.

A higher calling

Shoreline Church – On September 16, the Shoreline Church in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, will open its doors and give its first service. Until then, the church organizers are attempting to raise $30,000 during the month of August through Fundly.com. The “30.30″ campaign – $30,000 in 30 days – is raising money to help cover the cost of everything from a sound system to the toys in the children’s area.

Healthy initiatives

Golf to Conquer Cancer – Across the border in Canada, thousands of golfers are gearing up for what is being billed as the “world’s largest golf fundraising event ever.” During the one-day, nationwide Canadian event, slated for next summer, golfers will band together in teams of four and swing their clubs for charity. Proceeds will go to a variety of cancer research centers in each province.

A World Without Cancer – Back home, socialites in California’s Silicon Valley will gather together at the Third Annual World Without Cancer gala on August 24. Hosted by the American Cancer Society, the black-and-white ball will feature silent auctions, live music and gourmet dining for $175 per ticket.

Old-school social fundraising

Henderson County Education Foundation – An old-school form of social fundraising is alive and well in Henderson County, North Carolina. The HCEF on August 5 hosted an ice cream social fundraiser and membership drive. Membership fees support the education foundation’s operation costs and help fund other events, including a Fall Golf Classic and a barbecue expo, according to The Times-News.

Donation and Hiring Numbers are Looking Up for Nonprofits

Is it just me, or does it feel like we’ve always been in this recession? I vaguely remember a time when the housing market was strong, the stock market was steady, and pennies weren’t so tightly pinched. There just may finally be light at the end of the tunnel! According to a new study from Idealist.org on MarketWatch.com, things are looking up for the nonprofit world.

Idealist.org surveyed 1,000 nonprofit organizations this summer and came up with some interesting findings:

• 36% received increased funding this year, up from 19% a year ago
• 48% are hiring this year, a 6% hike from 2011
• 54% say they will offer salary increases in 2012, up from 47% last year
• 46% of organizations recently reported feeling more optimistic about the year ahead than the year past

I can’t help but speculate why more dollars are flowing through the nonprofit sector. Is it because people have more expendable income to give? Are people feeling greater emotional ties to increasing necessity? Or is it simply easier to give and connect with an organization than ever before? Most likely, it is a combination of all three.

Regardless of the reason, increases in funding and salaries have caused more organizations to be on the lookout for new hires. The survey found that 32% of job seekers are interested in fundraising, and 36% of organizations need fundraisers. So while approximately one third of organizations are posting to fill these positions, here are things to consider as an executive interviewing candidates or a job-seeker creating a resume:

1)      What online fundraising experience does the candidate have? According to nptrends.com, online fundraising in the United States surpassed $22 billion which was an increase of over 34% from 2009. The Chronicle of Philanthropy states that the nonprofits that raise the most online come from the social service, international, and health sectors.

2)      What social networking skills does the candidate possess? A large portion of public relations, advertising, and volunteer recruitment is done online. While these three categories may not traditionally come under the fundraising umbrella, it still greatly overlaps in development planning. As an applicant, be sure to list your experience with social media networks and keep any online profiles you maintain professional. Interviewers and companies are increasingly turning to social media to further their knowledge of applicants – that keg stand profile picture might not be as appealing as it once was. As a job seeker, what image are you putting out there? As an interviewer, what type of person are you looking for to join your team?

3)      What ideas does the candidate have to merge offline and online giving? Rarely is fundraising restricted to one medium or another. Look for innovative ideas to balance the two methods and make fundraising available to donors regardless of what avenue they are using.

With funding and hiring levels increasing, it seems obvious that now is the time to brush up on those online fundraising skills. As more dollars enter the philanthropy pool, it’s time to polish your fundraising strategies to ensure that you get your portion and that you find the right fundraisers to partner alongside you.

Fundly Spotlight: Donors Get On Board to Support BioBus

The best part of science class has always been the hands-on activities and experimentation – learning how and why things explode or creating your very own volcano. What kid doesn’t like to explore  and discover the world around them? Unfortunately, not every kid has the opportunity to experiment with hands-on science education

Enter the BioBus! Based in New York City, this Cell Motion BioBus is a science lab on wheels that runs on vegetable oil, with several donated microscopes onboard can be powered entirely by solar and wind energy. Retrofitted with four solar panels, a wind turbine, and a green roof, the BioBus’ goal is to make science accessible to all. This mobile lab reaches over 10,000 students a year, traveling to public schools across New York City and the country.

Li Murphy is a summer intern for this incredible nonprofit mobile laboratory. With the summer coming to a close, Li’s passion for the BioBus, and how it’s driving science education to communities that lack hands-on resources, stimulated her interest in joining the Mobile Lab Coalition conference in Seattle, WA – the only meeting of this kind in the country. There was only one problem: money. “I needed to fund my own flight and seize an invitation to join in representing the BioBus at the Mobile Lab Coalition. Without Fundly, I wouldn’t have had the guts to ask for the money I needed.”

Li decided the best way to raise the funds to make her trip a reality would be creating an online fundraising page with Fundly. In just five days, Li was able to raise $1,005 ($5 over the goal) in gifts from friends, family, and others.

What tips would Li give to other Fundly users?

• Paint a clear picture. “I made sure to convey that givers would be contributing to something concrete. I needed money for a flight. Why did I need to fly? To be the best intern I could be for my nonprofit organization. How did I intend to be the best intern I could be? Use my training as a videographer to take footage of the incredible things that my coworkers contributed at the Mobile Lab Coalition Conference. I included some informational Youtube videos about the nonprofit organization and made sure to put a picture of my face with the BioBus in the background.”
• Cast a large net. “I sent a total of fifteen individual emails, posted the link three times to my Facebook wall, and I sent emails to three different mailing lists from my University student organizations. I got incredible returns and had twenty donors in the span of three days. My largest donation was secured via Facebook in the final hours before I had to purchase a plane ticket, all thanks to the flood of likes from high school friends and random acquaintances alike. I believe my page got forty-three likes in forty-eight hours. This drove my post up in the newsfeed and brought it to the attention of the person, my athletic trainer, who ended up carrying me over the edge to my goal. My campaign was over in five days.”
• Just because they gave once doesn’t mean they won’t give again. “The most important point is to send and connect to people who have backed you in the past, even just folks who gave you money for graduation. It’s a myth that the individuals who fund you once are done giving to you. In fact, it’s just the opposite, as Andrea Kihlstedt, the founder of askingmatters.com, would say. If you connect with your donors and get them excited about what you do, they’ll be your donors for life.”
• Say thanks ASAP. “Reach out immediately after the gifts are given using the great donor contact sheet that Fundly generates for you to thank and inform your donors about progress. This will spark uplifting correspondences with individuals who care enough about you to believe in your cause, and these positive messages will keep you trucking towards your goal. This type of fundraising with Fundly facilitates a wonderful opportunity to not only connect but to reconnect.”

I just met you, and this is crazy, but I’m here to fundraise, so donate maybe?

While Carly Rae Jepsen’s catchy pop song has given hope that “Call Me Maybe” is enough to jump-start any relationship, we all know that meaningful relationships require a bit more effort. The relationship between fundraiser and donor is no different.

We’ve all been there before: walking down the street or out of the grocery store, when we come across someone hovering with a clipboard or sitting at a card table. We lower our head for fear of making eye contact, fake checking our watch for the time, or busily grab our phone to seem distracted and uninterested. However, we can feel the eyes of the solicitor stalking us like a lion to a zebra on the Serengeti.

“Hey! Let’s save the whales today! Get over here and talk to me!” they call out. We know that they are addressing us, but we pretend to be bewildered and “assume” that they are talking to the non-existent person behind us.

“Oh, you’re too good to talk to me! Whatever man!!” they taunt using guilt, the oldest manipulative trick in the book. A battle wars in our psyche that makes us want to shout back: ”Seriously?!! That is how you reflect your organization? That’s not going to get me to open my wallet for you, Buster!”

Here’s the bottom line: this type of fundraising rarely works and is generally going to come off as more annoying than a sincere call to action. The 5 minutes of attempting to coerce shoppers into a relationship with your organization is hardly enough to give them information about your cause, let alone convince them to donate. Unless you’re standing by a red Salvation Army bucket ringing a bell during Christmas time, you’re not going to get more than a few dollars. The Salvation Army has established a long history and reputation in holiday giving, a random organization asking for donations the other 11 months out of the year in this manner will rarely be effective.

For less time, effort, rejection, and manpower, online fundraising can give you much better results. A busy storefront may have 50 passersby an hour, but the average Facebook account has 130 friends. Though not all Facebook users check their accounts daily, you still can reach 50 people with just a minute’s worth of time. Furthermore, you can add a link to your website, add a fundraising page, and have your donors share their donation with their social networks. It gives your organization credibility and makes the donor feel more secure about donating, while encouraging them to develop a continued and invested relationship with your cause.

Investing in and following up with donor relationships is extremely important. While you may get a dollar thrown your way through face-to-face solicitations, online fundraising allows you to retrieve information about your donor including their region and e-mail address, and encourages them to take part in promotion on social networking sites. This allows you to give a proper thank you, they can write their contribution off as a tax deductible donation, and you have the ability to send out future requests for upcoming campaigns. What started off as “donate, maybe”  has the potential to become an ongoing relationship.

One argument for making an ask on the street is that people can actually meet members of your charity in person. However, how many people actually stop and talk to the people manning the clipboard? They are few and far between. A better way could be to post a video interview or tour on your website or fundraising page for potential supporters to take in the heart of your vision, while giving a face to your cause.
So the next time you exit the grocery store and someone tries to ask you for a dollar simply smile, compliment their efforts, and offer them a little insight into the world of online fundraising.

Fundly News Roundup: Global Giving

This week, a social fundraising campaign that captured the attention of the world came to its conclusion, while other initiatives around the country have only just begun. New technological developments could fundamentally change the way people donate to charities and events, and one philanthropic billionaire used his social connections to bring unprecedented levels of charitable giving to global outreach organizations. Here’s a roundup of the week’s events:

Bus monitor campaign just the start

Karen Klein campaign closes – An online fundraising initiative to benefit bullied bus monitor Karen Kline came to a close this week, netting a grand total of $703,833. A video of Kline being taunted by some of the children she was hired to protect went viral, eliciting an outpouring of support from people in 84 countries and all 50 states, according to the Christian Science Monitor. The fundraiser’s organizers are planning to launch a new social fundraising project that aims to raise $7 million to support anti-bullying campaigns.

Fundraising not child’s play, but benefits sick kids

Jack’s FUNraising Page – A social fundraising campaign benefiting children with rare diseases is inching closer to its $20,000 goal. Nine-year-old Jack Pullman from Worcester, Massachusetts, who was diagnosed with a number of interstitial lung diseases, started a fundraiser on Fundly.com to raise money to buy video games, board games, and other toys for the kids at the UMass Pediatric Infusion Unit. With $16,623, he’s more than three-fourths of the way toward his goal.

SeriousFun Children’s Network – Halfway across the country in Michigan, the SeriousFun Children’s Network is also hard at work raising money to benefit sick youngsters. This week, the organization hosted its “Night of Serious Fun” fundraising event, with the proceeds going toward opening a new camp that will serve hundreds of sick children in the state. The site, North Star Reach, will be open year round and feature a state-of-the-art medical center, according to the Observer & Eccentric.

Food and funds

An Lac Mission – A group of Buddhist monks in Ventura, California, will be hosting a fundraising party featuring a wide variety of vegetarian Vietnamese and Sri Lankan food. The event is designed to raise money to repair and renovate the monks’ temple, according to the Ventura County Star.

Taste of Camarillo – The monks aren’t the only Southern California group using food to raise funds, according to the Star. The Meadowlark Service League on July 29 hosted its 25th annual Taste of Camarillo fundraiser to help raise $150,000 for local charities. The event featured food from local vendors in Camarillo, California, as well as music from local groups.

Fundraising to stem the tide

Hamburg, Iowa – Residents of the small farming community of Hamburg, Iowa, recently banded together in an online fundraising effort to bring in $5.6 million to fix the town’s levees in preparation for flood season. According to The Wall Street Journal, last year’s heavy snows led to record-breaking floods, which overran the town’s levees, causing serious damage to farms and businesses. Residents are reaching out to potential supporters through social media channels like Facebook and Twitter.

Raising money on the move

Twentyseven Global – Recently, mobile application development firm Twentyseven Global announced that it had created an app to help facilitate social fundraising efforts. As social fundraising gains popularity, non-profit groups may start utilizing mobile technology to help bring in funds. Fundly.com offers a Facebook-based app to help users recruit supporters, post messages and process contributions within Facebook.

Buffet’s buddies demonstrate power of social fundraising

The Giving Pledge – Billionaire philanthropist Warren Buffet has used his social connections to enlist the support of 81 of his billionaire friends to donate about half their wealth to charity, according to Forbes. The source pointed to statistics that show people are 200 times more likely to give to a cause if asked by a friend.

Fundly Spotlight: The Ultimate Recycling Project

We’ve all been on camping trips or visited state parks where nature seems to call and we really don’t want to pick up the phone. Unfortunately, there is no voicemail for these situations so we muster up the courage to march up to a fly infested outhouse, take one last breath of fresh air, quickly take care of business, and bathe in Purell afterwards.

While this is an occasional inconvenience for most of us, it is a way of life for much of the world. Now imagine taking this necessary function and converting it into a sustainable way to create fertilizer to improve farming practices in countries that are impoverished. That’s exactly what Fundly customer Ecofinder Kenya is doing with the money they have raised through online fundraising.

Mike Skuja, founder of the Center for Rural Empowerment and the Environment (CREE), realized that by supplying families with an Eco-San toilet the long term benefits to the community can be monumental. At a cost of only $950, “these toilets provide an easy and low-maintenance way to convert human waste to fertilizer through a chemical process of mixing the waste with ash, which, after several months can be safely used on cropland” explains Skuja. “These toilets are more sanitary than the existing pit latrines since they prevent the waste from seeping into the ground and contaminating the water table. Additionally, when combined with environmental education, these toilets help prevent human-wildlife conflict since more productive lands reduce the need for farmers to encroach on fertile wetlands territory, home to hippos and rare birds.”

When Skuja decided to create a Fundly page his goal was to raise $950 for the Otieno family who live on the shores of Lake Victoriain Kenya. Currently he has raised $956 with the help of 20 supporters and 21 donors. Skuja comments, “We have now raised the full amount, and are in the process of transferring the funds to Kenya to get the construction started. We will keep our donors and supporters updated as the construction of the toilet continues.”

What tips would Skuja give to other Fundly users?

• Add a Video to Tell Your Story - “We think that a compelling video is very useful. We felt that it was important for potential donors to be able to see the Lake Victoria area, and hear from a member of the Otieno Family herself.”
• Make it Simple – “It is important to give clear, non-technical explanations of what the campaign is about, and why it is worthy of support.”
• Vary Your Giving Levels – “It is important to have a wide range of giving levels. Our donations for this campaign ranged from $.50 to $200, but we were glad to have the support of our donors at all levels.”
• Use Your Inner Circle – “Value your inner circle. In our experience, it was these people who really understood the mission of the organization, and the potential of the project. While we were able to draw in others – including some funders who had never heard of CREE – it was this inner circle that donated early and actively publicized this campaign through their own networks.”
• It’s All About Marketing – “We utilized three primary marketing channels: direct outreach, Facebook, and Twitter. We sent personalized emails to existing supporters of CREE and of the Dunga Wetlands Project… We posted on the CREE Facebook page 11 times from June 10 to July 18. In this way, we were able to galvanize a few supporters who had, up until that time, been more passive, as well as to give the CREE supporter-base updates about a current initiative in Kenya.We used Twitter as a way to attract potential supporters who might not already know about CREE’s work. We used very intentional use of hashtags and other Twitter mechanisms to try to land on the radar of people who were interested in sanitation or human-wildlife conflict, but were not yet aware of the work of CREE. Over the course of this short campaign, we tweeted a total of nine times.”

A big thank you to Mike and Ecofinder Kenya for sharing their tips!

Fundraising News Roundup: Online Fundraising & the Ripple Effect

Non-profit organizations aren’t the only groups taking advantage of the benefits of social fundraising. Individuals and communities have been finding success with this kind of fundraising as well.

This week, news emerged about a campaign to benefit kids in New York, and campaigns undertaken by children in Massachusetts and Washington. Across the pond, a new study came out showing the powerful ripple effect of big-dollar donations. Here’s a roundup of the most recent events in fundraising.

Cyril van der Haegen – The friends and colleagues of Rhode Island-based illustrator and conceptual artist Cyril van der Haegen have launched a fundraising campaign on Fundly.com to raise money to pay for his cancer treatments. In addition to soliciting online donations from friends and family across a variety of social media outlets, Haegen’s many artist friends donated original works to an auction that was held at Comic Con in San Diego from July 11 to 15.

The Commune Cares – After his insurance company rejected payments for end-of-life treatments, the friends of Wash Pratt-King banded together to raise money to help him and his wife, Tashi, through their difficult time. At just 23 years old, Wash was diagnosed with a deadly brain tumor. Now 25, the money raised through his friends’ Fundly campaign is going to defray the cost of his medical bills and day-to-day living expenses. Friends were so successful in their efforts, they have doubled the goal from $10,000 to $20,000.

Stepping Stones Learning Center – This organization provides care and education for children both with and without special needs in Rochester, New York, and set an ambitious fundraising goal of $350,000 to purchase a new facility and expand its space. The group has so far raised $155,000, and Stepping Stone leaders are optimistic that a Monte Carlo night and an annual 5k run/1k walk in August will bring in even more money.

The Pathway Home – Another group with an ambitious goal is well on its way to reaching it. The Pathway Home has so far raised more than $256,000 of its $600,000 target on Fundly.com, and with a deadline of September 30, it appears well positioned to achieve its goal. The non-profit residential treatment group is dedicated to serving veterans who received traumatic injuries, including amputations, PTSD and brain injuries.

Driving Mrs. M – Amputations aren’t limited to veterans, however. Recently, a third-grade teacher in Massachusetts, Anne Mekalian, lost both arms and legs to a blood infection contracted while in the hospital. Her students, moved by the plight of their teacher, embarked on a crowdsourcing fundraising campaign to help with her treatment and recovery. In addition to the online campaign, students set up lemonade stands across the town to raise money.

Good Cheer Food Bank – A food bank on Whidbey Island in Washington is getting a boost from a young local, according to reports from the Whidbey Examiner. JaNoah Spratt, 12, has been collecting money for the Good Cheer Food Bank in the town of Langley since the age of 7, and has so far raised more than $20,000 by soliciting matching donations from local businesses, enlisting his friends to help raise money and, in his latest venture, writing a book about community involvement.

Peer Effect Research – A new study from researchers at the University of Bristol in England has illustrated the “peer effect” of social fundraising. The researchers found that large donations tend to increase the size of subsequent donations. In their example, researchers said that a single “donation of £100 typically shifts average donations from £20 to £30,” and the effect lasts for roughly 20 subsequent donations, according to phys.org.

Fundly Spotlight: Online Fundraising Benefits Students Abroad

In the United States, it can be easy to take our educational system for granted. While there may be varying levels of excellence offered, the opportunities that a majority of students possess in our country are staggering in comparison to much of the world. With this in mind, Tanzania 365 was started by Marisa Ranieri using a Fundly online fundraising page.

Marisa is currently a senior at the George Washington University in Washington, DC, majoring in International Affairs with a focus in Africa and Contemporary Cultures & Societies.  With a passion for East Africa, she came across some startling statistics in her research.  Though the nation of Tanzania has committed itself to improving the opportunities of its youth, the most recent estimate shows that the current education system is about 85,000 teachers short of being efficient. Not only is this shortage severe, but half of all students do not pass primary school (elementary and middle school) and only 10% graduate from secondary school with the majority of these students being male.

Marisa realized that she had to do something to help this major discrepancy. Her project, Tanzania 365, will be a one-year online documentary of living in Tanzania while she dedicates herself to public service as a teacher in a rural village. While partnering with WorldTeach, an established 501(c)3 organization, she will venture into a foreign classroom to make a difference in countless lives.

With 23 supporters and 22 donors, Marisa has exceeded her goal of $3,650 by raising $4,245! She started off with a great strategy: her game plan was to get 365 donors to contribute $10 each to her cause. On her fundraising page she clearly states that the funds will be used to pay for ensuring internet connectivity, having a pay-phone charged with shilingi so she could contact people in case of emergency, and the cost of providing school supplies for a classroom of 40 plus students. Needless to say, her idea worked!

What tips would Marisa give to other Fundly users?

• Share Your Passion – “More often than not, it’s the hook, line and sinker for potential donors. People can sense your energy through your words, so don’t hold back!”
• Repetition is Key – “In order to let people know about my Fundly page, I posted about it on my website multiple times, and included a widget on the right-hand side so people could click and be directed straight to my Fundly giving page. I also posted about my Fundly page on my Tanzania 365 Facebook Page and Twitter accounts, and made sure to @Fundly right there in the message. That allowed for re-tweets by both my friends, and Fundly itself!”
• Find People Who Care – “When I searched for the kernel of fundraising truth I came up with this: find people who care. Whether that’s your Great Aunt Sally or someone you’ve never met; if you are passionate about your mission and dedicated to seeing it through, you’ll find those people. Maybe they’ll come to you, you’ll go to them, or you’ll meet somewhere in between. Either way, you’ll find success.”

Connecting with Other Nonprofit Leaders

Nonprofit leaders are either inspired human beings with a passion for change or just plain glutton for punishment. I can think of few other careers where people work so hard for so little and come away from the office with a smile on their faces. Amongst running a complex business, managing a variety of personalities, attending a spectrum of events, and always being on their best behavior in case they find themselves in contact with a potential donor, these captains of the philanthropic world also wear multiple hats: ambassador, accountant, counselor, marketing manager, and errand boy.


Connecting with other people who are in a similar position isn’t just a helpful idea, it’s a necessity.
Other than finances, it seems like one major thing that those who run organizations always lack is time. Whether it is due to running from meeting to meeting or following up on a dozen urgent phone calls, there never seems to be enough hours in the day. Fortunately with social media, a lot of connections and inquiries can be addressed in one place. Want to know what other organizations in your area are doing? Friend them on Facebook. Looking for some new fundraising ideas? Search for #fundraisingtips. Want to plug in with other leaders in the corporate world? Create an account on LinkedIn. Knowing where to look is half the battle.

While social media fundraising is one of the newest ways to garner funds, it doesn’t have to be complicated. The good thing is that with every new development, there are some great resources to provide updates for the common user. Mashable.com is an amazing resource that always has the most current and usable information pertaining to online technology. HuffingtonPost.com is also another resource I rely on for up to the minute news and predicting the social tides. If you just want quick tutorials, YouTube has a ton of hands on videos to show how to navigate social networking sites. There are also some great blogs written to help master the use of the web. (Personally, I do my best to find practical ways to apply online resources into your fundraising strategies. I’ve worked in the nonprofit world for over 15 years and I write about things I’ve learned or that I think will help the charities that I’m currently working with.)

Other resources to consider are the great conferences that you can attend or view online. Most conferences either do live streaming of the presentations or video it to be viewed at a later date. With the rise of social media, you can also follow along with most tech conferences on Twitter by following the appropriate hashtag.

If you live in or near the Silicon Valley, Social Media for Nonprofits is bringing their informative conference to the area on July 26, featuring an all-star lineup sharing practical tips and tools for leveraging social media for fundraising, marketing and advocacy. Fundly CEO Dave Boyce will be participating along with keynote Beth Kanter, plus Libby Leffler of Facebook, Meg Garlinghouse of LinkedIn, Deborah Alvarez-Rodriguez, CEO of Goodwill, Sarah Dines of Change.org, Dawn Andreas of Eventbrite, Lee Fox of KooDooZ, and media consultant Amy Gahran.*

Online fundraising (or running a nonprofit for that matter) can be a lot easier when you partner with others in the field. Connecting with other leaders through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, conferences, and doing a little internet research can maximize the most of your precious time.

*Discounted tickets are available for small nonprofits at $95. For for-profit and larger nonprofits, use the discount code “Fundly” to save $20 off $125 and $175 tickets. Conference registration includes access to the full day conference, breakfast, and lunch. For more information or to sign up, visit Social Media For Nonprofits – Silicon Valley 

Connecting with Other Nonprofit Leaders

Nonprofit leaders are either inspired human beings with a passion for change or just plain glutton for punishment. I can think of few other careers where people work so hard for so little and come away from the office with a smile on their faces. Amongst running a complex business, managing a variety of personalities, attending a spectrum of events, and always being on their best behavior in case they find themselves in contact with a potential donor, these captains of the philanthropic world also wear multiple hats: ambassador, accountant, counselor, marketing manager, and errand boy.


Connecting with other people who are in a similar position isn’t just a helpful idea, it’s a necessity.
Other than finances, it seems like one major thing that those who run organizations always lack is time. Whether it is due to running from meeting to meeting or following up on a dozen urgent phone calls, there never seems to be enough hours in the day. Fortunately with social media, a lot of connections and inquiries can be addressed in one place. Want to know what other organizations in your area are doing? Friend them on Facebook. Looking for some new fundraising ideas? Search for #fundraisingtips. Want to plug in with other leaders in the corporate world? Create an account on LinkedIn. Knowing where to look is half the battle.

While social media fundraising is one of the newest ways to garner funds, it doesn’t have to be complicated. The good thing is that with every new development, there are some great resources to provide updates for the common user. Mashable.com is an amazing resource that always has the most current and usable information pertaining to online technology. HuffingtonPost.com is also another resource I rely on for up to the minute news and predicting the social tides. If you just want quick tutorials, YouTube has a ton of hands on videos to show how to navigate social networking sites. There are also some great blogs written to help master the use of the web. (Personally, I do my best to find practical ways to apply online resources into your fundraising strategies. I’ve worked in the nonprofit world for over 15 years and I write about things I’ve learned or that I think will help the charities that I’m currently working with.)

Other resources to consider are the great conferences that you can attend or view online. Most conferences either do live streaming of the presentations or video it to be viewed at a later date. With the rise of social media, you can also follow along with most tech conferences on Twitter by following the appropriate hashtag.

If you live in or near the Silicon Valley, Social Media for Nonprofits is bringing their informative conference to the area on July 26, featuring an all-star lineup sharing practical tips and tools for leveraging social media for fundraising, marketing and advocacy. Fundly CEO Dave Boyce will be participating along with keynote Beth Kanter, plus Libby Leffler of Facebook, Meg Garlinghouse of LinkedIn, Deborah Alvarez-Rodriguez, CEO of Goodwill, Sarah Dines of Change.org, Dawn Andreas of Eventbrite, Lee Fox of KooDooZ, and media consultant Amy Gahran.*

Online fundraising (or running a nonprofit for that matter) can be a lot easier when you partner with others in the field. Connecting with other leaders through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, conferences, and doing a little internet research can maximize the most of your precious time.

*Discounted tickets are available for small nonprofits at $95. For for-profit and larger nonprofits, use the discount code “Fundly” to save $20 off $125 and $175 tickets. Conference registration includes access to the full day conference, breakfast, and lunch. For more information or to sign up, visit Social Media For Nonprofits – Silicon Valley 

You Ask, We Answer: Creating Successful Online Campaigns

Last week’s Twitter Q&A had some great questions asked and we hope that these highlights and expanded answers help you towards your online fundraising goals.

Q: When you don’t have a huge following, what are 3 good tips to get people to pledge?

Tip 1: Reach out to your small following and ask them to share with their contacts on social networking sites.

Facebook has over 350 million active users and the average user has about 130 friends. With these facts in mind, it’s obvious why social media fundraising should be a top priority in your fundraising strategy. Even if you only have a following of 20 people on Facebook, it means you have the potential to get your organization’s name out to 2,600 people if each supporter shares your post or link. If just ten percent of those people are inspired by your mission enough to share with their contacts, you could possibly reach another 33,800 potential donors. Realistically not every one of the 130 friends checks their messages daily and the average post lasts on a page about 20 minutes, but where else can you spend a few minutes and zero dollars to reach so many potential donors? This is why it is critical to create thoughtful posts on a regular basis with intriguing pictures to stand out from the crowd.

Tip 2: Create an engaging story that is easy for people with a shared interest to relate to and rally behind. While Facebook is an awesome hook, there needs to some great bait on the line for donors to bite. Your story needs to be relatable, cause an emotional reaction, and honest. It’s not the most eloquent or detailed story that gets the best response, but one that is inspirational and heartfelt.

For each story, it is also important to include a photo to increase the memorable factor for the reader. In a society that is as visually driven as ours, we connect more with a person or location when we know what it looks like.

Tip 3: Contact local news and related websites to ask for coverage of your fundraiser. Not only does this provide legitimacy for people who are unfamiliar with your cause, but it connects you with people who are like-minded. Facebook casts a broad net, but partnering with related websites narrows down the audience to those who care about a similar cause. Local media is also a great resource to rally your community around your online fundraising campaign.

* This question also received an answer from another Fundly Campaign, Bruce Funds. They suggested: “Humanize your cause. Put a face on your needs, if possible.”

Q: Can online fundraising be used in conjunction with “old-school” fundraising events?

A: Online fundraising is a great way to rally supporters before the event and allow donations for those unable to attend. It is great for advertising, taking RSVPs, asking for volunteers, requesting donations for an auction, and for posting pictures after the event and thanking those who participated. We did a series back in May pertaining to event fundraising that you may want to check out: Event Fundraising Using Social Media.

Q: Is it ok for a kid to run a campaign?

A: Yes! Kid participation helps people become more invested. Here are a couple of examples: MAKE-A-STAND! and Jack’s FUNraising Page.

I also wrote an article on this topic that will give you helpful tips and ideas for getting the next generation involved in philanthropic work: Getting Kids Involved in Online Fundraising.

Do you have a question about online fundraising that you want to ask one of our Fundly professionals? Follow #fundraisingtips on Twitter every Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. Pacific time. We look forward to helping you create successful online fundraising campaigns to promote your cause. If you won’t be able to attend the Q&A, leave your question in the comment section below and look for it in the recap next week!

Getting Kids Involved in Online Fundraising

There are many reasons why kids should be involved in online fundraising: 1) They probably know how to use the internet and social media better than most adults. 2) It develops compassion and social responsibility towards helping others. 3) It gives them pride and a feeling of achievement when they work towards a project and succeed. 4) It allows them to hone their skills and develop maturity and responsibility. 5) It is an investment of their time beyond video games, television viewing, or hours of texting. Here are some ways to get kids involved in helping a cause through online fundraising:

Choose the Right Cause

It’s so much easier to reach a goal when you are passionate about the cause. Look online for different organizations that address a spectrum of issues (charitynavigator.org is a good place to start), research websites of organizations that focus on their topic of interest, or schedule summer field trips to local ones that touch your child’s heart – such as feeding the homeless or visiting a recycling center. For long distance topics such as preserving the rainforest or providing fresh water to remote villages, have your child write a list or report to show why these causes are important. Not only will they learn more about the outside world, but it will help clear the cobwebs out of their brain during the long summer months.

Take Action

Most local organizations are always open to having volunteers, even kids. Sorting library books, ushering at community concerts or theatrical presentations, or picking up litter at local parks are easy ways for kids and teenagers to make a difference in their community.

Creating an online fundraising page is another way to raise funds and awareness for their project and help reach their philanthropic goals. On Fundly we have created easy to set up fundraising pages for any cause to reach any financial goal. We have many campaigns spearheaded by kids (with the help and consent of their parents) to raise money for schools and animal shelters or to help other children who are battling illnesses.
Online fundraising also gives kids the opportunity to get friends and family involved in something they care about. They can tell others the location and time where they are selling lemonade or having a car wash to raise money for their project, ask for donations for a book drive, or even ask others to start their own fundraising pages to reach their friends. The possibilities are open for a child’s creativity.

The Finish Line

While fundraising can be fun and foster motivation, be sure to have a clear end in sight – either a deadline or a financial goal. If a fundraiser lasts too long, they could lose interest or it may turn them off of participating in future efforts.

A finish line also allows for a celebration when a goal is met. Just as school fundraisers have a prize catalog, it’s important for kids who are fundraising independently to have a celebratory act to acknowledge their efforts. Call ahead to your local charity to meet with one of the directors to have your child personally deliver the money. This will give him or her a sense of importance. Send an e-mail from your child to the participants thanking them for their support and donations along with a report of the total dollars earned to teach your child to appreciate the help given. Consider taking pictures of the volunteer day or your child counting the donations and posting it on your Facebook wall to show how proud you are. It’s important to end on a high note to encourage future giving.

Nonprofits know that the future of their organizations is based on relationships built today. For an organization to stay alive and continue meeting the needs of clientele, it is important to touch the next generation of givers. Teaching our children today will build a stronger tomorrow!