Help me run a basic online donor campaign.

November 12, 2009 7:19 AM

Tips for running an online (free or cheap as possible) holiday donor campaign.

I work at a small non-profit that has few resources for running a holiday donor campaign, but we want to try to tap into the holiday giving season and suggest that people think of us in their end-of-the-year charitable giving. We have a database of friends and contacts, and we want to optimize their participation as cheaply as possible. I'm looking for clever tips on how to best run an online campaign. What "hooks" have worked for you? Thanks!

posted by lunit to Work & Money (1 answer total)

Hmm, I'm not sure quite what tips you're looking for, but I'll take a shot. In addition to just asking for donations, you could suggest they "give a donation as a gift." I'd put this on your website, if you have one, in case Bob doesn't care about the Sea Slug but knows his daughter does, so he googles Sea Slug Gifts. You'll probably need some schwag that he could put in the "recipient"'s stocking, like a plush Sea Slug or the current issue of your newsletter. I'd consider a variety of ways to reach people: email, facebook, and in this fundraising climate, personal calls might be appropriate, particularly for those who have donated before.
posted by salvia at 7:51 PM on November 12, 2009