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Nonprofit Fundraising Using Social Media:

 Basic rules of engagement

By Thomas R. Reich and Chris Romero

This is the year to imporve you skills with nonprofit fundraising with social media

Nonprofit fundraising using social media can be a lot more fun than you may think!  We are about to cover some fun, free projects your organization can try right out of this blog.  Let us know how they work!

Today, in 2012, nonprofit fundraising using social media has gotten both easier and way more complicated!  If you remember the basic rules of engagement, then nonprofit fundraising using social media can be a smooth running snap!

if you cause is the California Condor, nonprofit fundraising using social media lets you brand it that way!

One of the basic rules of engagement for nonprofit fundraising using social media is to come up with an event, because donation or item sales drive that is consistent with your mission statement.  If you are a charity designed to feed the homeless, a food drive and donation drive is appropriate.  If you an organization designed to save the California Condor, why not try selling logo embossed peanut brittle?

Letting the donor have something physical for their donation is a key method used today in nonprofit fundraising using social media, it gives the donor a feeling of value and lets them walk away with something that shows others they donated.  Another advantage of an item for a donation, is that item is advertising to everyone that sees it, the donors family and friends, if they take the item back to work who knows how many will see it.

Another great fundraiser is donations for an event, dinner, concert or even a car wash.  If it is to be a donation for a dinner or a concert, be very sure you have the funding to pull off the event even if you do not get the numbers of attendees you hoped for.  Concert venues want paid, lighting and sound must be paid, so consult with professionals before you get in over your head.

Nonprofit fundraising using social media can increase results 3 fold!

Back to the car wash idea, you have seen them many times, but we have a new twist.  Think in terms of old marketing first, sell tickets to get a car wash, this way you know in advance of the event that you will have money coming in and a successful event before it happens.  But it gets better, some who buy tickets will forget to come, and others that don’t want to let some kids wash their new car will buy a ticket to support your cause, but never use it!  Finally the event will draw the donors that see the car wash as a spur of the moment thing just like any other car wash anyway.  Can you see how nonprofit fundraising useing social media could increase this method even more?

Same rule applies for bake sales, thrift sales, arts and craft sales and raffles.  But where do the social media come in.  Nonprofit fundraising useing social media is simple if you follow the basic rules of engagement for a nonprofit event, and then talk about it constantly on you twitter feed, Facebook and LinkedIn to boost your exposure.

Basic Rules of Engagement:

1)      Design a realistic and achievable fundraising idea,  make sure you have the funds to cover any eventuality and that your price point is affordable to your core donor audience

2)      Have someone who is dedicated to the successful planning, running and execution of the event or drive, this is espicially critical for nonprofit fundraising using social media.  If you have an experienced person on staff or a volunteer who is reliable and known to complete tasks properly

nonprofit fundraising using social media puts you in the web

great, if not there are professionals who can organize and execute it for you at a reasonable cost.

3)      Set clear and attainable goals; don’t make the drive to raise a million dollars if you are selling 5 dollar car wash tickets.

4)      Clarify the purpose of the event or drive, what are the funds going to benefit, if it is to benifit the general funds of the charity or foundation, great.  If, however, it is to benifit the California Condor, then you might be able to get other organizations with similar goals to join in through the internet, remember nonprofit fundraising using social media offers a whole world of new options for partnerships in humanitarian goals.

5)       Use social media and traditional methods to market market market!  Nonprofit fundraising useing social media can be tied in with traditional methods to great effect; think about having a ticket sales booth at a cretin location and then announce it through social media as well as the way you normally do it, you will have the potential of many more coming by!

these are a key part of success in nonprofit fundraising using social media

6)      Use social media to publicize the event, blog about the cause and push the effect of a donation or participation in the drive.  Nonprofit fundraising useing social media expands your world, expands you influence and adds to the good you can do!

Let’s say your event is a Spaghetti Dinner, we will use that as our final example.  Traditional marketing says you sell tickets to friends church members working with you and maybe at the local grocery store, using a table with a hand

Think differently

written sign.

Let’s look at how nonprofit fundraising using social media could work.  In your announcements newsletter, you begin talking about the amazing spaghetti dinner coming soon, and that last year it sold out so buy tickets early.  Then you begin to Tweet the event and list it on Facebook and LinkedIn, now remember not just your organization social media, but the Facebook and twitter of every member, volunteer and booster of your organization.

Try a different approach; nonprofit fundraising using social media

Next, in your social cause’s blog you put a story about the cause followed by an announcement of the event.  Finally you put out a press release, and all social media coverage on the unique recipe of the spaghetti sauce.  Make sure there are comments listed on blogs and tweet responses expressing agreement at the unique good flavor of the spaghetti!

Can you see how this could cause a “viral” effect, because many people you never knew existed will now come and be exposed to your cause!  This is how nonprofit fundraising using social media works.

If this sounds interesting, but you still want to learn more, join the staff of CharityNetUSA for a totally free seminar on Wednesday February 8, 2012.  We at CharityNetUSA have helped a myriad of organizations with nonprofit fundraising using social media as well as all forms of business services.  In fact we have helped over 12,000 organizations over the years, and we can help you too.  We have a nonprofit webinar free on many topics every Wednesday and a small business webinar every Thursday also totally free!

Sing up now, it’s free and it is packed full of great information on fundraising in general and nonprofit fundraising using social media as well, remember as always this is not an infomercial, this is a true free webinar.

If you would like more information on the full range of services offered to set up and service a charity, foundation or church please contact CharityNetUSA by visiting www.CharityNetUSA.com or by calling, toll FREE 1.877.857.9002.  Please follow us on Twitter and Like us on Face Book to receive free daily tips and tricks as well as notification of our FREE Award Winning Webinar series!

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Modern Marketing and Nonprofits

 by Thomas R. Reich and Chris Romero

The Phoenicians invented modern marketing and nonprofits!

In today’s competitive nonprofit environment, modern marketing and nonprofits is essential.  The first step in modern marketing and nonprofits is the same as it has been since the Phoenicians, develop a working marketing plan!

A marketing plan lays out your strategy and direction in the world of modern marketing and nonprofits.  The first step is to secure a solid corporate identity, with a common look, color and design throughout all aspects of anything from your company that is seen by the public or another business.  A complete corporate identity should include:

1)      Corporate Branding and Logo Design

• One consistent color pattern
  

  Nonprofit strategy is part of modern marketing and nonprofitss.

• Make sure logo is unique, distinctive and very reproducible to all media both media and print matter

2)      Brochures – containing the Logo and the color and consistent design which is to become your corporate identity

3)      Business cards and electronic signature – should also follow this developing pattern of color and design

4)      Press release blanks – should carry the corporate identity

5)      Newsletters with the look and feel of your corporate identity from front to back

CharityNetUSA can help with modern marketing and nonprofits

A company like CharityNetUSA can assist you in this type of design, inexpensively, and can get you on the road to modern marketing and nonprofits.  However you create this “Corporate Identity” it must be of prime concern.  Today, a business identity is your life’s blood, the key to modern marketing for small business.

The second step is to develop an integrated digital identity.  In today’s nonprofit world, the internet is not only reality, but is indispensible to a modern marketing and nonprofit plan!  You have, at this point, created a consistent corporate identity, logo, overall design and color scheme.

You must now carry this “Corporate Identity” into a “Digital Identity”, and do it correctly in order to survive

The internet must be part of modern marketing and nonprofits

modern marketing and nonprofits:

1)       Create a website consistent with logo, overall design and colors to match your already developed corporate identity

2)      Create a blog with consistent branding

3)      Customize you Twitter with consistent branding

4)      Customize your Facebook with consistent branding and create a fan page with a look consistent with your web home page

5)      Customize your LinkedIn account; create a grope membership list consistent with your nonprofit type.

There are so many aspects to modern marketing and nonprofits and each facet has books written concerning all the things you can do to maximize your exposure.  What I hope you take away from this writing, is that everything your nonprofit does must be with a consistent look.  Today, due to the internet culture, you can have the look and feel of a much larger corporation, if you plan and execute your corporate identity correctly.

Having a great Marketing Plan is essential in modern marketing and nonprofits

CharityNetUSA has been helping nonprofits plan and execute corporate identity, and all aspects of small business operations for many years.  CharityNetUSA has helped over 12,000 small nonprofits just like yours and we can help you with your modern marketing and nonprofits today!

Join us for a free webinar which will cover “Key Marketing Ideas” this coming Thursday, February 9, 2012.  As always, this is not an infomercial, but a true free full hour of pure information.  Want to know more about modern

marketing and nonprofits, we will see you there!

If you would like more information on the full range of services offered to set up and service a Small Business please contact us by visiting CharityNetUSA or by calling, toll FREE 1.877.857.9002.  Please follow us on Twitter and Like us on Face Book to receive free daily tips and tricks as well as notification of our FREE Award Winning Webinar series!

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How to Use Social Media for Nonprofits:

LinkedIn for Nonprofits Part 1

LinkedIn gives you access to over 135 million business people and professionals in every field

By Thomas R. Reich and Chris Romero

LinkedIn has rapidly become the premier professional communications network worldwide and a big part of social media for nonprofits.  This innovative social media site allows you to pre-screen everyone in your network, in essence permitting you to specifically design who you want to deal with in your world. When using Social Media for Nonprofits, often you end up with followers that are inappropriate for what you are trying to achieve. On the contrary, LinkedIn tries to address within social media for nonprofits, all the pitfalls in Facebook, to create a professional environment- a platform designed in your personal and professional image.

According to Patrick Schwerdtfeger, author of the New York Times best selling book “Marketing Shortcuts”, today 80% of buying or donating decisions are made before personal contact is made with an organization! A modern, successful nonprofit organization will first be searched on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn all now part of social media for nonprofits. The public will also look for your website and search for your name on Google or other search engines.

In today’s society, your organization is judged by your digital presence. Remember when planning your digital

Social media for nonprofits is the new handshake!

presence: “If you try to sell to everyone you will sell to no one”.  LinkedIn can be a big part of your digital presence, and a link to other social media for nonprofit efforts and for nonprofits in general.

Remember, selling your cause to donors and volunteers is a relationship-building process, and social media for nonprofits is the new handshake. Set up properly, LinkedIn gets you the introduction to new prospects and presents your organization to them in a positive light. LinkedIn for Nonprofits all but eliminates the dreaded cold call!

LinkedIn facilitates access to a network of over 135 million business people and professionals in every field. It allows you to network, prospect, pre-qualify leads and actually generate leads without speaking to a soul! Do you think you could use such a network in your organization?

the 3 big players in social media for nonprofits

LinkedIn = Business to business and professionals

Facebook = Loyalty, engagement, and retention of existing relationships

Twitter = Additional input linked to LinkedIn and Facebook

LinkedIn contains 75% of all fortune 500 executives, has over 2million company and organization pages, and allowed over 2 billion free searches last year!  LinkedIn is the heart of social media for nonprofits and is used for prospecting and lead generation. In addition to this there are over 1.3 million small businesses and nonprofits and over 500K groups to join and become involved in.

To utilize LinkedIn and most of social media for nonprofits properly you must set up and complete a proper profile, which includes:

1)   You must complete your profile 100%

Take time, your profile in all social media for nonprofits compleatly

2)   You should have a professional head shot

3)   You must write a compelling summary, give it some thought

4)   List all your specialties not just one

5)   List all relevant experience

6)   Post recommendations Customize your profile URL

7)   Pay attention to keywords in all sections

**NOTE: Never use your logo on the LinkedIn profile in place of your personal head shot- this is not an option, this is a hard rule. You may use the

LinkedIn is the premier social media for nonprofits communication network worldwide

logo other places in LinkedIn, but not in place of head shot!  This is suggested for all social media for nonprofits, but it is most important in LinkedIn

Do add to skills list list: Sales, Meeting Organizer, Social Media Expert, Foundation Advisor, Nonprofit Consultant, Trainer, Author and so on.

DO NOT LIST: Nice Person, Cat Lover, Geek, single and looking– this is totally inappropriate for LinkedIn.

Do Include: a concise, well produced video 30 – 45 sec in length.  Introduce yourself, your cause, why they should care and how to contact you, repeat your name and cause at the end.  Again this holds true for most of social media for nonprofits components.

More to come in Part 2 of Social media for Nonprofits: LinkedIn for Nonprofits! We will discuss the Corporate page, the free mini web site, and a little more about the video section. Then we will discuss the pipeline, how to begin getting leads with searches directly from your LinkedIn FREE account.  We will also discuss joining and participating in LinkedIn groups, and wrap up this 2-part blog on LinkedIn with a discussion of what do daily and how to get the most out of LinkedIn for Nonprofits and social media for nonprofits in general

Small Business Tool Center Nonprofit Resource Center

Did you know CharityNetUSA provides help in many areas.  We are you one stop for anything from 501c3 preparation and certification in many areas, bookkeeping and marketing services.  We can help with web sites and yes even social media for nonprofits strategy.

If you would like more information on the full range of services offered to Set up a Charity, Nonprofit or Foundation please contact CharityNetUSA by visiting www.CharityNetUSA.com or by calling, toll FREE 1.877.857.9002.  Please FOLLOW us on Twitter and LIKE us on Face Book to receive free daily tips and tricks as well as notification of our FREE Award Winning Webinar series!  Now is the time to start a small business!

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Filling out Grant Applications

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It is important for non profit organizations, both those just starting out and those which are well established, to have a diversified stream of income. By diversifying where your revenue is coming from your non profit organization will be less dependent on each revenue source. The more diverse your organization is the better it will be able to withstand changes in funding.

Non profit grants for example are a great way for organizations to generate the revenue which they need to operate. However, if an organization is relying too heavily on grants and their non profit funding gets pulled or reduced, the organization may struggle trying to make up for that loss of funding in other ways. It is better to be prepared by having additional fundraising initiatives, and soliciting donations in addition to applying for grants.

When soliciting for a non profit grant from either a government agency or private organization, you will need to create a non profit grant proposal. The grant proposal will introduce your organization to the positional funding source, give them a clear understanding of your organization’s purpose and give a decryption of your organization’s planned programs and specific objectives. It will also provide a clear description of your organization’s purposed budget, your specific qualifications, and a conclusion wrapping up all of the information

The need for multiple sources of non profit funding has become even more important with the recent decline in the American economy. As bank accounts continue to shrink; individuals, organizations and foundations are becoming more selective over which organizations they are making contributions to. This is creating more competition between organizations for the resources available. The organizations which are best equipped to deal with this competition are those which are the most diverse in their revenue sources and the least reliant on one single source.

Organizations should look at fundraising as another non profit funding source.  Fundraising is a way of marketing and getting your name out into the community in addition to means of generating revenue for your organization. Fundraising events, while they may not always create a large amount of income for an organization cannot always be measured by the amount of money they generate at that event. This is due to the possibility of future donations and contributions based on the relationship which may have been established at one of these events.

Some of the best organizational fundraising events are based around the organization’s mission.  By organizing a fundraiser that relates to the mission of your organization you will also be bringing awareness to your cause. You will be able to discuss and point out the need for your organization and what exactly it is you are trying to do and how you are trying to help. Fundraisers can also be productive in terms other than purely the amount of funding generated. Other ways fundraisers can be successful would be by creating interest and support from individuals who will continue to be active in our organization after the fundraiser has concluded. This could be through continued volunteering or supporting our organization at future fundraisers, or simply thru positive word of mouth from these individuals.

Hiring a professional fundraiser or grant writer can be a smart move for event the youngest of non profit organizations.  Not only does a professional have experience working a variety of different events and writing a number of proposals, a professional knows how to make connections and seek out the best options for the organization.

Even non profit organizations which have been successful over a period of time using one revenue source should consider working to find new untapped sources of income when strategizing their non profit funding efforts. This will strengthen any organization and all organizations will welcome more income; as more income allows the organization more freedom in working towards accomplishing their mission and fulfilling their goal.

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Providing Nonprofit Startups with the Tools to Raise $10,000 in 10 Weeks!

Here at CharityNet we are all very excited to announce the official launch of our new fundraising program for nonprofit startups.   With initial and early-stage funding being one of the most difficult tasks for organizations to conquer, we are happy to be able to provide organizations with a simple problem-solver. Check out today’s press release to learn more about the program and while your at it, sign up for our upcoming information session to see if it could be a good fit for your organization!  By the way did I mention, the program is free!

CharityNet USA is excited to announce the launch of their new 10 X 10 Program.  Combining elements of capacity building and fundraising, the program will help nonprofit startups raise $10,000 in 10 weeks enabling them to build a solid foundation for

View the 10 X 10 Program Information Packet

future growth and mission fulfillment.

“ Tackling fundraising as a nonprofit startup can be extremely difficult – seeing as often the organizations lack the resources, individuals and time to plan and execute the fundraiser,” said Melanie Swift, MNM, Director of Nonprofit Services for CharityNet USA.

CharityNet USA’s 10 X 10 Program provides participating organizations with a seamless process for event execution, while tying in an achievable time line for financial and administrative growth.  Once an organization enrolls into the free program, CharityNet will begin a comprehensive analysis of the nonprofit startup to determine what critical elements are needed to sustain and further develop the organization.  Once goals have been identified and placed on the timeline, the organization is given all the necessary event planning tools…

The program includes a variety of nonprofit fundraising events, from basic car washes and bowl-a-thons to elaborate sports events and galas each allowing for its own elements of customization.   Money generated through the program becomes invested into administrative fundamentals essential to the organization’s long-term success.

For nonprofit startups interested in learning more about the 10 X 10 program, details of the upcoming 10 X 10 information session are below:

Who: CharityNet USA
What: 10 x 10 Program Information Session
Where: Online at any computer with an internet connection
When: Wednesday, August 4^th, 3pm EST
How to Register: Visit the following link https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/751133515

We hope to see you at the info session. If you have any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to contact us or leave a comment in the “comments section”.  Click here to view the full press release.

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Join us for a FREE Nonprofit Webinar on July 29, 2010 from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm & learn how to Build the Lifeline of your Organization!

The success of any fundraising program depends on the ability of the volunteers or paid staff members to successfully solicit participation from past, current, and new supporters. This will be achieved by developing strong relationships with the people you encounter and being able to identify special skills, traits and interests that can benefit your organization.

We invite you to spend a valuable hour with CharityNet USA and learn how develop your fundraising team and build the lifeline of your organization!

Topics of Interest:
   • Finding Volunteers
   • Setting Guidelines
   • Identifying & Selecting Leaders
   • Showing Appreciation

Learn how to develop and manage your fundraising team, putting your nonprofit on the fast track to desired expectations at our FREE nonprofit webinar July 29, 2010 from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm (EST)!

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One of the best ways for nonprofit organizations to acquire the capital funding necessary t o operate their programs is to solicit for nonprofit grants. Nonprofit grants usually are given to organizations from the local, state or federal government agencies or private organizations. Many nonprofit organizations are great at fundraising and soliciting for donations but for whatever reason they have not ventured into sourcing funding from nonprofit grants. When soliciting for a nonprofit grant from either a government agency or private organization, you will need to create a grant proposal. The grant proposal will introduce your organization to the positional funding source, give them a clear understanding of your organization’s purpose and give a decryption of your organization’s planned programs and specific objectives. It will also provide a clear description of your organization’s purposed budget, your specific qualifications, and a conclusion wrapping up all of the information. Below you will see an outline of a grant proposal.

 Cover Letter (one page)

Provide a clear, concise overview of the organization, purpose and reason for and amount of the funding request. 

Cover Sheet (1/2 page)

Also called an executive summary, this case statement and proposal summary is the most important component of your proposal. Summarize all of the key information and convince the grantmaker to consider your proposal for funding.

Narrative (10-15 Pages)

• Needs Assessment (Problem Statement) (3-4 Pages)

Objectively address specific situation, opportunity, problem, issue, need, and the community your proposal addresses.

• Program Goals and Objectives (1 – 2 pages)

Describe the outcome of the grant in measurable terms; in a succinct description of the proposed project outcome and accomplishments, including your overall goal.

• Methodology (4 + Pages)

Describe the process to be used to achieve the outcome and accomplishments.

• Evaluation (1 – 2 Pages)

Determine the plan for meeting performance and producing the program/project and justify how you will measure the effectiveness of your activities

Budget

Clearly delineate costs to be met by the funder and all other funding sources; outline both administrative and program costs.

For specific projects, include separate budgets for the general operating and the special project. Show income and expenses in columnar form (according to general accounting/bookkeeping principles).

Qualifications (1-2 pages)

Describe applicant, qualifications for funding and establish credibility. 

Conclusion (1/2 page)

Present a brief, concise summary of your proposal that states your case, problem, solution and sources/uses of project/program funds.

Hopefully this article will allow your organization to add a new funding source to the fundraising, donations, and soliciting that you are currently undertaking. Be sure that your grant proposal clearly introduces your organization to the positional funding source, gives them a clear understanding of your organization’s purpose, and provides a description of your organization’s planned programs and specific objectives. It should also provide a clear description of your organization’s proposed budget, your specific qualifications, and a conclusion wraps up all of the information. Your nonprofit organization should take advantage of all fundraising sources including nonprofit grants.

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An information session about how to raise $10,000 in 10 weeks for your non profit organization!

While the passion you have for your mission may make you feel that funds should flow easily into your organization in support of your cause. The truth, is that raising money is difficult! And for new organizations that are not well known throughout the community, it is even harder. It sounds like a cliché, but fundraising at all levels is about building relationships, and like any relationship it will require hardwork and commitment. 

Unfortunately, too many startup organizations don’t know where to begin when it comes to event planning, volunteer recruitment and; most importantly, identifying the best ways to allocate funds to build organizational capacity.  

We invite you to spend some valuable time with CharityNet USA and find out how we can help you develop an achievable plan for success by raising $10,000 in 10 weeks through the 10×10 Program!

The 10 x 10 Program will:

• Provide a steady stream of income for your organization
• Give you the money to invest in key services to develop a strong organization
• Create a more visible presence of your organization, making fundraising more profitable in the future

Join us to learn more about the CharityNet USA 10×10 Program and how to set your organization on the right path to mission fulfillment and future success!  Attend our FREE webinar June 16, 2010 from 3 P.M. – 4 P.M. (EST).

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A Webinar about Developing & Submitting a Killer Nonprofit Grant Proposal!

Over $50 billion in grants is given away each year to charities, churches, and schools nationwide. Are you getting your share of this sum?  If you haven’t yet started submitting grants for funding, now is the time to get started!

No matter what your program does, there is most likely grant funding for it; the key is knowing how to prepare a killer grant proposal that will relate your need to the most appropriate funding sources.

We invite you to spend a valuable hour with CharityNet USA and learn how growing your organization’s projects and programs can be possible through nonprofit grants!

Topics of Interest:
  •An Overview of Nonprofit Grants
  •Identifying Projects to Fund
  •Different Types of Funding Agencies
  •Elements of a Grant Proposal

Learn how to get the funding your organization deserves by attending our FREE webinar on Thursday, June 3, 2010 from  3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (EST).