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Maximize Your Year-End Fundraising: Strategies, Grants, and Tools for Nonprofits š
Key tips and resources to drive year-end fundraising success
Nonprofit Digest
October 27, 2024
October 27, 2024
Welcome back to Nonprofit Digest, your go-to source for nonprofit inspiration and resources!
As we enter the final quarter of the year, nonprofits are gearing up for one of the biggest fundraising periods. With nearly a third of annual giving occurring in December, year-end fundraising events offer nonprofits an incredible opportunity to connect with supporters, increase visibility, and raise essential funds for the coming year.
Why Year-End Fundraising Events Matter šÆ
Fundraising events are powerful tools for nonprofitsāespecially as donors look to make impactful, tax-deductible contributions before the year ends. According to industry data:
30% of all donations occur in December alone.
Donors acquired through events are 40% more likely to give again, and those contributions are typically 52% larger than one-time donations.
Events also provide nonprofits with vital face time with supporters, allowing you to highlight your mission, build relationships, and inspire continued support.
5 Expert Tips to Maximize Fundraising at Year-End Eventsš
A well-planned event can boost year-end donations significantly. Here are five essential tips every nonprofit should consider to make the most of their fundraising events:
1. Make Your Mission the Focus, Not Just the Event
Center your event messaging around the impact of donations rather than event specifics. Share a compelling story or urgent need that donations will directly address. Whether through speeches, visuals, or live presentations, keep the cause front and center, so attendees feel motivated to give beyond the ticket price or entry donation.
2. Offer Real-Time Giving Opportunities
Facilitate live giving by setting up mobile donation stations, QR codes for instant donations, and on-the-spot pledging options. For added impact, announce live matching donations from a major supporter during the event, inspiring guests to donate on the spot and see their gifts instantly doubled.
3. Engage Donors Through Interactive Experiences
Events with interactive elementsālike live demonstrations, interactive donor walls, or hands-on exhibitsāmake a lasting impression and create a personal connection to your cause. Allowing donors to see or experience your mission firsthand can significantly increase the likelihood of giving and enhance overall event engagement.
4. Provide Multiple Levels of Engagement
Offer a variety of donation options throughout the event, from small contributions to larger sponsorships. Encourage participation at every level: host an auction, hold a āFund-a-Needā moment for specific project funding, or offer opportunities for monthly giving subscriptions. These choices allow donors to give in ways that resonate most with them.
5. Follow Up with an Immediate Impact Report
Within days of the event, share a brief, visually engaging report showing the impact of funds raised, including stories, photos, or short videos. Sending a timely follow-up maximizes the eventās impact by reinforcing donor support and showcasing how every dollar helps your mission. This type of communication builds goodwill and encourages ongoing support.
Handpicked Grants to Fuel Your Mission šø
To fully capitalize on Giving Tuesday, nonprofits should register on major platforms where companies and donors look to contribute. These platforms help connect nonprofits with a broad audience, providing opportunities to benefit from corporate matching gift programs or individual donations during high-volume giving periods like Giving Tuesday. These tailored tips are designed to maximize both engagement and donations at your year-end fundraising event, ensuring supporters stay connected and inspired by the mission.
The Hearst Foundations
Focus: The Hearst Foundations support well-established U.S.-based nonprofits in culture, education, health, and social services. Nonprofits can apply for funding to support both programs and operations, making this an ideal grant for organizations aiming to broaden their impact in communities nationwide.
Amount: Awards typically range from $50,000 to $100,000, depending on project scope and organizational needs.
Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round with no specific deadlines. However, applications must be completed within three months of the start date, or they will be deleted from the database.
Application Process:
Start a new application through the Hearst Foundationsā Online Grant Application portal. First-time applicants must complete an Eligibility Quiz and create an account.
Choose the correct application typeāProgram Application for program-based funding or Endowment Application for requests specific to Hearst Endowments.
Applications must be complete and include all required attachments for review.
Tracking Status: After submission, applicants will receive a confirmation email. They can track the applicationās status in the portalās Dashboard, where "Open Items" indicate active applications and "Closed Items" reflect completed or declined requests.
Pro Tip: Highlight measurable program outcomes and community impact in your application. The Hearst Foundations prioritize projects with demonstrable, positive effects.
Apply Here: Hearst Foundations Grants
Dr. Scholl Foundation
Focus: The Dr. Scholl Foundation funds nonprofits across various areas, including education, health and wellness, social services, and cultural programs. This grant offers an excellent opportunity for nonprofits seeking project or operational support to advance community well-being and social equity.
Amount: Awards typically range from $5,000 to $25,000, with larger amounts available based on project scale.
Deadline: March 1, 2025. The grant cycle opens each year on October 1 and closes the following March 1.
Application Process:
Step 1: Submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) through the Dr. Scholl Foundation portal starting October 1. LOIs are reviewed within five business days on a rolling basis.
Step 2: If approved, applicants are invited to submit a full application through the portal, due by March 1 at 4:00 p.m. CST. Early submissions after LOI approval are encouraged.
Funding Decisions: Notifications are sent in October, with grants disbursed in November.
Pro Tip: Emphasize how your project addresses specific community needs and align your measurable goals with the foundationās focus areas to enhance your proposalās impact.
Apply Here: Dr. Scholl Foundation Grants
Free Tools & Technologies to Amplify Your Fundraising Event š
These free tools make it easier for nonprofits to host dynamic, well-organized events without stretching their budgets, offering great solutions to maximize fundraising impact.
Google Forms for Ticketing and Registration
Google Forms offers a quick, free, and customizable solution for managing event registrations and collecting attendee details. Nonprofits can use it to create RSVP forms, add fields for donation pledges, and even include customized confirmation messages. Responses are stored in a Google Sheet, allowing your team to track registrations and manage data seamlessly.
Pro Tip: Include a short survey to capture attendee interests or ask if theyād like to volunteer, helping you personalize engagement and plan future events.
OBS Studio for Live-Streaming and Virtual Events
OBS Studio is a free, open-source software that allows nonprofits to live-stream events on platforms like YouTube or Facebook. With OBS, you can share pre-recorded videos, add graphics, and display live donation progress, creating an engaging experience for both in-person and virtual attendees.
Pro Tip: Use OBS to showcase testimonials, share impact videos, or feature live updates on auction bids or donation milestones during the event, keeping your audience engaged and informed.
Thatās all for this edition of Nonprofit Digest!
As year-end approaches, now is the time to implement the strategies that will amplify your fundraising success. From planning impactful events to securing critical funding, taking action now will ensure your nonprofit is well-prepared to reach your year-end goals.
Join our Nonprofit Community Resources Facebook Group to connect with fellow nonprofit leaders, exchange event ideas, and get inspired by creative fundraising strategies.
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