Modern Fundraising: Community Centric Fundraising Movement
Your community is where your donor base resides, so it’s time you start understanding it more. Listen to our podcast to find out how!
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Crafting an Online Presence: A Guide to Nonprofit Social Media
More than 72% of adults in the United States have at least one social media account. These aren’t just people—they’re millions of opportunities for your nonprofit to have an impact on most of the country’s population.
If you’re looking to generate revenue for your nonprofit or spread awareness about a certain issue, you’re in need of nonprofit social media guidance.
We’re here to share exactly how to harness your nonprofit’s ability to make tangible progress using social media.
Nonprofit Social Media: The Basics
Before you even decide which platforms to use, you need to do two things:
- Decide your goals (revenue, starting conversation, event attendance, sharing information)
- Identify your audience
While your goals might be a combination of the above, and your audience may have a large demographic or age range, it’s important to strategize your social media before diving right in.
Below are a few categories your posts should fall into.
Hot tip: create a content schedule that posts different pieces of content. For example, you don’t want seven days in a row of community building posts. Mix it up by integrating informational posts, too!
Promoting Awareness
At the core of each nonprofit’s mission is education. Without sharing crucial information about the issue you’re combatting, your audience won’t see the value in the work you’re doing.
To get your audience engaged in the purpose of your organization, use statistics and infographics on Twitter or Instagram.
Build Community
Another way to generate a following on social media for nonprofits is to build a virtual community. Your followers want to feel like they’re a part of your movement, so let them in!
Do this by hosting live Q&As on Instagram or virtual forum meetings. Ask your followers to comment with a friend’s name or share their posts for more engagement.
LinkedIn is a great place to cultivate social networking for nonprofits, too, so try posting information there to gain a professional following. The cost of social network marketing is really just your time, so take a leap!
55% of the users who follow nonprofits on social media take action to benefit that organization. Considering some people use social media infrequently or just to share personal information, that’s a pretty great conversion rate!
Share Impact
Lastly, your followers want to know how your work is going. Be transparent and share statistics or stories with them!
Tell them how their donations are making your work possible. People respond well to stories, so get creative in how you share the information. Maybe have a volunteer of your organization or youth participant in your programming share the news!
Ideas for Nonprofit Social Media
Now that you have a sense of your goals and your audience, it’s time to get to it! Here are the top ideas for engaging social media posts that will get your nonprofit some well-deserved attention and donations.
Add Donation Buttons
Especially on Facebook and Instagram, it’s important to make it easy for your followers to donate to your nonprofit. Use Facebook’s charitable giving platform to show that you’re open to donations and encourage users to fundraise for you if they’re able.
Use Hashtags
Hashtags are the best way to get an organic following on social media, no matter the platform. Hashtags are like coding your content to get to the right people.
For example, if you’re sharing something for Giving Tuesday, use the #givingtuesday hashtag to show up in the feed. For more niche topics, use specific hashtags to get recognized, like #artmuseum, #omahaarts, or #donatenow.
Share Videos
If the rise of TikTok taught us anything, it’s that people love short-form videos. Some nonprofits have been taking advantage of this, and TikTok has even responded by adding certain features to support nonprofit fundraising.
Even if you’re not on TikTok, your nonprofit can still make short-form videos to educate the public on your mission.
For example, a museum can make a short video going through an exhibition or touring the building. A nonprofit focused on poverty alleviation can share statistics and footage from donation events or services they offer the community.
There are endless opportunities!
Develop a Style Guide
Using social media solidifies your brand. To build trust among your followers and any new communities, you have to have consistency across the board.
Even if you only have a couple of people managing your social media, develop a style guide with all the information someone new would need to create your content.
This could have a list of your researched hashtags, approved colors, and graphics, or resources for posting techniques. This will ensure that your voice and branding is cohesive for your followers.
Pro tip: Use a free design platform like Canva to keep everything branded and stored!
Use Stories
While many people enjoy perfectly curated content, it’s important to shake it up a bit by using stories on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
Use stories to show the day in the life of an employee or use engaging stickers like polls. This allows you to learn more about your audience and create fun content!
Keep up With the Times
Even if you use a content calendar to schedule content ahead of time, make sure that you’re keeping up with your platforms in between. Like, comment, and engage with other content and accounts you follow.
This helps the algorithms in these platforms see you as a contributor to the platform in multiple ways, instead of just posting.
As the events of 2020 and early 2021 have proven, it’s crucial that you keep up with what’s happening in the world. You don’t want your content to seem insensitive, so make sure your calendar is easy to adjust and that you’re flexible in what you post.
Going All-In on Social Media
If your nonprofit social media is ready to take off, congratulations! Using social media to get people interested in your work and cultivate new donors is a huge step towards furthering your mission as an organization.
When you’re ready, use these nonprofit social media marketing tips to gain new followers and keep them inspired by your work.
If you’re looking for more information on how to make your nonprofit successful, check out the rest of our blog.
We help nonprofits strategize their operations and services to be as efficient as possible. Check out our services and contact us for more information!
The Complete Guide to Nonprofit Startup Funding
We have created a complete guide to nonprofit startup funding. The guide is for both those looking for seed money to start a nonprofit and existing organizations that need additional funding. The topic is overwhelming to many, but considering the best nonprofit startup funding strategies is important.
Your dream can become a reality.
Funding is a key step for any charity, but this does not happen overnight. This blog will help you learn how to raise funds for your nonprofit so you can help your organization grow.
4 Types of Funding
We’ve covered four broad types of initial funding (or for existing nonprofits)
1. Start With Your Community for Nonprofit Startup Funding
What do nonprofits do? Nonprofits serve their communities. If you are looking for funding options, start in your community. Work colleagues, friends, and neighbors might see the potential benefits your startup could bring. Don’t be afraid to post calls for help on your social media, too!
Businesses or Community Leaders
Established businesses have cash to spare if they believe your idea can bring something positive to society and be profitable. Also, community leaders tend to be well-connected. They could assist you in reaching out to other people who will likely be interested.
You can present your startup to these leaders and ask them to become board members. This way, they can represent more active stakeholders in your organization. This action will also increase your access to individual donations. Residents are likely to trust these leaders, so they might donate more.
Other Organizations
You can also contact other organizations who provide similar services, or who would be interested in the benefit your startup will bring. For example, churches are likely to find interest in funding food relief centers or homeless shelters. Food providers might also potentially willing to donate some of their own stock to supply your nonprofit. It never hurts to ask.
Friends and Family
You may find it awkward to approach your loved ones for money. But, reaching out to them will give you a good starting ground. They are more likely to understand how passionate you are about the organization. They might be willing to share a stake in the success of your creation. Even if they don’t, they will be more open to sharing your initiative with their circle of friends, thus expanding your reach.
2. Access Grants for Nonprofit Startup Funding
As a nonprofit, you cannot finance your startup in a traditional way. You don’t get to sell items and use the additional money to uphold your organization, so accessing nonprofit grants is a great way for your startup to flourish. However, nonprofit startup grants are a possible option.
What exactly are nonprofit grants, and what do they do?
Nonprofit startup funding is important for your charity.
Well, when it comes to grants, the earlier you receive them, the better. Instead of waiting until you’ve officially started your organization to begin applying, make sure you have a plan. Start reaching out before your organization becomes fully operational because this will prevent future instability. It will also enable the eventual success of your nonprofit.
Here are two prominent types of grants:
Government Grants
There are many government grants out there. This fact will benefit you because there’s no end to the applications you can send out to finance your startup. That being said, make sure to go through the different grants and see which ones will suit your organization the most. To have a better understanding of available grants, you can look through grants.gov.
There are differences between federal grants and state grants. So, make sure to research the ones that are applicable in your area. Keep in mind that there are requirements to meet and contracts to negotiate. You should expect some initial hurdles!
Foundation Grants
Private foundations also provide nonprofit startup grant funds. It may be difficult to know where to begin, but focus on your state and start researching the available private grants in the area.
You may also need to approach the foundation and give them details about what you plan to do with your nonprofit. This will include your projected budget and the specifics of your business plan. If all seems to be suitable, they’ll happily finance your organization.
Note: Business grants are a possible fundraising strategy. Many for-profit businesses create corporate programs, grant options, or scholarships, available to nonprofit organizations. A different type of corporate funding, if you will.
3. Individual Donations for Nonprofit Startup Funding
Did you know that several nonprofits exist by relying on individual contributions from the public? For example, individual donations are the major driving force for the World Wildlife Fund.
To access public donations, set up fundraisers or auctions. Don’t be afraid to get creative. That’s what will draw people in. Fundraising is also a great way to tell people what your nonprofit is all about. This could improve the chances of more donations or public support. Events like bake sales to full-on carnivals, in a post-COVID world, would be useful.
4. Offering Memberships
Providing membership options is a suitable method to earn a fixed amount regularly. People who sign up will contribute to your nonprofit on a recurring basis. You won’t have to worry about finances drying up.
Offering memberships do not apply to all forms of startups. If you have an idea about what to provide to your members- for example, exclusive access to events or information — then this may be a viable funding option.
Tips for Finding Funding Sources
There are several ways to show your organization is ready for funds, improving your chances to bring in more (and do more for your cause).
- Compile relevant programs: Doing the research work of gathering all relevant programs (nonprofit grant programs, for example) helps determine the possibilities.
- Clearly convey your nonprofit projects: Whether it’s through memberships, individual donations, grants, or other funding methods those giving will want to know about your track record and how the fund will be used.
- Show transparency: Keeping accurate track of how dollars and donations are utilized gives people a sense of trust. Accurate financial record-keeping also mitigates issues with governance. Working with a qualified team, experienced in nonprofits, helps immensely.
Nonprofit Startup Funding Can Be Easy
It may seem scary at first. But, you have many options to access nonprofit startup funding. From grants to memberships, you will benefit from researching. You will also benefit if you try out as many options as possible.
Why should you believe in your dreams? If you are compelled to start a nonprofit, use this as your selling point. Helping your community is a great mission to guide your organization. There will always be others who see the potential in your charitable acts.
For more nonprofit help and outsourced bookkeeping assistance, check out our services. This is also a very popular topic in a Modern Nonprofit Facebook Group, which you can join TODAY.
A Modern Nonprofit Podcast: Diversity and Inclusion (S1E1)
Nonprofit enthusiast and Founder/CEO of The Charity CFO Tosha Anderson is proud to announce the launch of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast. Powered by The Charity CFO, this podcast will take listeners on a journey, as Tosha and her guests talk about relevant topics in the nonprofit sector.
Each episode will feature a lighthearted and informative discussion. Tosha Anderson said A Modern Nonprofit Podcast is a tool like no other for nonprofits of all shapes and sizes.
“While paving my path and finding my footing in life, I have found my true purpose of helping nonprofit organizations do the same,” said Tosha. “Through this podcast, the ability to connect and help so many individuals will only grow, which will make the nonprofit community as a whole stronger. I am looking forward to bringing on industry leaders and participating in conversations that will help my listeners evolve their nonprofits.”
In the inaugural episode, Tosha sits down with Veer Up founder Eileen McGhee to talk all things diversity and inclusion. The two experienced leaders discuss how to define words like diversity and inclusion, then conduct an in-depth conversation about how nonprofits can truly be open to all ideas and views.
This podcast is designed for nonprofit leaders and listeners alike. To truly experience A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, you must do the following:
- Listen to the first episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast HERE. Don’t forget to subscribe on your favorite streaming service!
- Head to The Charity CFO YouTube and subscribe to watch full episodes and snippets from the podcast.
- If you’re on Facebook, search “A Modern Nonprofit Facebook Group” to request access to the already-growing online community, where nonprofit leaders discuss strategies, share tips and converse about personal experiences. All are welcome!
- Follow The Charity CFO on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for the latest episode updates, nonprofit information and deals related to nonprofit bookkeeping and outsourcing for your accounting.
Curious as to how The Charity CFO could help your nonprofit in terms of financial accounting, bookkeeping or outsourcing? Check out what we have to offer you and request a meeting with us today.
The Importance of #GivingTuesday in 2020
Despite the cold temperatures, themes during the winter months are warm and optimistic. For example:
- Thanksgiving: A holiday focusing on gratitude and appreciating what one has.
- Christmas: A time spent feeling grateful for being with and giving to others.
- Giving Tuesday: wait, you might ask, what is that?
It’s completely okay if you don’t know the specifics, or haven’t heard of, Giving Tuesday!
Giving Tuesday is a “global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world,” according to its website. And everyone can get involved! If that’s by donating to a charity, volunteering for a nonprofit, or performing random acts of kindness, you can do good this year.
Giving Tuesday is very important for nonprofits because it is a time for charitable donations and significant contributions from the greater public. We at The Charity CFO are proud to work with hundreds of nonprofits every day, and you can view our scope of work on our website here.
This Giving Tuesday, give if you can to the organizations that help make our communities great. With the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been no greater need for nonprofits to continue to help those who may be struggling.
Is your nonprofit hoping to find financial balance after Giving Tuesday? Schedule a time to talk with The Charity CFO and book a FREE STRATEGY SESSION here.
