A case for Twitter, Facebook, & Social Media for Nonprofit Fundraisers

I was just on a call with fellow members of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy folks when someone asked, “Does anyone here use Twitter or Facebook?” Read Article

NewsWeek Cover Story

Social Media: What are you afraid of?

As the interview begins, James Topham apologizes and takes a moment to read and respond to an urgent tweet. Another typical day for the communications and marketing director of War Child Canada, where tweeting and Facebook updates are as commonplace as checking one’s email. Read Article

Your first question might be, what types of animal fundraisers exist? Well, believe it or not, there are quite a few. If you have a website,put it to work raising money 24/7! You might think about affiliate programs or an online store in addition to your standard donation page.

Many animal shelters are starting to use online fundraising such as setting up an online magazine fundraising store for your organization on your website. You can promote your store by word of mouth or by getting business owners to put a link to your store on their website. This is a simple way to raise funds around the clock.

On your fundraising page, be sure to let people know how their support can help and be specific; (i.e “What difference can one magazine purchase make? It can feed a homeless animal for 7 to ten days! Three magazines can cover spay/neuter costs!”) In today’s economy, it is also a good idea to give them something of value in return for their donation and to say “Thank you, your gift is appreciated.”

Many Humane Societies and Rescue Centers have online fundraising store where supporters may purchase magazines as well as many other items to help. Use these pioneers as examples and a source of ideas.

Skratchers
If donations work better for you, you might consider an Animal Shelter Skratcher fundraiser. Skratchers can be customized with your logo and or photos of the pets you are trying to help. Just one look at the animals on the Skratchers is enough to melt the heart of supporters and open their wallets! All your supporters do is scratch off an amount and, depending on the amount scratched, they give a donation between $1.00 and $6.00. Each card raises $100.00 and as a thank you gift, each donor receives up to $50.00 in savings coupons for national chains or participating local businesses.

Get more fundraising ideas at http://www.sheltersource.org/fund.htm, and
HumaneFundraising.com. They are both great sites that are devoted to ideas that can help animal groups raise money to help our furry friends.

Have questions or need help getting started? Call or email me for a free no obligation consultation.

A. Nash Kunkle

Cashflow Technology Services
Phone: (707) 669-0861
Cell: (408)209-6409

Read Article: Ways to Boost Online Giving at Year-End