Nonprofit Fundraising Ideas That Work!
Nonprofit organizations continually seek new ideas for fundraising. While there are not many easy fundraising ideas, there are ways to connect with your donors in a personalized way that leads to better results.
GRC Direct has been working on fundraising ideas for nonprofit organizations for nearly a quarter of a century. To discuss ideas for fundraising that could improve your results, please complete this form, and a GRC Direct fundraising specialist will contact you.
To learn about ideas for fundraising that achieved increased results for other nonprofit organizations, spend a few minutes reviewing these recent case studies.
CASE STUDIES
1) Enhancing Year-End Fundraising
Developing a Turn-Key Program
 Challenge: Nonprofit organizations continually seek end-of-year fundraising to meet budgetary expectations. Typical contribution requests are often overlooked by recipients amidst the influx of pieces in their mailboxes. Clients asked our fundraising specialists to develop an approach that would differentiate them from others during this critical season.
Solution: GRC Direct created a risk-free turnkey program that allows nonprofits to sell customized holiday cards to their supporters. Featuring five unique designs and personalized with the donor’s name, the nonprofit receives half of all dollars received through their efforts.
Results of one of the the participating nonprofits:
2007: 5228 Cards mailed out | 486 orders/responses | $24,300 raised
2008: 5500 Cards mailed out | 523 orders/responses | $26,150 Raised
2) Use of segmentation and personalization to connect
Capitalizing on Personal Relationships
 Challenge: This nonprofit historically sent static fundraising requests to their contributor list of approximately 5,000 people. Although possessing excellent data on supporters, they did not know how to utilize it to increase results.
Solution: After spending time understanding the client’s unique relationship with supporters, the decision was made to develop personalized materials directed at each of five different contribution segments. Focusing on the relationship each group has with the organization, a direct mail campaign began based on shorter runs sent more frequently.
Results: The first mailings achieved a response lift 35% higher than the previous effort. More importantly, donations increased 33%, enabling the client to exceed its desired revenue goal.
3) Engaging Potential Members
Connecting on a Higher Level
 Challenge: Churches regularly seek ways to reach out to visitors and engage them on a level that leads to an ongoing relationship. This client sought an approach for connecting with first-time attendees immediately after their initial visit that encourages them to consider membership.
Solution: The recommendation was to develop a series of touches that show the personal care the church provides members. Visitors fill out information cards during their initial service that include a prayer request. Welcoming postcards are sent within five days, and one of the follow-up pieces addresses the prayer request. There is also a giveaway offer, such as to receive an inspirational message or personal phone call.
Results: Hundreds of visitors responded to the giveaway offer and the church has received a rise in membership throughout the campaign, which continues today.
4) Expanding Local Contributions
Expanding Local Contributions
 Challenge: A well-known wedding reception venue sought to expand its offerings to include business meetings and special events. The nonprofit that operates the beautiful grounds also wished to add donors for their organization.
Solution: Recognizing the opportunity to capitalize on the area’s affinity for this unique setting, the recommendation was to create personalized materials that feature photos of indoor and outdoor locations linked to the individual interests of contributors.
Results: Increase in number inquires regarding more information about events and sponsorship opportunities. |
|
|
