Tips for Online Fundraising
by Ashley High

Beth Pickard, a marketing intern at Firstgiving.com, gives her advice on social media and fundraising. While platforms such as Facebook are revolutionizing communication, social media will only work as well as the way it is implemented. Networking rules are still the same; however, the medium through which networking is happening has changed. Below are a few tips on effective online fundraising:

Be creative when asking for donations. The most successful fundraisers excite donors with creative and interesting fundraisers such as competing in endurance sports events, selling body parts (i.e. reserving space on an arm or a leg for a message in exchange for a donation), shaving their beards, or giving away birthday and wedding presents.

Consider asking for small amounts. Some people will not give because they think a small donation cannot make a difference. However, while large donations are nice, it is quite possible to reach a fundraising goal with many small donations. Consider asking specifically for $1 or $5 dollar donations.

Make it personal. Write a clear and personal statement about why the organization is doing what it does.

Publicize using social media. Use email, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Digg, StumbleUpon, etc., for publicizing the organization. Use those networks!

Say “thank you.” While this seems like a simple fact, it is extremely important to follow up donations with at least a personal email to let the donor know they are appreciated.

For more tips on social media, read the “Tips and Tricks” section of Firstgiving’s Online Fundraising Blog or look at Firstgiving’s free webinar on “What it Really Takes to Succeed at Online Fundraising.”

Information taken from: Beth Pickard. “What to Expect: Online Fundraising.” http://flip.onphilanthropy.com/.

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