At this point, every nonprofit professional is aware of the significance of Giving Tuesday in the nonprofit world. Organizations can raise funds for projects, programs, and initiatives, bring in new donors, or attract volunteers, often with campaigns specifically prepared for this day.
But, what happens after Giving Tuesday? How do you keep your donors motivated and involved in your cause?
Nonprofits need to continue to engage their supporters once this giving day is over to ensure a second gift and sustain the organization’s funding. These tips we found at Bloomeang.co can help you plan your post-GivingTuesday strategy.
1. Reflect and analyze
Review your results from GivingTuesday, including the total amount raised, donor demographics, and the success of your different approaches and social media channels. Share the hard data with your Development Committee and have a conversation about it. By taking this step you’re infusing data-driven strategic thinking into your fundraising program. Use your data from GivingTuesday to inform your post-GivingTuesday strategy. Refine your approach for next year by learning from what worked and what didn’t.
2. Thank your donors the day after
Express your gratitude to GivingTuesday donors promptly. Send personalized thank-you messages, emails, or letters to acknowledge their support—even if you have an automated email acknowledgement message. Make phone calls or send text messages that solely express your thanks. That alone will make you stand out.
3. Share the impact
Share the impact of your GivingTuesday donations. Update your supporters on how their contributions are making a difference and achieving your organization’s goals. Remind them of your initial GivingTuesday goals.
4. Consider doubling
Try using a crowdfunding platform to ask a new segment of your past supporters to match the GivingTuesday contributions. You segmented your donor list based on their giving history, interests, and engagement level, right? Plus, you customized your messaging for each group to increase relevance and impact, correct? If not, commit to doing so going forward.
5. Engage your supporters
Encourage your supporters to become advocates for your cause. Ask them to share their stories and experiences with your organization and invite others to contribute.
6. Take advantage of matching gifts
Partner with corporations or major donors to offer matching gift opportunities. You may inspire more people to donate, knowing their contribution will be doubled. A service like Double the Donation can help you streamline this effort.
7. Consider: What if every Tuesday was GivingTuesday?
#GivingEveryTuesday is a series of weekly opportunities to come together to give, volunteer, and show kindness in shared moments with communities, causes, and countries around the world. Developed by the GivingTuesday leader community, #GivingEveryTuesday offers opportunities to increase civic participation, drive giving, and build connection and empathy. They’ve done the work for you! Subscribe here and follow their calendar.
8. Provide regular updates
Keep your supporters informed about the progress of your post-GivingTuesday campaign, and what’s ahead for your year-end giving. Share updates, success stories, donor giving stories, and milestones. This is the work retaining your donors!
9. Optimize for mobile
Make sure your fundraising efforts are mobile-friendly, as many people donate online and with mobile devices.
10. Follow up with non-donors
Don’t forget to follow up with individuals who didn’t donate on GivingTuesday. Send them directed messages explaining the ongoing need and how their contribution can make a difference. Find out why they’re missing in action by using a donor survey.
11. Sustain engagement
How many of your GivingTuesday donors joined your monthly giving program? If they haven’t, invite them to join so as to encourage their long-term support. Regular engagement maintains relationships with donors.
12. Evaluate and adjust
Continuously monitor the performance of your post-GivingTuesday campaign and make adjustments as needed. Use those analytics and donor feedback to refine your strategy.
13. Express gratitude again
After your post-GivingTuesday plan or year-end drive concludes, make sure to express gratitude to your donors and share the final results, so they know the impact of their support.
