3 Ways to Stand Out This #GivingTuesday

Giving Tuesday is a day that all nonprofits circle on their calendar each year. It’s the global day dedicated to charitable giving, and celebrated the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. In 2017, 2.5 million gifts were given on Giving Tuesday, and donations resulted in over $300 million raised online. For the nonprofit industry, it’s a day where donors are ready to give, and give big.

So, what makes a Giving Tuesday campaign successful? In the increasingly crowded nonprofit landscape, donors are bombarded with a myriad of appeals, so standing out can be a challenge.

With that in mind, here are three ways to help your organization stand out this Giving Tuesday.

1. Rally your existing supporters

It may seem overly simplistic, but your existing supporters are primed to act on Giving Tuesday. They already have a relationship with your organization, are interested in the causes you support, and are more likely to be socially aware of the charitable giving holiday. If approached correctly, your supporters can be big catalysts for your organization.

Rallying your supporters starts with your own employees, who are an often-overlooked resource. To motivate this group, create an internal engagement strategy that addresses the key aspects of your Giving Tuesday campaign, and be sure to incentivize their participation. Holding special events, giving away prizes, and providing interactive ways to share on social media are all simple ways to engage your employees and maximize your reach within the organization.

Next, activating your existing donor-base is a key component of any successful Giving Tuesday campaign. Start promoting your efforts early, and if possible, create custom treatment streams for different donor segments. Whether it’s for lapsed donors who may be interested in reengaging, or donors who gave the previous Giving Tuesday, simple customizations can go a long way in enticing donors to give.

Tip: No matter who you are targeting, keep these best practices in mind:

• Use an integrated approach that uses your organization’s key channels
• Showcase the impact your organization made last Giving Tuesday
• Provide a story that highlights how donors can make a difference in the lives of real people
• Encourage social sharing to broaden your reach

Find more #GivingTuesday tips and resources at givingtuesday.blackbaud.com

2. Provide a match offer

In 2014, World Vision provided donors with a Giving Tuesday match offer thanks to a corporate partner. At that time, having a match was a differentiator, as not many organizations used this approach. Fast forward to 2018, and it’s a must-have part of any Giving Tuesday campaign, with bigger match amounts. What was once a novelty has become a best-practice. Donors are looking for the best way to maximize their dollars, and a match provides a way for their money to go further.

Tip: Another way to provide a match opportunity is by leveraging companies that offer to match donations made by their employees. The challenge is that many donors aren’t aware that their employer offers this service, so your non-profit should raise awareness about these opportunities.

3. Host a marquee event

A marquee event can be a great way to stand out this Giving Tuesday. If done correctly, it can be a transformative experience for donors, and a media impressions driver.

In 2017, World Vision took a page from the fundraising playbook of for-profit companies like Apple and Amazon by launching the first-of-its-kind pop-up shop … for charity. The Give-back Gift Shop debuted on the three days surrounding Giving Tuesday in New York City’s Bryant Park, and gave holiday shoppers the chance to touch and feel the impact of their generosity first-hand. With interactive experiences like a water walk, live animals, a virtual reality station, and a 180-degree photo booth, it was a family event that introduced millions of people to World Vision through national media coverage, social media promotion, and in-person visitors to the shop. Because of its success, World Vision will be doing the event again in 2018.

Events like this can provide donors with a meaningful brand experience, and help drive interest from individuals who may not normally be aware of your organization.

Tip: If trying to appeal to a broader audience, expand your localized event by linking to a social media or influencer campaign.

This Giving Tuesday, challenge your organization to stand out from the crowd. It’s easier than you think, if you put the right plan into place.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Peter Livingston

Peter is a brand and communication expert, with a background developing large, successful brand building efforts. As World Vision’s Brand Development Manager, Peter leads their Christmas promotional efforts, including innovative events like the Give-back Gift Shop appearing in New York City this holiday season. Prior to working for World Vision, Peter worked in digital marketing at ABC Digital, where he worked with large brands on custom sponsorship campaigns.