The Countdown To #GivingTuesday

#GivingTuesday is only six weeks away (or less, depending on when you’re reading this). That means it’s time to figure out how you can stand out and bring in new donors during the second biggest giving day of the year. So, let’s pull out that calendar and check the countdown clock on GivingTuesday.org, and get started on your campaign plans.   

One Month Until Giving Tuesday

With one month to go before #GivingTuesday, consider setting up a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign for your biggest supporters to take part in. Use the month leading up to November 30th to set up your peer-to-peer landing page that incorporates #GivingTuesday branding, a simple sign-up form for volunteer fundraisers, and a dynamic donation form. Use word of mouth, email, social media, and text messages to recruit staff, volunteers, sustaining donors, friends, and family to create a personal fundraising page to share with their network.

Keep in mind that your fundraising efforts can start on #GivingTuesday and continue throughout December. This will give your fundraisers ample time to participate while opening the door to additional incentives, like adding matching donations on December 31st if you were unable to secure a match for #GivingTuesday.

One Week Until Giving Tuesday

With one week left until Giving Tuesday, now is the time to create content to share through social media, email, and text messages. Educate your supporters and followers about #GivingTuesday, remind them of the date, and most importantly, why and how to support you on that day. Share branded text-to-donate details or links to your #GivingTuesday branded online donation form. Pre-schedule your emails, posts, and texts for a more stress-free day. You should still set aside some time to share updates, including the progress toward your goal, whether that’s dollars raised or the number of donors.  

One Day Until Giving Tuesday

If you have yet to plan any campaign efforts the day before, it’s tempting to throw in the towel and set your sights on the next year. However, you can still use your social media to promote #GivingTuesday and invite followers to support you on that day. While your campaign may be condensed to just one day, you still have the opportunity to reach new donors. Bring the focus back to the original spirit of Giving Tuesday: “the power of radical generosity”. Say thank you to the community that has supported your nonprofit and its mission all year long. Remind your biggest supporters about your volunteer opportunities as well as ways to stay connected like your email newsletter and text subscription.

Whether you spend months, weeks, or just hours on a #GivingTuesday fundraising campaign, the most important thing to keep in mind is your nonprofit’s mission. Authentic and passionate storytelling about the good work your nonprofit does in your community and the world at large will pay off in big ways not just on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, but for years to come.