What can we learn from #GivingTuesday? Giving Tuesday was a push by charities to get Americans to focus upon something other than spending upon themselves. It follows Black Friday and Cyber Monday. In only it’s third year it is picking up steam.
Giving Tuesday saw a 36% increase in charitable giving on December 2nd! That is simply one clearing houses statistics. I am sure when we see the final tally it will be more than that. With the increases being so large I am certain Giving Tuesday is here to stay.
Several of my clients utilized Giving Tuesday to drive in significant gifts. There are many lessons we can learn from this one day event that will help us in raising funds not simply on Giving Tuesday but for other special events.
What can we learn about Giving Tuesday that will help us not just for next #GivingTuesday December 1, 2015 but for all special offering pushes? Here are some of my observations.
The greater the planning the greater the results. One valuable lesson for all of us is that if we don’t plan out our offering pushes we should not be surprised with minimal results. Give your future offering pushes at least six to four weeks advanced planning to be successful.
Any “ask” is better than no “ask.” Almost. Take that statement with a grain of salt. What I mean is that if you ask and ask in the right way people will give. Sending out some Giving Tuesday appeal was better than not doing anything. While you might not have garnered a huge amount of money some money is better than no money!
Talk about the “ask” before you make the “ask.” The more information you give the better. Also, the more lead time I have to prepare for my gift the more likely you will get my gift and it might even be larger!
Use multiple platforms to spread the word about your “ask.” It starts on Sunday morning but the message of your ask should be heard across every communication platform you have.
Finally, a plan of action is a necessity. My clients brought in dollars for a wide variety of needs. We had a plan and worked our plan. Do you have giving plans? Is there someone reminding you weekly of increasing your giving? Without plans your in all probability losing out on potential gifts.
Let me help you increase your giving now! For this month only I am offering membership for two months for the price of one. To register go to https://thestewardshipcoach.org/join-now/
Mark Brooks – The Stewardship Coach