Donor Strategy

We talk a lot about having separate marketing platforms for your clients and donors. This allows you to share targeted, specific information with your two very different audiences without confusing one or losing the other.

In this guide, we will share about five tactics you can use for your donor social media platforms to increase awareness about your center and generate engagement and excitement about the good work your center does.

This has been an unforgettable year in so many ways. And, many of you are looking ahead and making budgeting plans for your center the next few months, wondering how to reach donors effectively in the midst of a pandemic. You are likely making decisions about fall events and trying to determine what your year end will look like. Will donors give generously? Will they be cautious? How have they been impacted by COVID-19? A good first step is to make sure you are connecting with them. Both personally through developing relationships, but also through your marketing efforts. It’s important to keep telling your story, making yourself present in their space.

Years ago there was a public service message on TV every night at 10 pm that asked the question, “Do you know where your children are?” Do you remember that?

We have a new question for you:
“Do you know where your donors are?” 

Many pregnancy centers and other pro-life organizations are making false assumptions about their donors giving capacity during this pandemic.  The shortfall for most is not due to diminished donor giving capacity – it is a logistical issue.   If your revenue is down, it is likely due to a postponed or canceled event or  a shift to a virtual event.  If you are feeling overwhelmed by accelerated needs brought on by Coronavirus, against the backdrop of reduced revenue, we have tools to help you.   

A newly released study by Fidelity Charitable indicates that 80% of major donors plan to give the same or more than they did last year, even in the face of this crisis. Further, the study indicated that most donors do not plan to shift their giving to different organizations in light of the pandemic; they will stay the course by continuing to support their favorite nonprofits and missions they are passionate about. As an added bonus, the recently passed CARES Act also expands tax deductions for charitable giving this year, providing many major donors with a powerful incentive to give more.

What does this mean for you? You need to simply ask.

Raising major gifts in the midst of this pandemic? You are likely concerned about your finances. A survey of nonprofits in early April by Charity Navigator and Reuters News showed that 83% of respondents reported they are suffering financially. The pregnancy centers and other prolife organizations we work with have shared their many concerns over their present and future financial situation due to cancelled or postponed events and donor job loss. These are legitimate concerns for ministries who depend on the generosity of others for their daily income.

One question we get all the time is “Do I really need two websites?” Our answer is a resounding YES! While it may feel like a lot more work, it actually can be very manageable and the payoff in terms of reaching clients and donors with more clarity is huge.

In this FREE download, we talk about why having two websites and two Facebook pages is beneficial, how to get started, and some of the results you can expect to see once you separate them out.

If you’re working from home and wondering how you can continue your marketing endeavors, we have a handy checklist you can use! Think of this time at home as a perfect opportunity to do some spring cleaning for your pregnancy center marketing and communications.

In this guide, we cover some quick and simple things you can do to spruce up your online marketing, drive more traffic to your website, clean up your donor list and send more clients through your doors!

Did you know that for the past 45 years, charitable giving increased every year except for three (1977 – the height of the energy crisis and 2008/2009 – the great recession)? Those three years showed a decline in charitable gifts. However, during the 2008/2009 recession, the decrease was in giving that was not relationship based. Those who are most connected to nonprofits have historically stayed connected in hard times. Both your major gift development and faithful monthly givers will carry you through even in the hardest of economic downturns because of your strong relationship with them. Realistically, due to job loss and other factors, you have to expect some donors to take a break from giving. However, trends show that others will step up to help in a big way.

When we speak with pro-life organizations and pregnancy centers across the country, there is a common need expressed in every conversation – the desire for additional funds to have a greater impact. Whether its to help with growing your organization, increasing your staff, marketing, serving more clients, or advocating for life-affirming legislation and pro-life law makers, everyone needs more funding to put their passion into action.

Do you currently host an annual banquet or gala? At Choose Life Marketing, we consult with pro-life organizations of all sizes and missions, helping them achieve their fundraising goals. Though we have various strategies we suggest for successful fundraising, we recognize that many of these organizations rely on their annual events for a significant portion of their fundraising dollars.

One of the worst mistakes you could ever make is keeping your pregnancy center your community’s best kept secret. To reach both those considering abortion and new donors to help support your mission, you need to make yourself known through marketing well – in smart, strategic ways. 

In this FREE guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to create a positive buzz about what you’re doing and help more women learn about your services.

How do you get your Board to fundraise? Your board members do not necessarily have to be people of great means. They just have to be connected, willing to share their connections and willing to participate in the fundraising process. They are one of your greatest ambassadors in your community, especially as they connect friends and family to your organization, and build awareness through representing your organization within your community.

Congratulations! You’ve just closed the books on 2019 and you are ready to start a new year and new decade. Now is a good time to look back and analyze your 2019 fundraising strategy…the good, the great and the not so good. Ask yourself: “What worked and what didn’t?” and use this as you move on to planning for 2020 and beyond.