3 Key Steps to a Successful Giving Day

Giving days have become increasingly popular fundraising events across the nonprofit sector. These short-term campaigns transform donor engagement into exciting 24-hour philanthropy events that create urgency and friendly competition among supporters.

#1 Build Partnerships

Inspire key partners

Successful giving days rely heavily on strong partnerships. A single fundraising office cannot create the movement needed to generate significant support in such a limited timeframe. Partners serve as essential advocates and champions for your cause.

Making a case to partners

The approach to identifying and motivating partners varies by organization. For universities and large institutions, schools and programs represent key partnership opportunities. To encourage their participation, emphasize benefits like increased program exposure, expanded funding opportunities, and potential matching support.

Providing toolkits with logos and key messages empowers partners to reach their networks effectively. This approach gives stakeholders investment in the campaign’s success while connecting you with constituencies that may be difficult to reach from a central office.

Loyal supporters & volunteers

Your most dedicated supporters and volunteers represent another valuable partnership resource. These individuals care deeply about your mission and will actively help meet goals. Recruit them in advance with clear instructions on mobilizing their networks. Consider implementing contests or prizes to encourage deeper involvement.

#2 Make Your Giving Day Fun!

Each organization understands its constituents best. The question becomes: what will excite them to participate?

Matchfunding

Most giving days incorporate donor matches, creating urgency around gift timing. Since peer-to-peer outreach proves most effective for fundraising, allocate matching funds to support social media contests that encourage ongoing participation throughout the day.

Competitions

Creative competitions drive engagement. Universities have successfully run social media contests featuring photos of pets or babies in school apparel, with prizes supporting favorite programs. Physical events also generate excitement, prompting supporters to share photos with your giving day hashtag.

Create a Social Media buzz

Digital engagement opportunities abound. Facebook Live can broadcast office energy and event locations to remote donors. Interactive website elements, games, and visual components draw visitors in and maximize fundraising potential.

#3 Use Giving Day Technology

Technology enables reaching many donors quickly during your 24-hour window. A dynamic, engaging website is essential. Select a vendor offering custom giving day solutions suited to your organization’s specific needs, ensuring visual appeal and user engagement.

Easy online donor experience

Your website should feature real-time gift tracking, prominent “make a gift” buttons, and simple gift forms. Donors benefit from seeing donation totals increase and viewing their names on donor walls, which enhances their experience.

Showoff donor stats

Highlight compelling statistics. International organizations might display a map showing countries lighting up with each gift. Alumni-focused campaigns can showcase graduation years. Leaderboards comparing different funds or schools encourage friendly competition and boost engagement.

Mobile & user friendly

Prioritize mobile responsiveness and user-friendliness above all. Avoid implementing features that slow your site or complicate navigation and giving processes. Test your gift form and all links on mobile devices before launch.