Major donors are the lifeblood of many nonprofit organizations. Will the pandemic and its economic fallout change their focus or level of support? Is it appropriate to ask them for support right now? The Steier Group assembled a panel of major philanthropists and foundation leaders to answer your questions. Watch the discussion here: Ask. Be thoughtful in your request, but ask. This is not the time to stop asking for support, especially when your organization is serving those impacted by COVID-19. And it is not the time to stop asking when your organization is struggling to survive this crisis. This…
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Make sure to address #GivingTuesdayNow while live streaming your weekend church services. It is the perfect time to communicate the importance of supporting the church and other organizations during this day of giving. And it will serve as a reminder of the fast approaching date. Suggested Pulpit Talking Points- April 25/26 We are probably all familiar with the annual Giving Tuesday movement which has inspired hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity for communities and nonprofits around the world. In just over a week, on May 5, we will participate in Giving Tuesday Now which is…
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GivingTuesday, a worldwide day of giving is on Dec. 1, 2020. Now is the time to inform your donors and supporters about this important day of giving and unity. The Steier Group has compiled Giving Tuesday Email Templates for you to use while implementing your communication plan for the big day. Save the Date for Giving Tuesday Email Template Subject line: Save the Date! Preview text: Join us on Dec. 1 for GivingTuesday, a worldwide day of giving and unity. Purpose: Announce your Giving Tuesday campaign to your donor base. Let them know why the day is important and share…
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The Steier Group's latest live forum covered the Digital Do’s and Don’ts of what your organization should be doing online to counter the crisis and keep everyone engaged and giving. “People who want to be engaged are engaged,” said Fr. Tom Holder of Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic Church in Lee's Summit, Missouri. The key is to make it easy for parishioners and donors to stay involved, he said. Fr. Tom talked about how his goal was to make the parish’s website user-friendly so parishioners can easily gain access to all online activities, including weekend Mass and daily reflection.…
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The concept of GivingTuesday may be new to you and your constituents. Please use this GivingTuesday FAQ to answer any questions your supporters might have. What is GivingTuesday? GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement and day of giving on Dec. 1, 2020. The day is designed to drive support for communities and nonprofits around the world. What does it cost to participate in GivingTuesday? There are no costs to participate in GivingTuesday. This is a free and open movement to unleash generosity across the world. If you are currently using a digital fundraising platform, there may be costs associated with…
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Prepare your Giving Tuesday communication plan in advance to allow for easier implementation. The Steier Group has composed a suggested GivingTuesday communication plan to use in the run up to the day of giving on Dec. 1, 2020. Make sure to use the free graphics created by GivingTuesday to inform your supporters. Although it may seem tricky to ask for help during a pandemic year, the Steier Group has found that donors are willing to help as they can. Remember, you are inviting them to support an organization they care about. If they are willing and able to support, they…
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We’ve heard from so many nonprofit leaders that are struggling financially but are unsure if they can ask for support during such a challenging time. With that in mind, our next live forum will be addressing this important question: Asking in April – Can you fundraise during the COVID crisis? Perhaps Francis Doyle said it best: “All we can do is invite people” to give. Only prospective donors can decide whether now is a good time to be asked – and to give, suggested Doyle, who is director of development for the Diocese of Hamilton. “Generosity keeps happening.” During the…
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On Friday, the U.S. government passed the The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which will provide much needed assistance to families and businesses across America. Below is a summary of items in the CARES Act that could provide value for your nonprofit: Charitable Giving Incentive The CARES Act establishes a new, above-the-line deduction (universal or non-itemized deduction that applies to all taxpayers) for total charitable contributions of up to $300. The incentive applies to contributions made in 2020 and would be claimed on tax forms next year. Section 2204. The bill also lifts the existing cap on…
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These are unprecedented times. While there is understandably a lot of anxiety and uncertainty about what a nonprofit organization should do as the economy struggles and much of society shuts down, certain truths are unchanged. Your organization remains committed to achieving its mission, your needs are real, and your mission relies upon timely and effective fundraising. The Steier Group is no stranger to advancing our clients’ mission in times of crisis. We’ve faced the uncertainties following the tragedy of 9/11, the economic instability of the great recession, many regional natural disasters (hurricanes, flooding, earthquakes, etc.) and, for our Catholic clients,…
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For nonprofits, social media presents a major opportunity. Nonprofits can share their stories, interact with supporters and donors, and have an impact on the daily life of their communities. As of 2019, Pew Research Center found that 72 percent of American adults are on social media. Facebook was most popular with 69 percent of adults using it. From that group, 74 percent said they use Facebook daily. Looking at those statistics, it should come as no surprise that social media can have an impact on the fundraising of a nonprofit. CatholicSocial.Media, a Steier Group partner, found that churches that post daily on Facebook…
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