Eight Reasons Why You Should Implement a Mobile Fundraising Campaign

With people carrying less or even no cash, mobile payments are a part of everyday life. myGIV, themobile transactiontool from Digital Donations offers innovative, cost effective & easy mobile fundraising. Include a partner coupon or voucher to reward the donor and make a bigger impact!1. Raise more money, attract new donors and sponsors2. Cost effective, affordable platform with measurable ROI3. Multi-channel distribution interact on social media, email and SMS text4. Donor Data accumulation and statistic for targeting5. Mobile payment collect donations embedded in app and coupon6. Turnkey mobile fundraising we design, distribute and manage the campaign on your behalf7. Brandable coupons with your logo and layout or in conjunction with sponsor8. Sponsored rewards with coupons or vouchers provided by sponsors

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Why Your Small Business Needs Cause Marketing

You may make the greatest widget in the history of man, and it may even make the world a better place, but if the buying public doesn’t know about it, you aren’t likely to be very successful. Your business like all businesses, small and large, need to get the attention of the buying public. Making sure that your potential customers know you exist is how your business succeeds and grows.I’m pretty sure this is not a big surprise or for that matter a surprise at all to you or any business owners. And you’ve probably done most of the things that conventional wisdom suggests – paid advertising, social media, website, and every other thing you could think of or that someone suggested.Now you can add a powerful tool to your strategy, one that has been used by big business and corporations around the world.Cause marketing, aligning your brand with a social cause is an effective and mutually beneficial way to expose consumers to your brand. It can do a whole lot more, too.Social responsibility is a strong selling point when customers are considering purchases. Today more than two-thirds consumers are willing to pay more for a product from a company that has a positive impact on society. Social responsibility is especially strong among this now largest group of consumers; it’s probably a good idea to listen to them. Today’s consumers, of all ages, are more willing than ever to put their money where their hearts are; the power of cause marketing is growing every day.Exactlywhat is cause marketing? Very simply it is a way to connect cause with commerce to make a difference in a community – local, national or global. There are many ways that a business and a nonprofit organization can work together for their mutual benefit, including donations of cash or resources, volunteering or participating in or sponsoring a fundraising event.This can pose a problem for many small businesses; they often don’t have the resources to make a donation or sponsor an event. Volunteering is always an option, but most small business owners just don’t have the time though they certainly can encourage and reward staff members who do.There are a number of less costly (at least upfront ways) to support a cause. You can donate a percentage of profits from the sales of an item or for a specific day.Or you can include a product for sale in your store on your website that supports the cause, such as a t-shirt or cap.Of all these, a partner rewards program can be the best way for small businesses to move into cause marketing. The partner rewards program provides donors with an incentive which encourage donors to patronize your business. A tiered rewards system where larger donations garner greater incentives, not only increases the donation amount to the nonprofit can get your business additional visibility. Coupons for a discount percentage or buy one get one free or for a discounted amount are the most popular form of partner rewards.People are for the most part charitable, but they do spend much of their lives as consumers. Offering your customers rewards in conjunction with their donations demonstrates your appreciation of their willingness to support your selected cause with their hard-earned funds.Going back to the title of this blog, here are six reasons “Why Your Small Business Needs Cause Marketing.”1. Gain An Edge With ConsumersCause marketing can give you an edge with consumers. A Global Study states that 53% of consumers believe “When quality and price are equal, social purpose ranks as most important factor in selecting a brand.” Customers tend to be more loyal to brands that support nonprofits that reflect their values.2. Connecting With The Largest Group of ConsumersMillennials have recently bypassed the baby boomers as the largest consumer group. This generation, more so than the ones before them, feel personally responsible for making a difference in the world. An online study conducted by Cone Inc. and AMP Insights suggests 69% consider a company’s social and environmental commitment when deciding where to shop, and 83% will trust a company more if it is socially [or] environmentally responsible.3. Retirees Also Want to Support CausesRetirees have an interest in supporting causes that matter to them as well. They have more disposable income than previous generations. Because they have the time now, they, volunteer and want to be involved. Many, if not most, of theirconsumer decisions, are influenced by their desire to leave the world a better place for their grandchildren.4. Connecting on A Deeper Emotional LevelThe most successful advertising makes an emotional connection with consumers. By aligning your business with a cause, you have an ‘extra’ message to connect emotionally with your loyal customers and potential new ones. You can share with them why you developed this partnership and how it will help this cause. By building a stronger relationship with your customers, they become loyal supporters.5. Shared Marketing with Your Nonprofit CauseCo-branding, having your logo on your nonprofit partner’s website and materials all expose your business to new set of potential customers. A partner reward that offers a discount along with a donation will generate new business. Since they already support your nonprofit partner that connection puts your business in a more favorable light. When communicating with your client base, be sure to include these new customers and thank them for their business.Remember that your best efforts won’t have any results if you aren’t getting the word out to the community. Include your cause marketing completely into your marketing plans and strategy.6. Create a True Partnership With Your Nonprofit CauseA true partnership will have more benefits beyond new customers and donors. By working cohesively, you can both benefit from community exposure. Local media in particular love stories like this where a business and nonprofit partner for the good of the community. Your local Chamber of Commerce is another way to share your partnership. Look for opportunities for your business and the nonprofit to both benefit.Now that you understand the benefits of cause marketing--how do you select the right cause for your company? In my next blog post I’ll be discussing how to evaluate and determine the right connection for you.

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Partner Rewards For All

Partnerships– especially successful ones – can make a real difference in your nonprofit’s fundraising results. Strategic partnerships with corporations have been successful over the years; “Ronald McDonald House”, Coca-Cola and the Olympics/Special Olympics and ChildFund with Tom’s Shoes. These alignments demonstrate not just philanthropic commitment but also do ‘good’ things for the brand. A recent study by Cone Communications revealed that 85 percent of consumers view businesses that give to a charity, especially one that they already support, more favorably.

So how does your nonprofit get a partnership going? Well, of course, you can try to get aligned with one of these large corporations, but that can take much work before, during and after. Moreover, you’re competing with lots of other organizations.

An alternative and much more do-able option is to form a partnership with a local business. Every community has retailers, restaurants, service providers and other local businesses that would benefit from a nonprofit partnership. There is very little if any up-front investment on the part of the business. And when the donor does utilize the reward, he/she can be a potential new client. Existing clients as per the Cone Communications study are very likely to become even more loyal to your brand. Rewards can include percentage or dollar discounts, buy-one-get-one (BOGO) programs and even the occasional ‘free’ product or service.

On the nonprofit side, integrating a local business reward with your fundraising has several benefits. Not only do you gain access to the business clients to extend your donor base, but the volume and dollar amount of donations will likely increase. If a donor was planning to make a $20 donation, but realizes they can get a discount for a local merchant if they increase the donation to $25 they are very likely to do so.

So how do you go about setting up a partnership with a local business? Start by looking in your own organization for connections; it is very possible that a board member, volunteer or donor has a business that would be an excellent partner. The existing commitment and interest in your cause can make this a very doable option.

If you don’t have a potential business partner already in your organizations, consider local businesses that you work with now. Is there a local restaurant you patronize frequently, are your company vehicles maintained by a local mechanic shop or do you use a specific supply vendor that also has a personal consumer base? Just knowing someone in the business can make things flow more smoothly.

The more likely scenario is identifying and reaching out to local businesses and sharing the value of participating with them. This is surprisingly easy, remember the business partner benefits in three ways – potential new clients in the donors who receive the reward and use it, increased loyalty from existing customers who also receive the reward when they donate and the overwhelmingly positive response to their increased philanthropy. Oh, and don’t forget that the value of the reward they offer may be a charitable deduction for the business – be sure the business verifies this with their accountant.

Consider taking your partner rewards even further by partnering with more than one business and offering a variety of rewards. This is another way to expand the opportunity for your organization – some donors will make an increased donation to get additional rewards and may also try new businesses in the same way.

Business-charity partnerships are making a difference in communities throughout the United States – find your partners and increase your fundraising!

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Partner Rewards For All

Partnerships – especially successful ones – can make a real difference in your nonprofit’s fundraising results. Strategic partnerships with corporations have been successful over the years; “Ronald McDonald House”, Coca-Cola and the Olympics/Special Olympics and ChildFund with Tom’s Shoes. These alignments demonstrate not just philanthropic commitment but also do ‘good’ things for the brand. A recent study by Cone Communications revealed that 85 percent of consumers view businesses that give to a charity, especially one that they already support, more favorably.

So how does your nonprofit get a partnership going? Well, of course, you can try to get aligned with one of these large corporations, but that can take much work before, during and after. Moreover, you’re competing with lots of other organizations.

An alternative and much more do-able option is to form a partnership with a local business. Every community has retailers, restaurants, service providers and other local businesses that would benefit from a nonprofit partnership. There is very little if any up-front investment on the part of the business. And when the donor does utilize the reward, he/she can be a potential new client. Existing clients as per the Cone Communications study are very likely to become even more loyal to your brand. Rewards can include percentage or dollar discounts, buy-one-get-one (BOGO) programs and even the occasional ‘free’ product or service.

On the nonprofit side, integrating a local business reward with your fundraising has several benefits. Not only do you gain access to the business clients to extend your donor base, but the volume and dollar amount of donations will likely increase. If a donor was planning to make a $20 donation, but realizes they can get a discount for a local merchant if they increase the donation to $25 they are very likely to do so.

So how do you go about setting up a partnership with a local business? Start by looking in your own organization for connections; it is very possible that a board member, volunteer or donor has a business that would be an excellent partner. The existing commitment and interest in your cause can make this a very doable option.

If you don’t have a potential business partner already in your organizations, consider local businesses that you work with now. Is there a local restaurant you patronize frequently, are your company vehicles maintained by a local mechanic shop or do you use a specific supply vendor that also has a personal consumer base? Just knowing someone in the business can make things flow more smoothly.

The more likely scenario is identifying and reaching out to local businesses and sharing the value of participating with them. This is surprisingly easy, remember the business partner benefits in three ways – potential new clients in the donors who receive the reward and use it, increased loyalty from existing customers who also receive the reward when they donate and the overwhelmingly positive response to their increased philanthropy. Oh, and don’t forget that the value of the reward they offer may be a charitable deduction for the business – be sure the business verifies this with their accountant.

Consider taking your partner rewards even further by partnering with more than one business and offering a variety of rewards. This is another way to expand the opportunity for your organization – some donors will make an increased donation to get additional rewards and may also try new businesses in the same way.

Business-charity partnerships are making a difference in communities throughout the United States – find your partners and increase your fundraising!

Add the CrowdGIV Partner Rewards program to your crowdfunding campaign today! Contact us at 888-705-2220 or emailing us.

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How Much Should It Cost To Raise A Dollar??

Nonprofitshave been asking this question for years, probably since the first nonprofit existed. Even if they aren’t ‘hard’ costs, your nonprofit likely has a cost of fundraising. It could be a staff member (either full or part time), event costs, an online platform, and presence, postal charges or participation in local programs. Most times these costs are rolled into “overhead,” and as long as that amount can pass the reasonableness testing, it shouldn’t raise any red flags.

What about ‘hard’ or actual out-of-pocket costs, specifically when it comes to hiring a solicitor or telemarketer to help raise funds? There are generally two options – fee for services or percentage of funds raised. When funds are limited the percentage option may seem like a great solution to fill the coffers. The process can look good on paper, no upfront costs and you pay a percentage of what they raise. The problems start when that percentage is too much; and what is too much?Daniel Borochoff of Charity Watch recently told Fox News “we think it shouldn’t cost more than $35 to raise a hundred dollars.ii”

With that guideline in mind, why are some nonprofits spending so much more, even paying more than is raised? In fact, while almost 80% of charities failed to meet the 35% bar, almost 25% of charities keep less than 20% of what was raised on their behalf. Even more concerning more than 20% LOST MONEY with contract fundraising in 2015, 2014 and 2013!

Sometimes it can be a bad contract that includes ‘hidden fees and extras.' Costs can also reflect the limited recognition of the nonprofit. When you have little or no ‘name recognition’ or exposure, it is going to be a bit more difficult to fundraise from the general public. These people are likely calling from a purchased list and may never even have heard of your cause!

However, if hiring fundraisers are the only option that your nonprofit feels it has, here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:

The first thing, of course, is the contract should explicitly state the details of the payment calculation and a limit or cap – this is definitely one time you want to have an attorney involved!Thoroughly investigate the company or individual you are going to hire, check references and request proof of previous successes that you can verify independently.Consider a fee and bonus program; you can connect the bonus to overall success vs. a percentage of the funds raised.

Before you commit to hiring any fundraiser, evaluate your other options, such as martialing your volunteers to make calls – provide a script and some training, you may find their passion for your organization far outweighs the ‘skills’ of a professional. Ask those same volunteers, your staff and board for references of people that they can ‘introduce’ to your cause, creating contacts for you or your team to pursue. In most nonprofits the Executive Director allocates a large part of their time to fundraising, providing a list of contacts can make those efforts much more fruitful.

Don’t forget to make technology a part of your fundraising strategy. Crowdfunding platforms which capitalize on social media contacts can be very successful when properly planned and executed. Digital Donations own crowdGIV™ program has no upfront costs; fees are specific and far below the 35% stated previously. When you add in the unique Partner Rewards program your nonprofit can be just as successful if not more so, with much less cost!If you are ready to start a CrowdGIV or Partner Rewards program give us a call at 888-705-2220 or

email us.

Digital Donations™ develops fundraising and marketing solutions that connect corporate America with charitable organizations.

i General guidelines are 25 – 30% of overall funds raised per Charity Navigator.

ii FoxNews.com December 29, 2016

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A New Year Resolution for Your Bottom Line

There is one phrase that gets the attention of business people everywhere – ‘increase the bottom line.' Moreover, there is no end to the many ways that a business can do that, some of which probably work. Here is one method that can do more than just increase the bottom line; it can make a real difference.

In today’s competitive market for just about every consumable good or service, a business needs to stand out. The need to be competitive should go hand in hand with the stronger focus on social responsibility. Consumers who visit your business or website want to know that you share their desire to make the world a better place.

Your brand is your promise, if your brand (or business) isn’t aligned with a cause, your customers just might turn to your competitors. The number of consumers who say they would switch from one brand to another if the other brand were associated with a good cause has climbed to 87% a dramatic increase in recent yearsi

As most of us know by now, millennials have passed the baby boomers as the largest consumer group. This is a market segment you cannot afford to ignore, and they show a marked preference for brands they consider socially responsible. Some interesting statistics on this group of consumers:

24% believe they can make a difference in their community by buying products that support social and/or environmental causes70% have purchased a product that is aligned with a cause.90% are likely to switch from one brand to another — even when price and quality are equal — if the second supports a cause.

Consumers perceive a company that donates a portion of its profits to nonprofits, are more deserving of their dollars. Cause marketing enables all of us to feel that we are making a difference, even if it is just a small one, by purchasing a product that promotes a good cause. You can even choose your electric service supplier based on how ‘green’ they are!

Cause marketing campaigns are not just for large, global causes, in fact supporting a smaller, local effort can have more of an impact. An example found throughout the country is the pizza place or coffee shop that supports the local youth sports programs. Even local insurance brokers benefit from supporting the high school’s football team.

Business and nonprofits alike will benefit from cause marketing, this is truly a win-win solution. Now is the right time to make a New Year resolution to solidify your brand and increase your bottom line by aligning with the right cause.

iCone Communications Cause Evolution SurveyDigital Donations™ develops fundraising and marketing solutions that connect businesses with charitable organizations. For more information contact us at 888-705-2220 or

email us.

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https://www.digitaldonations.org/single-post/2017/01/05/A-New-Year-Resolution-for-Your-Bottom-Line

A New Year Resolution for Your Bottom Line

There is one phrase that gets the attention of business people everywhere – ‘increase the bottom line.' Moreover, there is no end to the many ways that a business can do that, some of which probably work. Here is one method that can do more than just increase the bottom line; it can make a real difference.

In today’s competitive market for just about every consumable good or service, a business needs to stand out. The need to be competitive should go hand in hand with the stronger focus on social responsibility. Consumers who visit your business or website want to know that you share their desire to make the world a better place.

Your brand is your promise, if your brand (or business) isn’t aligned with a cause, your customers just might turn to your competitors. The number of consumers who say they would switch from one brand to another if the other brand were associated with a good cause has climbed to 87% a dramatic increase in recent yearsi

As most of us know by now, millennials have passed the baby boomers as the largest consumer group. This is a market segment you cannot afford to ignore, and they show a marked preference for brands they consider socially responsible. Some interesting statistics on this group of consumers:

24% believe they can make a difference in their community by buying products that support social and/or environmental causes70% have purchased a product that is aligned with a cause.90% are likely to switch from one brand to another — even when price and quality are equal — if the second supports a cause.

Consumers perceive a company that donates a portion of its profits to nonprofits, are more deserving of their dollars. Cause marketing enables all of us to feel that we are making a difference, even if it is just a small one, by purchasing a product that promotes a good cause. You can even choose your electric service supplier based on how ‘green’ they are!

Cause marketing campaigns are not just for large, global causes, in fact supporting a smaller, local effort can have more of an impact. An example found throughout the country is the pizza place or coffee shop that supports the local youth sports programs. Even local insurance brokers benefit from supporting the high school’s football team.

Business and nonprofits alike will benefit from cause marketing, this is truly a win-win solution. Now is the right time to make a New Year resolution to solidify your brand and increase your bottom line by aligning with the right cause.

iCone Communications Cause Evolution SurveyDigital Donations™ develops fundraising and marketing solutions that connect businesses with charitable organizations. For more information contact us at 888-705-2220 or

email us.

from
http://www.digitaldonations.org/single-post/2017/01/05/A-New-Year-Resolution-for-Your-Bottom-Line