Running a ‘Giving Day’: Lessons From an Effort in Washington

A new report suggests that “giving days“—local efforts to spur donate to give to a range of causes over 24 hours—are not just gimmicks but strong ways to give nonprofits a fundraising lift.

The report, commissioned by the Case Foundation and the Razoo Foundation, looked in-depth at “Give to the Max Day,” a November fundraising event in Washington that was led by the Community Foundation for the National Capital Region, the United Way of the National Capital Area, and Razoo, an online fundraising platform.

The fundraising days collected about $2-million from 18,000 donors for 1,200 nonprofits around the Washington area. The size of the average gift donated was about $106, although most gave just $10 online. The average amount raised by a participating charity was $1,681.

Here are some tips for nonprofits taking part in giving days, according to the report:

• Plan to invest 10 to 30 hours of the staff’s time to design ways to spur giving.
• Offer contests and prizes to create a sense of urgency that excites donors, volunteers, and advocates.
• Incorporate giving days into larger fundraising efforts, such as annual campaigns.

Following is a video showing how young volunteers walked around downtown Washington to call attention to the day.

Send an e-mail to Raymund Flandez.

http://youtu.be/AANrNgtR5Yg