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DOING GOOD MARCH 2010 || THE SPECIAL EVENTS ISSUE!
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In this issue:
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- Let's Get Together, Yeah yeah yeah: Special Events
- Q&A: Managing Online Donations
- ONE SIMPLE ACT
- GROUP PROFILE: Douglas-Hart Nature Center
- SALE: 20% off GiftWorks Software
Let's Get Together, Yeah yeah yeah: Special Events
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by Jenn Raley Miller [jennraleymiller@dogoodconsulting.org],
Management & Communications Specialist, do good Consulting
Have you ever said anything like the following?
"When I got to the conference, I headed straight for the
registration table, picked up my packet, and knew exactly where
to go. The workshops were so engaging, and the keynote speaker
was fascinating! I'm excited to get back to work to put into
practice all the things I learned."
"The gala was wonderful! I loved having a chance to meet other
people who are just as passionate about the cause as I am. It was
moving to hear personal testimonies from people whose lives have
been changed by the organization's great work. Plus, the food was
delicious. Next year, I'm bringing friends."
"This conference was such a waste of my time! Everything was
totally disorganized – they didn't even have nametags for the
participants! Half of the sessions were completely different from
the description in the program. I'm going to tell all of my
colleagues they shouldn't bother going next year."
"I can't believe I paid $50 a ticket for this event. The food is
terrible, the program is dull, the room is stuffy… this
organization really doesn't have it together."
It's the time of year when non-profits and associations gear up
for their annual events. As these quotes illustrate, an event can
go very well – or very badly. More importantly, how well or badly
the event goes can have an impact on a lot of people – not just
the people who attended, but their friends, your board, your
staff, and your volunteers.
Why do organizations have events anyway]. However, an event can
be a good way to raise awareness about your organization or your
cause, bring new supporters in contact with your organization,
and/or provide a way to recognize volunteers and staff members.
Conventions are a great way to generate energy and educate
like-minded people about your organization's subject area.
Before deciding to do an event, whether it's a golf outing, an
auction, or a conference, ask two key questions first:* Why are
we doing this event?
* Can we do it well?
If you don't have good answers to those questions, you're likely
to end up with stories like the two complaints recounted above.
Make sure you know why you're doing the event (build
relationships with new and existing supporters; generate
publicity; train grassroots volunteers for your cause). Equally
important, make sure you have the resources (budget, people,
time) to do it right.
Here are do good Consulting's TOP 10 TIPS FOR PLANNING A
SPECTACULAR EVENT:1. Put one person in charge. An event of any
size needs clear leadership: someone who can set the vision, and
make decisions when things get hectic.
2. Give that person a team. The leader should not be expected to
do all the planning or execution alone. Pulling off a successful
event requires a variety of skills, relationships, and
perspectives. Put together a committee for the event composed of
board members, staff, and volunteers.
3. Match the event to the organization, the purpose, and the
attendees. A canned food drive on the beach for an animal shelter
doesn't make much sense. Pick a theme that fits with your
organization. Plan a program that incorporates activities that
are relevant to the theme and engaging to your expected
attendees.
4. Plan, Part I: Timeline. Plan out the timing of what needs to
happen and when: when to book the space, when to send out the
invitations, when the speakers need to be finalized, etc.
5. Plan, Part II: Budget. Know how much the organization can
spend on the event. Plan expenses to ensure that you don't go
over budget. Don't expect revenues to exceed expenses. Try to get
sponsorships and discounts whenever possible to cover event
costs.
6. Advertise. The point of the event is to get people to come,
right? Then get the word out as many ways as possible:
invitations, repeat e-mails, newspaper announcements, banner on
your website's home page, posters, your volunteer bulletin board,
etc.
7. Obtain RSVPs. First of all, you want to collect the names and
contact information of everyone who attends, so you can add them
as prospects to your donor management database. Specific to the
event though: what if you plan for 500 and get 50? Or 1,500? Bad
news either way. Have a system for confirming attendance for
everyone involved: attendees, speakers, volunteers. (See the
"Resource of the Month," to the right, for info on event
management software.)
8. Plan, Part III: Details. Make a checklist of every little task
that needs to get done – make nametags, recruit and train
greeters, prepare change for the cash box, put speaker gifts in
the workshop rooms, etc. Then, divide up the checklist among your
event team members and put them in charge of getting their
particular tasks done.
9. Debrief. Once it's all over, evaluate how it went. Survey
attendees and volunteers (informally or formally) to find out
what they thought. Review the financials to see if the expenses
and revenues turned out as originally planned. Monitor donations
in the upcoming months to see if the event contributed to an
increase in giving. Go back to the original question – Why are we
doing this? – and see if the goal was met.
10. Finally, have fun! If you plan a really successful and smooth
event, all the attendees will have fun, and so will the planners.
Resources:* The Can Do Events Guide
[http://www.oxfordinspires.org/Intouch/documents/CanDo_Guide_000.pdf]
by Oxford Inspires (PDF)
* How to Make the Most of Your Special Events
[http://nonprofit.about.com/od/fundraising/a/specialevents.htm]
on About.com
* Choosing the Right Event
[http://www.tgci.com/magazine/Choosing%20the%20Right%20Event.pdf]
by The Grantsmanship Center (PDF)
Q&A: Managing Online Donations
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Dear do good,
Our version of 'online fundraising' is posting our address on our
website and asking people to mail a check. I know that this isn't
effective, but I'm a bit daunted by the prospect of trying to set
something else up. We have our fundraising dinner on the horizon
in May and want to get things set up and ready to go well before
that event. What are my options?
- Unline Donation, Champaign, IL
Dear Unline,
While the idea of adding yet another technological aspect to an
organization can cause staff and board members alike to shiver,
having an effective, easy way for prospective donors to
contribute online is an essential component in a successful
fundraising strategy, including for special events. Fortunately,
there are a number of options from which to choose. Whatever you
use, be sure to make the process obvious, simple, and clear,
keeping the number of pages and 'clicks' to a minimum. Ask a few
volunteers to test the process for you. If it's not easy, you are
effectively saying 'don't bother' to your donors!
OFF-SITE OPTIONS
PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/nonprofit]
At 2.2% + $.30 per transaction, basic PayPal is the least
expensive option, but was not designed for the needs of
non-profits and shows in its lack of features. PayPal is simple
to set up and allows for customization (which I insist you use to
salvage what can be a jolting experience for the donor), but
overall can give a donor the feeling of being shuffled from place
to place.
Network for Good
[http://www1.networkforgood.org/compare-our-services]
Designed for non-profits, Network for Good tends to meet more of
the needs associated with online giving. Highly customized pages
can mimic your website's look and create a more seamless-feeling
donor experience. Custom survey questions, reports, receipts,
thank you gifts displays, tell-a-friend, and recurring donation
options are all great benefits, too. The best part is that
Network for Good offers donors the option to add the transaction
fee to their donation. Their customized DonateNow product is
excellent but pricey, with a $199 set-up fee, plus $29.95 per
month and 3% per donation. However, they also offer a highly
scaled back basic version that is still donor-friendly, at the
much lower, simpler price of 4.75% per donation.
ON-SITE OPTIONS
Convio [http://www.convio.com]
For those organizations wanting to integrate online giving
software into their websites, we recommend exploring Convio.
GiftWorks
[http://www.missionresearch.com/giftworks/newsroom/newsletter/itw_october_09b.htm]
Many donor management systems have a feature that allows you to
take online donations and have the information feed directly into
the database (saving data entry and streamlining processes). If
you pursue this option, we recommend GiftWorks.
CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS
If your website is really technologically advanced, and you're
working with a web programmer, you can set up a customized
donation system on your website that feeds directly into your
bank account. It requires having a secure website and various
other technological requirements. This is something to discuss
with the web developer.
DON'T HAVE A WEBSITE?
Try WebNow [http://www.bbnow.com/webnow/]. Paypal and Blackbaud
have teamed up to offer a website/donation package that allows
organizations without websites to accept online donations. Fees
are 4.95% + $0.30 per transaction.
- Elizabeth Simpson [elizabethsimplson@dogoodconsulting.org], do
good Consulting
Have a question for do good Consulting].
ONE SIMPLE ACT
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In each month's Doing Good, you'll find one great tip to
implement over the next month. By taking this one small,
achievable action each month, you can make big changes in your
organization's and employee's performance, increase donations and
volunteerism, and expand your group's visibility. Give it a try!
This month's ONE SIMPLE ACT focuses on creating better meetings
with strong follow-up.
March's ONE SIMPLE ACT is:
At the end of meetings, go around the room and have each person
name what action items she/he is taking away from it and what, if
anything, she/he'll need from others to complete it. Use this
time to verify that what each person expects to do and what is
expected of her/him are the same. This small step will prevent
slight misunderstandings that lead to confusion and frustration.
Tell us [dogood@dogoodconsulting.org] about your ONE SIMPLE ACT
experience this month.
GROUP PROFILE: Douglas-Hart Nature Center
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by Jenn Raley Miller [jennraleymiller@dogoodconsulting.org],
Management & Communications Specialist, do good Consulting
It may be hard to believe right now, but spring is coming! Once
the snow melts and the temperatures rise, it will be time to get
out of our stuffy houses and offices, and back into the great
outdoors.
A great spot to experience restored natural habitat can be found
just off I-57 in Mattoon, at the Douglas-Hart Nature Center
[http://www.dhnature.org/]. The trails through the woodlands,
wetlands, and prairie lands are a delight. They are accessible to
people of all ages and physical abilities, anytime between
sunrise and sunset.
The Visitor Center, open seven days a week during designated
hours, is a great place to learn more about the wildlife native
to Central Illinois. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the
interpretive exhibits, sensory displays, and live critters.
Various locations within the Visitor Center are set up as bird
observation areas, including a cozy library where visitors can
curl up on the sofa with a book or a set of binoculars.
Douglas-Hart Nature Center's small staff works very hard to
maintain and preserve the habitat and trails, keep the Visitor
Center fun and relevant, provide experiences for the public, and
offer educational programs for school groups, scouts, and other
organizations. On March 13 from 8 am to 11 am, members of the
public are welcome at the "Sap Tappin' and Pancake Breakfast
[http://www.dhnature.org/]", a way to both learn about and taste
real maple syrup.
Groups interested in having an event at the Visitor Center's
multipurpose room or on the grounds may contact Tina Hissong,
Executive Director, at thissong dhfnd@consolidated.net
[thissong_dhfnd@consolidated.net]. School groups and others
interested in the educational programs may contact Jennifer
Tariq, Education Director, at enveddhnature@consolidated.net
[enveddhnature@consolidated.net].
Get out there! Experience, understand, and appreciate nature!
SALE: 20% off GiftWorks Software
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If you are looking for a way to manage donor information in a way
that is efficient and powerful for your organization, look no
further than GiftWorks
[http://www.missionresearch.com/index.html] and a great 20% off
special they have throughout March. This easy-to-use, powerful
Constituent Relationship Management System (read: fancy database)
is one of the most powerful upgrades your organization could make
in 2010 to transform fundraising, special events, and volunteer
management.
For a more detailed explanation, see the Friends Don't Let
Friends Use Excel article in do good Consulting's October 2009
issue of Doing Good
[http://www.dogoodconsulting.org/newsletter/October2009.html],
where we discuss the pros and cons of using programs like Excel
versus systems like GiftWorks. Also be sure to see these great
references:* Why do good endorses GiftWorks
[http://www.dogoodconsulting.org/resources/giftworks.html]
* Top 10 Reasons to Use Giftworks
[http://www.dogoodconsulting.org/resources/documents/TOP10REASIONTOUSEGIFTWORKS.pdf]
* GiftWorks Decision Guide
[http://www.dogoodconsulting.org/resources/documents/GiftWorks_Decision_Guide.pdf]
Now through the end of March 2010, if you purchase new or upgrade
existing GiftWorks software
[http://www.missionresearch.com/index.html] and mention do good
Consulting at the time of purchase, you can get 20% off any
installed software, additional licenses, or product upgrades.
For example, GiftWorks 2010 Standard, which is normally $499,
will be only $399.
If you're currently using GiftWorks and want to consider
upgrading to the latest, greatest version, the 20% discount
applies. Or perhaps you've been thinking about including the
Events Add-in to your current installation of GiftWorks. Normally
$299, with the 20% discount, it will be $239. Or add in the
Volunteers management module for only $159.
For more information, call us at 217-778-1687 or e-mail
dogood@dogoodconsulting.org. [dogood@dogoodconsulting.org]
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Predictions show that U.S. household charitable giving for 2009
will total between $216-218 billion, representing a decline of
between 4.8-5.7% from 2008's total of $229 billion.
Preliminary projections for 2010 are somewhat rosier, offering
the possibility that total household charitable giving could
return to the pre-recession (2007) level of approximately $234
billion, in the best-case scenario, or, on the low end, decline
an additional 3.9% from the 2009 estimates to a total of $212
billion by the end of 2010. These 2010 estimates will be lower if
unemployment remains high throughout 2010, and higher if the
recovery is stronger than expected.
Source: Boston College's Center on Wealth and Philanthropy
[http://www.bc.edu/research/cwp] and the AFP
[http://www.afpnet.org/files/ContentDocuments/AP_JanFeb2010_IndividualGiving.pdf]
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Event Management Software
Once you use event planning software to plan your fundraiser,
conference, or volunteer recognition dinner, you will never go
back. Check out Idealware's helpful list of different options
[http://www.idealware.org/articles/fgt_event_registration.php].
Other options that aren't mentioned in Idealware's list, but have
been highly rated in NTEN surveys, include CiviCRM
[http://civicrm.org/] and onEvent by Antharia
[http://www.antharia.com/content/index.php?pid=25]. Also,
GiftWorks has an Events add-on
[http://www.missionresearch.com/giftworks/features/events.html].
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5 Trends in Online Fundraising
From Network for Good [http://www.fundraising123.org]
No one can say for sure what 2010 will bring. Will there be an
economic recovery? Will direct mail continue to thrive? Will more
and more donors continue to turn to the web as their preferred
means of giving? Network for Good [http://www.fundraising123.org]
has taken a crack at the 5 giving trends they've seen (with an
online spin):1. There will be a greater number of donations with
a smaller average gift size.
2. As much as the media talks of a possible economic rebound,
prospective supporters will still be wary of donating to new
causes.
3. Email outreach will continue its upward trend, meaning more
email in subscribers' inboxes.
4. Recurring gifts will be a huge portion of online giving.
5. As in the past, year-end gifts will account for a substantial
percentage of total annual contributions.
Read the full detail on each trend here
[http://www.fundraising123.org/article/5-trends-will-affect-online-fundraising-2010?utm_source=dogood&utm_medium=enewsletter&utm_campaign=5trends],
including what each means for your non-profit. Looking for ways
to boost your online giving results this year? Download Network
For Good's free "Online Fundraiser's Checklist,"
[http://web.networkforgood.org/201001ebook] which includes six
checklists to ensure your organization is using the best online
fundraising strategies in 2010.
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GRANTWRITING COURSE: Beginning Tuesday, March 30, do good
Consulting, in partnership with Parkland Business Training
[http://www2.parkland.edu/businesstraining/] will host an 8-week
class, Grantwriting & Proposal Development
[http://www.dogoodconsulting.org/documents/dogoodGRANTWRITINGTRAININGSSpring2010FINAL.pdf].
Classes are Tuesdays, 6-8PM through May 18. Learn about the grant
proposal process and the basics needed to turn a project idea
into a proposal and funding. Open to non-profits and for-profits
alike. Course involves some homework. $195. Registration
deadline: March 23. To register, call Parkland at 217-351-2235.
ONLINE STORYTELLING BOOTCAMP: NTEN [http://nten.org/]'s Online
Storytelling Bootcamp
[http://nten.org/events/webinar/2010/02/24/webinar-series-online-storytelling-bootcamp]
), March 10 (How To: Weave a Digital Tapestry Through
Better Storytelling Techniques
[http://nten.org/events/webinar/2010/03/10/how-weave-digital-tapestry-through-better-storytelling-techniques].
RESOURCE AVAILABLE: Idealware [http://www.idealware.org/]'s new
book, The Field Guide to Software for Non-profits: Fundraising,
Communications and Outreach
[http://idealware.org/articles/documents/abridged_review_copy_public.pdf],
helps non-profits understand the types of software they should be
using. Learn what options exist and pinpoint the types of
software that can increase your organization's effectiveness and
efficiency. Includes an overview of different types of software
helping you understand what each is, how it fits in with your
needs, how much to expect to pay, and common vendors. Finishes
with user-friendly summaries based on your needs and technical
maturity. Click here for a glimpse of the book
[http://idealware.org/articles/documents/abridged_review_copy_public.pdf]
. Purchase it here
[http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/idealware-field-guide-to-software-for-nonprofits/7974642].
JOB OPENING: Black Ensemble [http://www.blackensemble.org], a
Chicago-based nationally and internationally recognized arts
institution, seeks a Director of Institutional Advancement, a new
position. The organization's vision for its fundraising program
is one that is well-structured and organized, incorporating a
myriad of fundraising activities and maximizing support from both
private and public sources. Competitive salary and benefits. Full
job description at www.blackensemble.org
[http://www.blackensemble.org]. Email inquiries
devinebet@gmail.com [devinebet@gmail.com]. Deadline to apply:
March 8.
GRANT OPPORTUNITY: The Lumpkin Family Foundation
[http://www.lumpkinfoundation.org/] is offering micro-grants of
up to $1,500 to non-profits for staff and board members to engage
in training and professional development programs of their
choosing. Submission deadlines: March 1 and August 16. To be
eligible to apply for a micro-grant, organizations must have a
profile and an associated individual must be a member of
goodWORKSconnect.org [http://www.goodWORKSconnect.org]. Maximum
grants are $1,500 and organizations must pay no less than 20% of
the total cost.
ASPIRING EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS: Interested in becoming a non-profit
CEO].
WIN A FREE CHICAGO OFFICE: With the recession still looming and
budget cuts, tight credit markets and expensive office space,
non-profits are struggling to make ends meet. 'Win an Office'
Sweepstakes will award a lucky business or non-profit 1 year of
office space at any of Regus
[http://www.regusonline.com/sweepstakes/chicago-landing-page].
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With decades of real-life experience and proven results in
non-profit, small business, and community-based work, do good
Consulting [http://www.dogoodconsulting.or] brings a wealth of
knowledge in developing the effectiveness of organizations across
Illinois. Whether you need assistance with fundraising
[http://www.dogoodconsulting.org/services/fundraising.html],
strategic planning
[http://www.dogoodconsulting.org/services/strategic_program_planning.html],
hiring help
[http://www.dogoodconsulting.org/services/hiring.html],
communications and marketing
[http://www.dogoodconsulting.org/services/marketing_media_comm.html],
grantwriting
[http://www.dogoodconsulting.org/services/fundraising.html],
database work, or teambuilding
[http://www.dogoodconsulting.org/services/interpersonal_dynamics.html],
do good can help.
Through dynamic and customized workshops and trainings,
one-on-one sessions, strategic advice, and plan development, do
good Consulting helps small- to mid-sized organizations and
businesses raise more money, involve more people, and do the good
work they do even better. do good's associates
[http://www.dogoodconsulting.org/consultants/] work with clients
[http://www.dogoodconsulting.org/clients/] to develop a better
sense of organizational possibilities and potential while
creating realistic and practical step-by-step plans and ideas for
implementation and lasting impact. Learn more about do good
Consulting's trainings, services
[http://www.dogoodconsulting.org/services/], and resources.
For more information on do good Consulting's associates
[http://www.dogoodconsulting.org/consultants/], consulting and
training services [http://www.dogoodconsulting.org/services/],
free resources [http://www.dogoodconsulting.org/resources/],
clients [http://www.dogoodconsulting.org/clients/], and more, go
to www.dogoodconsulting.or [http://www.dogoodconsulting.or]g.
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