|
Finding and evolving interested individuals into donors or stakeholders is one of the most important challenges of any non-profit organization. For most non-profits, individual donors contribute the vast majority of funds raised and individuals tend to contribute to causes to which they feel a deep connection. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to develop a deep connection with the individuals who have shown an interest in your cause. The 5 'i's of fundraising are time tested actions that help in nurturing a sense of connection between potential or existing patrons and your non-profit.
The 5 'i's of fundraising are: Identify, Inform, Inspire, Interact, Invest.
Finding and connecting with large numbers of qualified potential donors is crucial and our mobile system has unique features that are especially powerful for identification. People that load your app get a gentle introduction to your culture through the social media buzz. The app allows them to enjoy and participate in conversations which are solely focused on your nonprofit and it allows you to see these new prospects.
Second, just by downloading and running your App, users identify themselves as an interested prospect in a very special way. Your mobile app has the ability to send "Notifications" to people to have installed the application at any time you desire. This capability is new and extremely powerful compared to traditional mechanisms for communicating. When someone opens your app after receiving a notification, they can see the communication. It is similar to a flashing light on your phone message machine.
These notifications are:
Further, there is no need for a user to provide personal identication information for them to receive notifications, so the user can be safely anonymous until they decide otherwise.
Within the App there are also convenient methods for providing full personal information.
Communication is the foundation for developing a deep connection with your donors. Moble Apps are exceptionally good communication tools since they are designed for multimedia. Your message can be delivered in simple text messages or in beautiful professional streamed videos, as appropriate. Further, since most people carry their smartphones, you can select the timing of your message for the most impact.
Combining all of this content together into a convenient personal device makes it possible for the user to feel a more personal connection to the cause.
The next step is to transform those who are interested into people inspired by your cause.
There is no fixed formula for how to accomplish this as inspiration is a very individual and personal emotion. However, it is clear that enthusiasm is infectious and providing convenient access to the right kinds of information at the right time is a catalyst. Social media and and well timed notifications can be crucial.
Also, having your logo continuously on their phone may keep you in the back of their mind. That may be all they need to keep your point of view in mind on a daily basis.
The transition creating an active participant in your community is where a patron becomes valuable. This is where patrons provide personal details of themselves to your cause and they start to give of themselves in many forms including enthusiasm, sweat, encouragement, etc. This transition is so important that the system provides reports to your organization showing how many people have made this big step.
As a reward for coming this far, the system will reward patrons with extended capabilities such as special offers and messages.
The most powerful method of gathering contributions for your cause is to ask. The best way to ask is to offer value for the investment and to make the contribution convenient. This is an area where your Smartphone App shines.
Notifications make it possible to request investment at the most strategic time without annoying your patrons. After seeing the information that triggers the urge to contribute, the patron can invest without leaving the App. Payment goes directly from the patron to your organization with very little overhead. By using analytics on a patrons use of the App, you can personalize your requests. That should provide personal value and increase the perception of investment rather than gifting.