4 Creative Summertime Fundraising Projects

Tip 1: Get Into The Summertime Spirit

Where is your audience during the summertime? How do conversations change during the summertime? For example, are your supporters sharing more vacation pictures?

Consider these summertime themed campaigns:

• Flip flop drive for the homeless
• Pack a Summer picnic for underprivileged youth
• YMCA Example: Send a kid to camp #YSummerMatters (shown above)
• Take advantage of summertime selfies on Facebook and Instagram

Tip 2: Engage Core Supporters

Attention spans are limited in the summer. Focus on your core – your truly committed supporters. How can you make them feel valued and special?

Focus on those who give frequently:

• Convert one-time donors to sustainers
• Up the ante with current sustainers
• Focus on donor appreciation

Tip 3: Pick a Summertime Cleanup Project

If you’re like most nonprofits, you’re busy. Sometimes important projects get put on hold. What’s the best way to finally focus on the things you’ve been putting off?

• Clean up your data. For example, that data de-duping project you’ve been putting off.
• Clean up your metrics. For example, set up Google Analytics for better reporting (goals are a must).
• Tighten up your website. Take a look at your conversion pages and see how you can convert more supporters.

Tip 4: Get a Jump on September

Summer will be over in the blink of an eye. Once September rolls around, your immediate focus will be year-end fundraising! Use any downtime during the summer to prepare for year-end.

Plan your content calendar for September – December

• Gather stories and write content
• Create a content surplus
• Schedule and queue up content

Bonus: Coffee

Attend my weekly Hump Day Coffee Breaks (sign up here for weekly invites). Coffee not included.