News

Did you know that newsletters are a great tool for boosting your fall fundraising? Organizations use newsletters to engage with their audiences, and you can leverage this tool to elevate your fundraising efforts. Unlike standard emails, newsletters are visually appealing, allow for images and videos, and can guide readers to websites such as your FundScrip fundraising page, using engaging buttons. The best part? Crafting and sending newsletters is a straightforward process, making this tool accessible to most. This article offers tips on launching a successful newsletter campaign to boost your fundraising initiatives.

Step 1: Build Your Audience

First things first, you need email addresses! There are a few groups you might want to reach out to. Some people may have shown interest but haven't quite joined in, like those who've been to your events. Then you've got your loyal supporters; the ones who volunteer, buy gift cards and talk about your group on social media. You can collect emails at events by having sign-up sheets, or you can use pop-up forms on your website if you have one. There are laws regulating email campaigns in Canada, so make sure to familiarize yourself with them before starting. Once you're set, start building your email list!

Step 2: Craft Compelling Content

Now that you've got your audience, it's time to decide what to say. Imagine you're having a chat with your supporters. What do they want to know? You can share updates, event information, promotions, or express gratitude once your campaign is over. The key is consistency – pick a schedule, like once a week or once a month, and stick to it. Your supporters will look forward to hearing from you regularly.

Step 3: Design Your Newsletters

Creating newsletters is easier than you might think, even if you're not a tech expert. There are free user-friendly tools like Cyberimpact and Mailchimp that can help. They give you templates to work with, so you don't need to start from scratch. You can add pictures, your logo, and even include links to your website, FundScrip fundraising page or social media. It's like building with blocks – just drag and drop elements where you want them. You'll be surprised how professional your newsletters can look with a little bit of effort.

Step 4: Check Your Results

Once you've sent your newsletters, you'll want to see how they're doing. Did anyone open your email? Did they click on the links you provided? You can track all of this with reporting and analytics tools. Over time, you'll learn what works best for your audience, and you can fine-tune your content accordingly.

In a nutshell, newsletters can be your secret ingredient for a successful fall fundraising season. They're like a bridge that connects you with your supporters, and now you know how to build it. Remember, gather your audience, craft interesting content, design your newsletters, and keep an eye on your results. With newsletters, you'll be on your way to fundraising success in no time!