The Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber's April 2023 Nonprofit Newsletter |
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The Nonprofit Committee brings you a newsletter once a month that focuses specifically on the issues confronting nonprofit organizations including an educational article and an article highlighting a Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber member nonprofit. |
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Stronger Fundraising Communications
by Lynn Amos
“Integrating the passion you have for your organization into your fundraising communications,” was the recurring theme in Lucille Geraci-Miranda’s ( Geranda Projects) presentation on March 21st. Focusing on the human element – the story that will pull on the heartstrings of donors – is a key element in a successful fundraising campaign. She noted that every appeal should have a specific audience in mind. For example, are you speaking to Retirees, Baby Boomers, Gen X, or Millennials? What does that particular age group care about and by what medium do they prefer to receive information? Have you divided your donors and prospects into cohorts and are you speaking to them in their language? |
“One size does not fit all,” Lucille says, encouraging nonprofits to rethink their approach based on how much and how often someone has given.
The Story
Then, ask yourself, who are you helping? How are you touching the lives of those your serve? Answering these questions will help you craft a story that is unique, catchy, personal, tangible, desirable, and closely tied to your cause. Lucille recommends using quotes and testimonials whether written or as video.
Sharing your plans for the money you raise and highlighting the significant changes your organization is effecting is another important element of the story. This is the way to tug at the emotions of potential donors, letting them know that they are personally making a difference.
Photos elicit emotions. Statistics, especially if presented as a graphic, are powerful. And good, old-fashioned writing skills will all help make a donor want to hear what you have to say.
Timing
It’s important to look at your calendar and space appeals to the various audiences appropriately. What kind of “touches” have you made with your donors or potential donors recently? Think about a theme such as:
- Year End
- Have a Heart
- Special Anniversary (Who were the founders? Why was your mission created? Has it changed over the years?)
- Focus Months – what makes your programs and services unique?
- Make news to make news – does your organization have a new way of working that has helped you to be more efficient and/or better organized in this new, evolving world?
And of course, tie the theme back into your compelling story.
A lively discussion followed Lucille’s presentation with attendees bringing up frustrations and solutions to their own fundraising efforts. Some of the suggestions were:
- Ask potential donors how they would like for you to communicate with them.
- Use Kickstarter to reach a younger audience.
- Involve board members and staff in brainstorming about types of appeals.
Lucille closed the session reminding the attendees that when they are creating fundraising communications to keep their passion for the mission front and center.
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Lynn Amos is Principal of Fyne Lyne Ventures, a Westchester-based website and graphic design studio and is President of Top of Mynd Cards, e-cards for businesspeople. She serves on the Nonprofit and Marketing Committees of the Chamber. |
Do you have expertise to share with other nonprofits? Ask us about writing an educational article for this newsletter!
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Featured Organization: Peekskill Pride
by Justin Wingenroth
With what seems to be a growing theme within the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, Peekskill Pride is accelerating forward by using collaboration as a pillar of their strategy for amplifying their vision! Let’s rewind…in the summer of 2016, a group of Peekskill’s LGBTQ+ residents formed a community-minded social support network. By 2019 they officially filed nonprofit status and established their mission: to foster safe, healthy, and supportive environments for LGBTQIA+ individuals of all ages, their allies, and families. They are dedicated to working within the community to further the foundation for inclusion, diversity, and pride through education, advocacy, and celebration. |
Community and collaboration are at the heart of Peekskill Pride’s mission. With a small board of seven, Peekskill Pride truly relies on the dedication of its volunteers and the community partners they’ve established over the years. That is evident in the work they’ve recently accomplished, including:
- Sponsorship of Peekskill City School District’s student Pride celebrations and art installation
- Advocacy in local organizations including Peekskill Youth Bureau, Guardians of Equity, and Peekskill Agency Together
- Donation of LGBTQIA+ books to the Field Library
- Holiday Food Drive in collaboration with The Loft LGBTQ+ Community Center and local restaurants to benefit Caring for the Hungry and Homeless of Peekskill (CHHOP) and the LOFT Pantry
- The Main Annual Event ~ “Peekskill Pride in the Park”
The board also has been present at several community events, creating not only visibility for their organization, but also visibility of the community they serve. Current board president, Ben Lukens, states that “visibility is the first step to ensuring a safe space for the [LGBTQIA+] community.” As reflected above, Peekskill Pride not only supports adults, but also ensures high school, middle school, and even younger are shown a safe and inclusive environment to be their true selves. One of the most unique aspects of the organization’s programming is that their main event is family-oriented in hopes that everyone has fun in a supportive and engaging space.
Some advice for other nonprofits to overcome the issues most organizations face is to be realistic about the bandwidth of your organization and its board and staff. Collaborating with sister and/or parent organizations and other businesses can increase your bandwidth and subsequently, your outreach of services.
Peekskill Pride is taking their own advice in a myriad of ways, but most notably by collaborating with River Towns Music Group to provide entertainment for this year’s main event.
Be sure to visit the upcoming 3rd Annual “Peekskill Pride in the Park” on June 24th in Pugsley Park, where Peekskill Pride continues its objective of raising awareness and visibility and showing visitors and prospective residents that there is a strong, supportive, welcoming community in Peekskill. |
Justin Wingenroth is a member of the Chamber's Nonprofit Committee and is Owner/Director of The Dance Conservatory. Read more about his services at: www.thedanceconservatory.info
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Would you like to host an event for your nonprofit colleagues at your facility?
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To request that your nonprofit be featured in this newsletter, please contact Lynn Amos at lynn@fynelyne.com.
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Contact us to promote your event in this newsletter.
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UPCOMING NONPROFIT COMMITTEE EVENTS
Lunch and Learns are no cost to Chamber Members and $20 for Future Members.
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UPCOMING COMMUNITY NONPROFIT EVENTS |
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Follow the Chamber's Nonprofit Committee on Facebook:
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The Chamber’s Nonprofit Committee provides meaningful opportunities for nonprofit staff, managers and board members to come together to collaborate, and embrace the importance of growth and sustainability. The Committee serves as a resource for ongoing professional development and as a forum for sharing best practices.
Committee Chairperson
Lucille Geraci-Miranda
Committee Members
Tim Warn, Civic Member
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