Spring2ACTion Weekly Update
March 26, 2020
In this Issue...
New Date for Spring2ACTion * Upcoming Dates * Marketing Workshop
ACT Now COVID-19 Response Fund Grants * COVID-19 Toolkit
Spring2ACTion Date Change
ACT for Alexandria has decided to move up  Spring2ACTion to April 15, 2020, with Early Giving opening on Friday, April 3. During this unprecedented time, we feel change is necessary to meet the current needs of our community. This move is to meet the immediate and urgent needs of our nonprofit sector while providing an immediate call to action to our generous community.

For the past ten years, Alexandrians have come together to show their support for the community they love. Since 2011, more than 65,000 generous donors have given more than $10 million to more than 165 nonprofits through Spring2ACTion. When we come together again on April 15th, we know generosity will shine

If you have questions or concerns about Spring2ACTion, please don’t hesitate to contact Brandi at brandi.yee@actforalexandria.org.
Upcoming Dates
 Nonprofit Online Gatherings (March 30, April 6 and 13)
We want to connect and hear how you are doing during this challenging time and provide an opportunity for you to ask questions and share comments or concerns about your Spring2ACTion campaign. Join us for any or all of these calls on Mondays, March 30, April 6 and April 13 at 11am. Click here to register . If you missed the March 23rd gathering, view recording and download the slides .

Final Steps to Success Webinar and Q&A
Thursday, April 2 at 10:30 am - Click here to register.

Early Giving for Spring2ACTion (April 3 - April 14)
Social Media, Marketing & Storytelling Webinar
Stories are one of, if not THE, most valuable marketing asset at your nonprofit’s disposal. Stories connect people to your cause, convert one-time donors to lifelong supporters, build trust and relationships and demonstrate your impact in the community.

In this training, three marketing experts share best practices and practical advice on the use of content and storytelling to promote Spring2ACTion and engage donors throughout the year. We all have a story to tell, learn how to really make it count! 
ACT Now COVID-19 Response Fund Grants
Through the ACT Now COVID-19 Response Fund, ACT for Alexandria and the City of Alexandria have begun to provide grants to the nonprofit organizations on the front lines of this crisis. As of this week, we have awarded $245,010 in grants , prioritizing requests that support: children and youth, people disproportionately impacted by the crisis (including low-wage workers, gig economy workers, people experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness, healthcare and emergency response workers), seniors and immigrants.  Grants will be awarded on a weekly basis as long as funding is available and applications are due every Friday by 5pm.
Communicating to Your Stakeholders
About Spring2ACTion
We are working with GiveGab to put together a COVID-19 Toolkit with materials and messaging that you can use. While that is being finalized, here is a sample message you may want to send to your stakeholders about Spring2ACTion.

Sample Messaging Template:

On April 15, we will be participating in  Spring2ACTion, Alexandria’s Giving Day . This year's date was moved up because now, more than ever, the Alexandria nonprofit community needs your support. 

Spring2ACTion is a city-wide effort to raise needed funds for local nonprofits and to celebrate the generosity and vibrancy of our community. Our organization will be raising $____ for _____ in this time of increased need and uncertainty.   (Share your story, your goal, why you need their help)

Here are some examples - customize with what fits for your organization: 
  • Because of the current crisis, our organization has cancelled fundraising events and programs that generate revenue. 
  • Classrooms and theaters are dark, and programs are cancelled in adherence of social distancing guidelines. 
  • Our nonprofit is depleting our reserves to purchase emergency food and supplies for our constituents.  

 Here’s how you can help us (while social distancing):
  • Donate [link to your Spring2ACTion page] beginning April 3. Please know a donation of any size will make a big difference!
  • Spread the word by texting a friend, forwarding this email, and posting on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag #Spring2ACTion.
  • Any other ways you may be celebrating the day

Thank you for all you do to give back to the community we love.
Thank you Spring2ACTion Sponsors!

Questions about Spring2ACTion? Contact Brandi Yee at brandi.yee@actforalexandria.org