Just as phone booths are obsolete, phonebooks are becoming obsolete. In this digital age, a phonebook listing won’t get you much notice or many donations. Your organization needs to be in sync with the times and have a web presence. Step into the present and get your organization a website--and if you have a website, make sure it is vibrant, alive, and topical. And, your website preferably should be one that is professionally designed and developed.
Statistically, around 80% of people
use websites to find organizations
and to connect with their cause.
Without a website, your organization does not exist to most people--and this means potential contributors! Individuals spend most of their time online, and they can spend their donation dollars on organizations online as well. If you don’t have a website, potential benefactors will go to your competitors who do. Yes, you have competitors--other worthy causes seeking funding.
Why your organization needs a website:
To provide details about your management and your cause
Adds to your credibility
Gives you exposure
People will be able to connect with your organization
People will follow your philanthropic efforts
Shows that you are serious about our cause
Shows that you are here to go the distance.
What your website needs to tell the digital world:
Who you are
What your cause is
What you do for your cause
Your team members
Board members
Upcoming events
Fundraisers
Contact information: address, phone, contact email for individuals
Success stories
How to donate
How to volunteer
Gallery of your team at work
Be Competitive
Other organizations are out there competing for donor dollars. Get your name and image before the people who are potential benefactors. The more details people know about your operations, the better your chance of getting followers and devotees of your cause.
Add personality and the spirit of your organization to your website
Use photos of staff and leaders
Post success stories
Post photos of people your organization has helped
Share images of people enjoying and participating in fundraisers
Let the viewer peek into your organization’s culture
Get the reader involved.
An involved website reader
can become an involved donor.
Let your viewers know what you are doing
Show where your dollars go
Announce what fundraising events are coming up
Tell people how they can participate
Make sure interested parties can contact you through email. Having an email conversation instills trust and creates a connection with your organization. Use the internet to convert a website viewer into a full-blown supporter of your cause.
Your website provides information you would incorporate into a
face-to-face conversation without
having to go somewhere or schedule the face time to meet up.
The website enhances your reputation and increases your visibility in your community. It gives a “face” to your cause and invites others to join you. The site is a conduit for interaction and involvement for the reader. Readers can request information about your services, schedule a visit at your facility, or learn how to participate in a fundraiser--or directly press a button and make a donation. Engaging here is a two-way effort. When you are open for engagement with your site viewers, they become more open to engagement with your organization and its activities.
Use your site to display the “fruit of your efforts” by discussing and showing photos of your success stories. Don’t consider your site as just a place to showcase a photo of your leader and spouse...
...show the organization at work!
Did your organization give religious guidance to children in the inner city? Did it provide shoes and socks to a homeless shelter? Did it provide toys and blankets to an animal shelter? Show through photos how you are using your funds. Let people see where their money can go. Seeing where the money goes allows donors to see how they could impact others.
Your Online Brochure
Today’s website has taken the place of the old paper brochure. You need to keep it current and updated. You want viewers to return often to your website and read about new fundraisers and events. Keep them in the loop and keep them involved. Make them partners with your organization. Use the site to introduce new volunteers, exciting happenings, any community acknowledgments or awards, newspaper articles about your organization, and radio or TV publicity.
Keep information up-to-date through a blog. Use short informative articles to radiate enthusiasm about your cause. Use photos and connect people with your organization. Shout the news about your cause and your mission.
With today’s fundraising options via a website, people in any geographical location can follow your organization and its efforts. They participate with you through financial gifts and personal support. Gather a broader following by offering an inclusive internet presence. You can attract contributors from a global market.
A website is an essential tool for the growth and success of your organization. It is the face of your organization and your cause. Keep it informative and up-to-date.
Get on the web and get going. Your audience is out there -- just reach!
When you have questions about information to include on your website or need help organizing your site, we have ideas to share and solutions to organizational questions. Keep in touch with our blog. and join our thriving Facebook group to connect with other NFPs.If you have questions about any other not-for-profit industry topics, contact our not-for-profit team leader at trent@tbfosteraccounting.com.
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