CCA For Social Good

Tip of the week

• Show off your support base. Create electrostatic decals with your logo, tagline, website address & a message of “We Support”. Distribute to donors to put on car windows & sponsoring merchants to place in shop windows.

• Looking for revenue?  Check out the Economic Stimulus Package and think outside the box: technology, weatherization, & greening - all kinds of aid your organization my need. Link to the Bill.

• What do volunteers want? To be treated professionally, feel welcome, learn something new, do something rewarding & to be appreciated. Next time you see a volunteer focus on giving them what they want.

• Gather your volunteers and go door-to-door to offer team seasonal services for a fee: yard clean-up, bulb planting, painting house numbers on the curb. Be creative and brainstorm events!

• Need ‘free’ money now? Gather your volunteers for a group event: Car Wash - ask for extra donations; Pumpkin Carving – charge a supply fee; Easter Egg Hunt – charge admission; Brainstorm with your volunteers!

• Do you take the money and run? Asking for donations should not be the only time your donors hear from you. Be sure to keep your donors and updated on your programs and progress.

• Staffing – who is in charge, the ED or Board? Create a formal oversight policy to clearly define Board & ED responsibilities and specific actions.

• Give each member of your board a specific to-do list to increase funding and support.

• Use Google Maps to locate your organization for visitors. Go to Google Maps and watch the online tutorial for how-to instructions. Google Maps

• Do you have an elevator speach? Tell your organization’s story in the time it takes for an elevator ride. Make sure employees, board members, supporters, even venders all tell the same speech.

• Build that email list. Vigilantly collect emails on your website, donation forms and at events. Use it to send updates on programs and services.

• Prompt donors to keep on giving. Thank ALL your donors promptly – no matter how small the gift or how busy you are. A telephone call, email or personal note all do the trick!

• Use the IRS to promote your organization. Most people look at the IRS Form 990 when researching nonprofits. Use Part III (statement of accomplishments) to highlight your success – it’s not for IRS eyes only.

• How stylish are you? A Style Guide promotes consistent presentation of your organizations "brand". It contains your logo, rules regarding its use, identifies colors and preferred type faces.

• Be the squeaky wheel! Remind donors of the impact your cause is making in the community by keeping in touch with them through weekly/monthly emails.

• Does your organization have Directors and Officers Insurance? It’s an extremely important component of your risk management plan and covers wrongful acts from your directors.

• More volunteers than you can handle? Use a volunteer to coordinate your volunteers.

• Diversify your revenue. Many nonprofits rely on unpredictable sources of income. Explore products and services that can produce an additional income stream.

• When was the last time you reviewed your Mission Statement? Review your mission every year with your board and staff. Make sure it accurately reflects your current thinking, vision and goals.