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Fundraising TipsWarm Up Your Generosity: Choose a Campaign to Bless This Christmas!
Posted by Alex Shipley on Dec 20, 2024
The true warmth of Christmas isn't just found in twinkling lights or the crackle of a fire - it's in the kindness shared between people. This season, you're invited to be a Difference Maker by giving to a campaign that brings hope and joy to those in need. All around the world, people are answering the call to generosity, will you? Here are 10 incredible campaigns on GiveSendGo where you can make an impact this Christmas! 1. Christmas Once Again 2024 For 18 years, Christmas Once Again has been bringing joy to the homeless. Each year, volunteers pack and distribute gift bags filled with essentials and treats for those living on the streets. The initiative also includes a shelter tour where participants learn about the daily realities of the homeless and how they can support them. This year, hundreds of volunteers are preparing to distribute gifts and share hope with those who often feel forgotten. Will you join them in sharing hope this Christmas? Support Christmas Once Again and be a Difference Maker. 2. A Merry Christmas for 4 Sweet Children Four children are facing a Christmas unlike any they've known. Their single mother, battling cervical cancer, is doing everything she can to keep their spirits bright. After escaping a domestic violence situation, she's now fighting for her health and their happiness. With no family nearby, she's relying on the generosity of strangers to make this Christmas special for her kids. This is your chance to bring smiles and joy to a family that's been through so much. Help this family and be a Difference Maker. 3. Support The Miracles of Christmas Concert One man's recovery journey from severe brain injury has become a mission to help others. This Christmas, he's organizing a concert featuring a world-famous band to raise funds for hurricane survivors in Asheville, NC, where people are still living in makeshift shelters. Proceeds will provide critical relief and shelter for those left vulnerable by Hurricane Helene. He's stepping up, and you can, too. Support this concert and be a Difference Maker. 4. Christmas Dinners for Helene Survivors In Swannanoa, NC, families affected by Hurricane Helene are still living in tents. Without kitchens to prepare holiday meals, they're facing a cold and challenging Christmas. But there's hope. One volunteer's mission is to raise funds to provide Christmas dinners for these families. A simple dinner can restore dignity, warmth, and hope. This Christmas, help these families experience the love of community. Give to Helene survivors and be a Difference Maker. 5. Hope for Christmas Outreach 2024 Every year, the Hope for Christmas Outreach invites families to serve others while also receiving the blessing of love and generosity themselves. Guests arrive ready to help others, but they're surprised to discover that they, too, are being cared for. Each family receives a new Bible, gift cards, and a message of hope titled "Why Did God Choose You?" It's a powerful reminder that love works both ways. Support Hope for Christmas and be a Difference Maker. 6. Dad's Last Christmas A family's urgent plea for help comes from the heart. This may be their father's final Christmas due to his critical heart condition, and they're desperate to be together as a family. Financial hardship has made travel impossible, and time is running out. This Christmas, you can help them create lasting memories with their father. Your generosity will ensure that love and family are present in his final moments. Help make Christmas special for this family and be a Difference Maker. 7. Supporting CWS VFD Christmas for Kids For many children, Santa's Toy Shop is a magical place where dreams come true. Each year, CWS VFD's Christmas for Kids gives children a chance to pick out presents, meet Santa, and sip hot cocoa. Over 200 children experience the joy of Christmas through this initiative. Your support helps fill Santa's toy shop with the gifts that create cherished childhood memories. Support this community event and be a Difference Maker. 8. Christmas Gift for Widow, Brickmaker & Orphan Kids In some parts of the world, widows, orphaned children, and brickmaker families face unimaginable hardship. King Jesus Life Ministries is on a mission to bring love, joy, and hope to these vulnerable communities. Their goal is to provide Christmas gifts, food, clothing, and medical care. This year, you can be part of a movement that reminds these families they're not forgotten. Support this ministry and be a Difference Maker. 9. Christmas Project 2024: Warm Hearts in Cold Houses In Lebanon, where war and displacement have left many families struggling, one man's vision has become a movement of love. The Christmas Project has been delivering Christmas bags filled with toys, candy, and messages of love to refugee children since 2021. Last year's efforts led to life-changing moments of faith and hope. This year, they're expanding to reach displaced children in new areas. With your help, they'll deliver 500 Christmas bags and bring joy to children in desperate need of hope. Give to the Christmas Project and be a Difference Maker. 10. Please Help Us Save Our Home and Have a Christmas A single mom and her 6-year-old daughter are on the brink of losing their home. After escaping an abusive relationship, they've been fighting to stay afloat. Now, unpaid rent, daycare fees, and overdue utility bills threaten to push them into homelessness. Your support can keep a roof over their heads and bring Christmas joy to a little girl who's already seen too much hardship in her young life. Support this family and be a Difference Maker. This Christmas, Warm Up Your Generosity for Someone in Need Generosity has the power to transform lives. This Christmas, as you gather with loved ones, remember those who are facing hardship. Each of these stories is a chance to make a difference. Whether it's a warm dinner, a roof over someone's head, Christmas presents, or the gift of being together with family, you can be the reason someone's heart is filled with hope this season. Don't miss your chance to warm up your generosity. Visit GiveSendGo, choose a campaign that matters to you, and be a Difference Maker!
Fundraising Tips5 Ways to Warm Up Your Generosity This Holiday Season
Posted by Alex Shipley on Dec 20, 2024
As the winter chill sets in, there's no better time to warm hearts with the gift of generosity. This Christmas season, you have the opportunity to be a source of light and hope for others - both on and off GiveSendGo. Here are five impactful ways to warm up your generosity and be a difference maker! 1. Give to a GiveSendGo Campaign: GiveSendGo is home to thousands of campaigns started by people from all walks of life. From medical needs to community initiatives, your generosity can be a lifeline for someone in need. This Christmas, consider browsing our site for a cause that matters to you. Whether it's helping a family rebuild after a disaster or supporting a church's mission trip, every donation is a reminder to someone that they're not alone. Be a Difference Maker: Find a campaign you care about, give, and leave an encouraging message or prayer for the recipient. Your words of kindness are just as powerful as your gift. 2. Bless a Neighbor in Need: Generosity can even take you right next door. This season, look around your community. Is there an elderly neighbor who could use help with groceries? A single parent who might appreciate a surprise gift for their child? Small, thoughtful gestures can have a profound impact. Be a Difference Maker: Deliver a holiday meal, offer to shovel snow, or surprise a neighbor with a gift card for essentials. Simple acts of kindness remind people they are seen and valued. 3. Start Your Own GiveSendGo Campaign: If you've ever felt a tug on your heart to start something bigger, now is the perfect time. Maybe it's raising funds for a local shelter, supporting a family facing unexpected hardship, or helping a friend with medical expenses. Starting a campaign gives others the opportunity to join you in generosity. Be a Difference Maker: Start a GiveSendGo and invite friends and family to give. When people come together for a common cause, hope spreads far and wide. 4. Volunteer Your Time and Talents: Time is one of the most valuable gifts you can give. Volunteering at local shelters, food banks, or community centers allows you to directly connect with people in need. Churches also see a surge in attendance during Christmas, creating a need for extra help with parking teams, nursery care, greeters, and more. Offering your time in these spaces is a beautiful reminder that generosity isn't just about money - it's about presence and compassion. Plus, it's a great opportunity to share the hope of Jesus! Be a Difference Maker: Look for opportunities to volunteer in your community. Serve meals, organize a clothing drive, or spend time with individuals who might be feeling lonely during the holidays. 5. Practice Intentional Generosity with Loved Ones: Generosity can be practiced right within your own circle of family and friends. Write heartfelt letters to loved ones, offer to babysit for a stressed-out parent, or give thoughtful, personalized gifts that go beyond material value. Your time, attention, and thoughtfulness are powerful ways to warm hearts. Be a Difference Maker: Focus on presence over presents. Create meaningful experiences, offer acts of service, and express gratitude for the people in your life. This Christmas, Let Your Generosity SHINE! Generosity isn't confined to a single act - it's a lifestyle. Whether you're giving through a GiveSendGo campaign, blessing a neighbor, volunteering, or simply being present for loved ones, you're making the world a warmer place. This Christmas, we invite you to "Warm Up Your Generosity" and watch how it brings light and hope to the hearts of others.
Giving TuesdayWhy Give Today?
Posted by Alex Shipley on Dec 3, 2024
It's finally Giving Tuesday! Whether you've been counting down the days or this is your first time hearing about it, we're excited you're joining us for this global day of giving and we can't wait to see how you'll make a lasting impact starting today! But now that the day has arrived, you might be wondering: Why give today? Where do I even start? We encourage you to consider these two impactful ways to give: 1. Support a Giving Tuesday Campaign 2. Join the Giver Army We'll dive into both of these in just a moment, but first, let's talk about why Giving Tuesday is so important. Why Give on Giving Tuesday? Giving Tuesday is a unique opportunity to live out Christ's example. When we sacrificially give of ourselves to serve others, we honor God, strengthen our faith, and learn to hold everything we have with open hands. After all, everything we have belongs to the Lord. Generosity is a way to steward His blessings and love others well. True generosity also flows from a heart of gratitude for all that God has done for us. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 9:7, "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver". Giving cheerfully and freely is one way we reflect the grace and goodness of God to the world around us. And what makes Giving Tuesday so powerful is that it's a global movement. People everywhere are coming together to give and share hope, creating a collective impact far greater than any individual effort. When you give today, your generosity becomes part of something bigger-changing lives and sharing hope in a world that desperately needs it. How Can You Give? 1. Give to Giving Tuesday Campaigns on GiveSendGo Our Giving Tuesday page is filled with campaigns from people facing challenges, serving their communities, or pursuing dreams. From medical bills to missions, there's no shortage of opportunities to give and share hope with someone in need. But with so many campaigns to choose from, it can feel overwhelming to pick the right one to give to. If you're not sure where to begin, there's another way to make a lasting impact year-round: Join the Giver Army! Simply commit to monthly generosity to GiveSendGo Charities and we'll take care of the rest! 2. Join the Giver Army Why limit your generosity to just one day? By joining the Giver Army, you can turn every day into Giving Tuesday! By joining this community of consistent givers, your generosity helps fund life-changing grants that then get awarded to campaigns in need on GiveSendGo. Not sure how much to give? The amount is up to you-give what you feel is right or as the Lord leads! Whether it's $5, $50, or $100 a month, the beauty of the Giver Army is that every gift counts, no matter the size. Jesus reminds us of this through the story of the widow's offering: "For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on" (Mark 12:44). This doesn't mean you need to give everything you have, but when we give not to be seen, but out of sincere thankfulness and worship for all we've received, our generosity is pleasing to the Lord. Here's how the Giver Army works: 1. You join the Giver Army and give a monthly gift. 2. Your donation is combined with others to create grants. 3. GiveSendGo Charities distributes those grants to campaigns in need. 4. Lives are transformed through your generosity! Imagine your monthly gift providing relief to a family after a disaster, helping cover medical bills for a child, or empowering someone to start a business that benefits their community. Through the Giver Army, your giving isn't just meeting material needs-it's a way to shine the light of Christ into people's lives. We recently heard from one of our Giver Army members, Barbara, who shared why she joined and loves giving every month. She shared, "I decided to be part of the Giver Army because GiveSendGo has been such an awesome tool for me to raise money for projects I care about. The Bible says, 'it's more blessed to give than to receive' and God has blessed me richly with so many things. When I see the projects on GiveSendGo it just compels me to support people who are doing things for the kingdom that I can't do myself, so I am so thankful and I encourage you to be aware of how much you are blessed and to bless others." Start Giving Today You don't have to wait for a perfect moment to give. Start now! Visit our Giving Tuesday page to explore campaigns and find a cause that you care about. And if you're ready to make generosity a habit in your life, join the Giver Army to make a lasting impact.
Fundraising Tips10 Must-Know Tips for Sharing Your GiveSendGo Campaign (and Inspiring Generosity!)
Posted by Alex Shipley on Nov 22, 2024
So, you've launched your GiveSendGo, set your goal, (hopefully!) uploaded some amazing pictures, and are ready to start sharing your campaign. Now comes the big question: How DO you get people to notice it? Sharing your campaign is all about reaching the right people in creative ways that spark their interest and inspire their generosity. Whether you're fundraising for a mission trip, medical expenses, or a dream project, these helpful tips will help you shine a spotlight on your campaign. 1. Get Social with It! Social media is your best friend when it comes to spreading the word. Post your campaign link on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and even LinkedIn. But don't stop there-add some creativity! Share behind-the-scenes photos or videos. Use Instagram Stories to give updates. Try a Facebook Live to explain your cause and thank donors in real time. Pro Tip: Use hashtags like #GiveSendGo, #Crowdfunding, or ones specific to your campaign for wider reach. 2. Create a Countdown Challenge Build excitement with a countdown. For example: "We're 10 days away from hitting our goal-can you help us close the gap?" "Just $500 left to go! Can 10 friends give $50 today?" Add some visuals, like a progress bar or thermometer graphic, to make your updates pop! 3. Tell Your Story (Again and Again) Your story is what connects people to your cause. Don't JUST share your campaign link-share why your cause matters this much to you. Use personal anecdotes, emotional appeals, or even humor to make your posts memorable. Pro Tip: Use video to make your story even more engaging. A 60-second video explaining your campaign can go a long way in grabbing attention. 4. Reach Out Directly Sometimes the best way to gain support is to ask personally. Send texts, emails, or DMs to friends, family, and colleagues. You'd be surprised how many people want to help-they just need that nudge! Example Text: "Hi [Name]! I started a campaign on GiveSendGo, and I'd love your support! Here's the link: [insert link]. Even if you can't give, sharing it would mean the world to me!" 5. Leverage the Power of Groups Are you part of a church, community group, or organization? Ask them to help share your campaign. Many groups are happy to rally around a good cause! Pro Tip: Use church bulletins, newsletters, or group chats to spread the word. 6. Host a Fun Event Turn your campaign into a celebration! Host a bake sale, trivia night, or garage sale where all proceeds go toward your goal. These events are great for raising funds and spreading awareness. Bonus Idea: Livestream the event and share your GiveSendGo link so people can give from anywhere. 7. Get Creative with Thank Yous People love to feel appreciated. When someone donates, thank them publicly (if they're okay with it) or send a personal note. Better yet, make it fun: Post a shoutout video. Write their name on a board or banner and share a picture. Create a social media post like "We're 10% closer thanks to [Name]!" 8. Tap Into Your Local Media Reach out to local newspapers, radio stations, or bloggers who might be interested in sharing your story. People love feel-good stories, and your campaign could inspire even more support! Pro Tip: Write a brief email explaining your campaign, why it matters, and include your GiveSendGo link to make it easy for them to learn more. 9. Involve Your Supporters Your early givers can become your biggest advocates. Ask them to share your campaign with their friends and family. Provide them with sample posts or images to make it easy. Sample Share Text: "My friend [Your Name] is raising funds for [cause], and it's such an important mission. If you're able to help, here's the link: [insert link]!" 10. Keep It Fresh Sharing your campaign once isn't enough. Keep updating people with progress, milestones, and how the funds are making a difference. Add fun twists like: Weekly themes (e.g., "Mission Monday" or "Thankful Thursday"). Polls or Q&A sessions on social media. Special milestones (e.g., "We're halfway there!" or "Only $1,000 to go!"). Wrapping It Up Whether you're using social media, hosting an event, or just asking a friend, every effort brings you one step closer to your goal. And don't forget: generosity inspires generosity. The more people see your passion for the hope you're sharing, the more likely they are to join you in making a difference. So, get out there, have fun, and start sharing your cause-you've got this!
Giving TuesdayHow True Thanksgiving Inspires Generosity
Posted by Alex Shipley on Nov 22, 2024
Many of us have gathered around the Thanksgiving dinner table, sharing what we're thankful for-family, friends, health, home, jobs, and so much more. While these are all wonderful blessings from God that we may truly cherish, our thanksgiving shouldn't be limited to a single holiday or a fleeting moment of gratitude. True thanksgiving goes beyond words; it's a choice to actively live out our gratitude. It calls us to intentionally respond to God's goodness, and it naturally leads to actions that bless others. Throughout the Bible, thanksgiving is closely linked to generosity. When we truly recognize all that God has done for us, our hearts are moved to give freely, reflecting His abundant grace in our own lives. Thanksgiving as a Foundation of Generosity In 2 Corinthians 9:11, Paul writes: "You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God." Notice the beautiful cycle Paul describes: God's blessings enrich us, enabling us to be generous, and that generosity brings glory and thanksgiving back to Him. Gratitude and generosity feed into one another, shaping us to become more like Jesus. Now look at the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19. All ten were healed by Jesus, but only one returned to thank Him. That one, a Samaritan, wasn't just physically healed; he experienced a spiritual restoration and redemption. His gratitude led to worship, and his story reminds us that thanksgiving isn't just about saying "thank you"-it's about living in light of God's goodness. Again, Psalm 107:1 encourages us to "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!" This thanksgiving isn't passive. It's an active response to God's love, one that should overflow into how we live and give. How Thanksgiving Becomes Generosity When we reflect on how God has provided for us-physically, emotionally, and spiritually-it should cause us to open our hands. A truly thankful heart can't help but want to bless others. Consider the story of the poor widow in Mark 12:41-44. She gave all she had-not out of obligation, but out of a heart full of love and gratitude. Her thankfulness for God's provision transformed into an act of extravagant generosity, one that Jesus praised as an example for all of us. Generosity isn't always about giving large amounts. It's about a heart posture that says, "God has been so good to me. How can I not share that goodness with others?" Join the Giver Army in Response to Thanksgiving This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to put your thanksgiving into action by joining the Giver Army. The Giver Army is a group of people committed to monthly generosity. Whether big or small, their consistent giving helps provide grants to people in need all around the world. As a Giver Army member, you're not just giving money-you're giving hope. You're enabling someone to face another day, reach their goal, help others, or even catch a glimpse of Jesus during what could be one of the darkest times in their life. If your heart is full of thanksgiving for all God has done in your life, let that thankfulness inspire you to take action. Join the Giver Army today and be part of a community that's transforming lives through consistent generosity. Click here to join the Giver Army and make the most of your Thanksgiving.
Giving TuesdayMeet the People Our Giver Army is Impacting!
Posted by Alex Shipley on Nov 19, 2024
While Giving Tuesday is widely recognized as a global day of giving, we at GiveSendGo want to inspire something bigger-generosity that lasts year-round, because every day should be Giving Tuesday! This year, we're inviting you to get involved by joining our Giver Army. Some campaigns on GiveSendGo don't have a built-in crowd of givers. That's why we created the Giver Army - to be a "crowd for the crowdless" and bring real, tangible hope to those facing difficult situations. What is the Giver Army? The Giver Army is made up of people just like you-stay-at-home parents, CEOs, hardworking 9-5ers, veterans, and everyone in between-who are committed to monthly generosity that makes a lasting difference for people in need on GiveSendGo. When you join the Giver Army, your monthly donation is pooled with others and turned into grants that are then awarded to campaigns on GiveSendGo. But then what? Lives are transformed and people experience hope during what might otherwise feel like a hopeless time. To you, it might just be $5, $50, or $100 a month, but when combined with the generosity of others, it becomes so much more. It might be someone's rent for the month, diapers and formula for a baby, 100 Bibles for a mission trip, or even Christmas presents for a family. From medical bills to dream projects, we've seen it all! Big or small, your generosity is making a difference every single day. Stories of Lives Transformed Here's a glimpse of what your support means to those who receive Giver Army grants: "THANK YOU for your kindness and generosity with this grant! The timing of this gift is an absolute blessing and will assist a recently widowed lady and her handicapped son in a time of their need. Words fall short in expressing our appreciation! Thank you and God Bless you for your thoughtfulness & generosity!" - Carol M. (Pro-Life Campaign) "We can never thank you enough! You changed our lives! in more than one way. now we are more charitable than ever before and believe in God and prayers more than ever before. Thank you. We will be paying it forward. God bless." - Gary C. "This grant will help my children and I in our emergency situation that we are still in. The grant came at a good time, as we basically only had a dollar and some change left after paying bills, and paying for things for our everyday survival..." - Violet L. (Pro-Life Campaign) "Your support is helping to continue making the bible templates as free and easy to use resource for anyone around the world. We thank you tremendously for helping us to keep the web hosting going so we can store these files for life." - Capone D. (Faith-Based Campaign) "Thank you SO much for giving toward this home. This home will be filled with women and children leaving the brothels. It will be utilized to educate them and stabilize them that they might get their own jobs and home and be restored to family as well as have a relationship with Jesus!" - Weslea P. (Pro-Life Campaign) "Thank you so very much for giving! It has brought light into a dark place for me and my family. I pray God will bless you and you will know that your gift will be used to literally change a family's life." - Sonya W. "Thank you to all the good souls that care about these little helpless kittens. I'm trying to do everything I can to help these innocent little creatures." - Thomas M. (Animal Care & Rescue Campaign) "I adopted 3 kids from foster care 20+ years ago and its been my mission since to be involved in this community....from providing supplies, support and other resources, to being a foster mom and providing respite care...this generous grant will provide so much to those kids who are desperately in need! God Bless you." - Connie B. (Pro-Life Campaign) "Dear Giver Army, I am so overwhelmed with gratitude; your contribution has made a tangible difference in this mission's purpose. We are so blessed to be able to repair and redistribute these bicycles to impoverished children and adults, helping them feel loved and supported, in tangible and intangible ways. Your gift means more to me than I can even articulate...Thank you for being an essential part of this work!!" - Stephanie B. (Essentials for Life Campaign) "I honestly don't know how to thank you enough. I see things like this happen to other people and never imagined in 1 million years a miracle like this would happen to me..." - Colleen L. (Pro-Life Campaign) "Thank you so much! And thank OUR GOD for people like yourself who are willing to be used by HIM to help someone like myself and others! I know I speak for all- We are so grateful! And can't thank you enough!!" - Marsha W. (Current Emergency Campaign) "Chelsie and I were very suprised and honored to receive yet another one of Gods blessings with the grant from the Giver Army. God has answered our prayers at least 4 times through miracles for the first few weeks of Willows life and since then has been keeping her and us wrapped in his hands. The stress of finances has been slowly reduced thanks to gracious angels like yourselves..." - Tony S. (Pro-Life Campaign) "I am very humbled and grateful for the generosity of those who gave to help me. I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart that they would help out someone they don't even know! They are truly following Gods word and I pray they get it back 10 fold! One day, I hope to pass on to others what has been so graciously given to me." - Clarke H. (Faith-Based Campaign) "My family and I wanted to thank each and everyone of you! Today was a struggle for us, we were low on food and gas. Worrying when we were going to get some relief and here it is. The prayer we've been asking for. Thank you so so much for everything you do for us and other families. We are truly blessed to have people like you all in our lives." - Samantha C. (Medical Relief Campaign) "We are incredibly thankful for your gift. I remember telling my wife years ago that choosing to be Pro-Life is a two-step process. Step one is simply making that decision that any child inside the womb is indeed God ordained and should be afforded the opportunity to experience life. The second step is being an active participant in making that happen. My wife and I are going the route of adoption, but it takes people like you, who have the ability to donate to people like us who are in desperate need of funds to give life to children across the world, and for that, we're truly grateful." - Cole M. (Pro-Life Campaign) "The lady from GiveSendGo called and after we spoke she prayed for us which is a blessing. Just knowing someone out there cares really helped me as I felt lately as if my faith was being strained a bit. Divine timing (God's timing is a beautiful thing). Thank you all so much not only for the donation but for letting me know God still listening to my prayers. If this is the only donation we receive I promise it is not in vain. I needed this positivity at this exact time." - Susan C. (Animal Care & Rescue Campaign) These are just a few of the incredible stories that show how the Giver Army is shining brightly in often very dark places. Ready to Make an Impact? Joining the Giver Army is simple. Visit GiverArmy.com and "be the crowd for the crowdless" today! Let's make every day Giving Tuesday!
Fundraising TipsBuild Your Campaign Team and Create Engaging Content
Posted by Alex Shipley on Nov 19, 2024
With Giving Tuesday just around the corner, are you ready to make your campaign SHINE? Before diving into sharing, take a step back and rally your team for some behind-the-scenes prep! Great campaigns are built with creativity, teamwork, and a touch of elbow grease. Your team will help you brainstorm ideas, rally support, and create content that's as inspiring as it is shareable. But don't worry if you're flying solo! Many of these tips will still be super helpful for anyone looking to create a great Giving Tuesday campaign! Here's how to set your campaign up for success: 1. Gather Your Dream Team Begin by gathering your closest friends, family, and colleagues-the people who will always be in your corner. Your team doesn't need to be large, just the people who are as committed to your cause's success as you are! Personally share your passion and excitement for your campaign, explaining how they can play a role in bringing it to life. These early supporters are your foundation, offering encouragement, ideas, and critical support. Together, you'll brainstorm the best ways to tell your story, share your mission, and inspire others to join your journey. Don't underestimate the power of diverse perspectives-everyone's unique ideas can make your campaign even stronger. Tip: Let your team know their role goes beyond just giving. They're here to help you brainstorm, create content, share your campaign, and build the momentum needed to make your efforts truly stand out! 2. Brainstorm Together for Content Ideas Now that your team is on board, it's time to roll up your sleeves and start brainstorming content ideas that will bring your campaign to life. Whether you meet in person or virtually, gather your closest supporters to discuss creative ways to connect with potential givers. Think about what will resonate-will it be a heartfelt video, behind-the-scenes snapshots, or even a funny meme (because, why not)? Your content sets the stage for everything that follows, so the more prepared and creative you are, the easier it will be to inspire others to share. Content Brainstorming Examples: Story Highlights - Decide which aspects of your story will most inspire or appeal to others. What personal experiences or goals should you emphasize? Visuals - Discuss photos, videos, or graphics that will help visually bring your story to life. Slogans and Hashtags - Craft memorable phrases or hashtags that capture the heart of your campaign and make it easy for others to follow and share. 3. Engage Your Team in Content Creation Encourage your team to help create meaningful content for your campaign. For personal campaigns, consider recording a short video explaining your campaign's purpose, why it matters to you, and how others can get involved. For team-focused efforts like a church mission trip, invite members to create individual or group videos highlighting their goals, sharing their destination (if appropriate), and explaining how people can support or pray for them. Team members can also write heartfelt testimonials about why the cause is important to them. These personal touches add authenticity and resonate deeply with your audience. Creative Content Ideas for Supporters: Short Testimonials - Team members share why the campaign matters to them or its impact on others. Photos or Videos - Capture moments related to the cause, preparations, or personal messages to supporters. Quotes and Stories - Share inspirational quotes or short stories that highlight the mission's significance and potential impact. Bonus Tip: Start building your email list or a list of people you'll reach out to directly on social media now! We'll dive into sharing your campaign next week, but having your list ready means you'll be prepared to hit "send" when it's time. 4. Build a Campaign Calendar Set up a schedule with your team for what to post in the lead-up to and on Giving Tuesday. This calendar can guide you on when to share each piece of content, giving your campaign a well-planned and polished feel when the big day arrives. Use this time to create posts, graphics, and other materials so they're already ready to go. You can also divvy out when each person on your team will share your campaign and where. Having everything organized ahead of time will keep sharing your campaign as stress-free and effective as possible. 5. Get Excited and Celebrate the Wins Take a moment to celebrate what your team has already accomplished, whether it's a great video, strong visuals, or a well-thought-out plan. Sharing progress helps everyone feel appreciated and energized to push forward as Giving Tuesday approaches. Remember, it's YOUR campaign, and its success relies on the effort you put into it! Take ownership of when you share, how much you share, and where you share it. And celebrate every win, big or small-whether it's a share, a dozen likes, or even a few early donations! Each step forward is a sign that your cause is resonating with people and worth supporting! So, now that you've got all your ducks in a row, you'll be ready to hit the ground running when we talk about sharing next week. But don't wait too long-getting your team and content prepped early is key to boosting your Giving Tuesday success! You've got this!
Fundraising Tips4 Tips for Creating an Amazing Giving Tuesday Campaign on GiveSendGo
Posted by Alex Shipley on Nov 11, 2024
With Giving Tuesday just around the corner, it's time to get your campaign ready for success! This is a great time to polish up your campaign description, add some eye-catching visuals, and use some great features on your campaign page to help bring in more support for your cause. Whether you've just launched your campaign or are about to, we're here to help you create a standout Giving Tuesday campaign. 1. Write a Compelling Campaign Description Your campaign description is where potential givers connect with your story, so it's essential to make it clear, engaging, and compelling enough to draw others into the cause you care about (and hopefully get them to care just as much!). Here are some best practices to help you tell your story effectively: Keep It Short and Sweet but Meaningful: Aim for 500-800 words-enough to provide detail without overwhelming the reader. Share the "Why," Not Just the "What": Don't just list what you need; focus on the reasons behind your cause. Describe the motivation and the personal or community impact, so supporters understand why your campaign matters. Tell a Story: People connect to stories. Explain what inspired your campaign, the challenges faced, and the positive outcomes you're striving toward. Show potential supporters how they can be part of this journey! Be Detailed: Let supporters know exactly how you'll use the funds. Transparency builds trust, so consider breaking down specific costs or listing where donations will go. Encourage Sharing: Remind supporters they can help by spreading the word. Shares on social media help bring your campaign to a wider audience, and every share is a step closer to your goal. 2. Add Engaging Visuals to Bring Your Story to Life Visuals create an emotional connection with your audience, making it easier for them to relate to your cause. Here are ways to make your campaign visually appealing: Add Images to Your Campaign Header: High-quality, relevant images make a big difference. Choose images that evoke emotion, show the people impacted by your cause, or illustrate the situation you're working to improve. A few examples include: Example 1: For a medical fundraiser, include a photo of the person who is receiving care or a supportive family photo. Example 2: For a community project, show the place or people the project will benefit. Example 3: If you're raising funds for a nonprofit, include pictures from past events that illustrate the work your campaign supports. Add a Video to Your Header: Videos add a personal touch that can be even more compelling than photos. Share a brief video, anywhere from 30 seconds to two minutes will do, explaining your campaign, introducing yourself, or telling the story that inspired your fundraising efforts. Even a simple, heartfelt message recorded on your phone can help people feel connected to your cause. 3. Use Giving Tuesday Hashtags to Give Your Campaign a Boost! Make sure to include relevant Giving Tuesday hashtags like #GivingTuesday or #GivingTuesday2024 in your campaign header. When you do, your campaign will automatically appear on our GiveSendGo Giving Tuesday page, which we'll be promoting on our social media platforms all month long. This is a fantastic way to boost your campaign's visibility and inspire even more people to get involved. 4. Use Campaign Page Features to Boost Your Impact! Once your description and visuals are looking great, take advantage of a few extra features on your campaign page to make your campaign even stronger: Prayer Requests: Did you know you can add prayer requests directly to your campaign page?! Let people know specific things they can pray about, like your mom's upcoming surgery and recovery or the mission trip you're about to embark on. It's a wonderful way to build connection with supporters and remind people they can support you beyond just meeting financial needs. Updates: Keep your supporters in the loop with regular updates on your campaign's journey! Celebrating a milestone or have a new development in your story to share? Post it right on your campaign page! For example, if your mom's surgery went well, let everyone know how their support made a difference-whether it helped cover medical bills, physical therapy, or anything in between. People love seeing the impact of their support, and keeping them updated helps them feel even more connected to your cause. Custom URL: Make your campaign's link simple, memorable, and easy to share! A custom URL helps supporters find your page quickly. For example, you could use something like www.GiveSendGo.com/MomsSurgery or www.GiveSendGo.com/HelpKathy. Track Your Fundraising with Referral Codes: Want to know where your donations are coming from? Try out the Referral Code Generator! This awesome (and free) tool lets you create unique campaign URLs for different platforms, so you can see exactly which posts are bringing in the most support. Check it out here! With a clear story, eye-catching visuals, and these handy extras, you'll be ready to make a positive impact this Giving Tuesday!
Giving TuesdayBE the Change You Want to See, Don't JUST Vote For It
Posted by Alex Shipley on Nov 4, 2024
As the election approaches, it's natural to feel a mix of emotions-excitement, anxiety, and even uncertainty about the future. This pivotal moment in our country's history calls for us to make our voices heard at the polls. But while voting is undeniably important, we must remember that making a difference in the world involves more than just casting a ballot. Change doesn't happen overnight, and it's not solely up to elected leaders. If you want to see a better world, you need to step up and take action yourself. Don't wait for someone else to lead the way-be the change you wish to see. One way to embody that change is by joining the Giver Army this Giving Tuesday. The Giver Army is a group of people committed to making a lasting impact through monthly generosity on GiveSendGo Charities. Whether you pledge a lot or a little, your donations, combined with those of countless others, will be pooled and turned into grants for people in need across GiveSendGo. Here are a few testimonies from campaign owners on GiveSendGo who have received and been impacted by these grants from our Giver Army: "My family and I wanted to thank each and every one of you! Today was a struggle for us; we were low on food and gas. Worrying when we were going to get some relief, and here it is-the prayer we've been asking for. Thank you so, so much for everything you do for us and other families. We are truly blessed to have people like you all in our lives." - Samantha C. "Thank you SO much for giving toward this home. This home will be filled with women and children leaving the brothels. It will be utilized to educate them and stabilize them so they might get their own jobs and homes and be restored to family, as well as have a relationship with Jesus!" - "Chelsie and I were very surprised and honored to receive yet another one of God's blessings with the grant from the Giver Army. God has answered our prayers at least 4 times through miracles for the first few weeks of Willow's life, and since then has been keeping her and us wrapped in His hands. The stress of finances has been slowly reduced thanks to gracious angels like yourselves..." - Tony S. "Thank you so very much for giving! It has brought light into a dark place for me and my family. I pray God will bless you, and you will know that your gift will be used to literally change a family's life." - Sonya W. "I honestly don't know how to thank you enough. I see things like this happen to other people and never imagined in 1 million years a miracle like this would happen to me..." - Colleen W. Other Ways You Can Get Involved After you've visited www.GiverArmy.com and joined the Giver Army, here are some other ways you can get involved this Giving Tuesday: Start a Giving Tuesday Campaign: If there's a cause you care about, consider starting your own campaign this Giving Tuesday. It could be anything from supporting a local food pantry to helping a family with adoption expenses. The possibilities are endless! Give to a Campaign: Explore existing Giving Tuesday campaigns here or give to one you're already passionate about. Your donation can make a significant difference in someone's life. Pray for Opportunities: Prayer is powerful and should always be our first step. Take time to ask God to show you the opportunities He's placed around you to make an impact. Whether it's through a kind gesture, volunteering, or contributing to a cause, be open to how you can share the hope of Jesus through your actions. As we head into this election season, let's remember that real change starts with us. While voting is important, being intentional about our generosity and actions in our families, churches, communities, and even online can create the change we want to see. By joining the Giver Army at www.GiverArmy.com this Giving Tuesday, you're taking a step toward transforming the world around you. Make generosity a habit TODAY!
Giving TuesdayStart Your Giving Tuesday Campaign (with 15 Ideas to Get You Started)!
Posted by Alex Shipley on Nov 4, 2024
As Giving Tuesday approaches, we're reminded of the impact generosity can have on the world around us. No matter who you are or where you're at in life, opportunities to take action and share hope are all around us. And what better way to make a difference this year than by starting your own GiveSendGo campaign? Starting a campaign on Giving Tuesday doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you already have a cause close to your heart or are just beginning to think about ways to give back, there are countless opportunities to create a meaningful campaign. To help spark some inspiration, here's a list of campaign ideas to get you started: 1. Community Food Pantry Fund Help stock up your local food pantry so families in need don't have to go hungry, especially during the holiday season. A campaign like this can provide canned goods, fresh produce, and essential household items for those struggling to make ends meet. 2. Winter Warmth Drive Many people face harsh winters without the proper clothing to keep warm. Consider launching a campaign to provide coats, gloves, blankets, and warm socks to homeless shelters, foster kids, or community organizations. 3. Backpacks for Foster Kids When children enter foster care, they often do so with only a few belongings. By starting a campaign to provide backpacks filled with comfort items, toiletries, and personal essentials, you can help make this transition a little easier. 4. Medical Expense Relief Fund Medical bills can create financial stress for those already dealing with health challenges. By starting a campaign, you can help cover costs for a family or individual facing overwhelming medical expenses. 5. Animal Rescue & Care Our furry friends need love and care too! If you're passionate about caring for animals, consider starting a campaign to support a local animal shelter or rescue with funds for food, medical care, and adoption events. 6. Holiday Meal Sponsorships For families struggling with finances, holiday meals can feel out of reach. A campaign focused on providing Thanksgiving or Christmas meals to families in need, or even shut-ins, can help everyone enjoy the warmth and comfort of the holiday season. 7. Elderly Care Packages For seniors in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, a simple care package can make a huge difference. Items like cozy blankets, puzzles, books, and personal notes can help brighten their day and remind them they're loved. 8. School Supplies for Students Many students face each school year without the necessary supplies. By creating a campaign to fund school supplies, you're setting up students for success and helping teachers who often pay out of pocket to provide materials. 9. Mental Health Support Fund Mental health resources can be expensive and hard to access. A campaign supporting counseling or therapy for those in need can make an invaluable difference for someone struggling with mental health challenges. 10. Single-Parent Support Fund Being a single parent is tough. Start a campaign to offer financial support to a single-parent family for essentials like groceries, childcare, rent, and school fees. 11. Holiday Gifts for Kids in Need No child should go without a gift during the holidays. By starting a campaign, you can help ensure every child in your community receives a holiday gift to bring them joy and remind them they're cared for. 12. Adoption Support Fund Help a couple or family cover the costs associated with adoption, including legal fees, home studies, and travel expenses. Your campaign can make a meaningful difference in their journey to grow their family and provide a loving home to a child in need. 13. Veterans' Support Fund Veterans have sacrificed so much for our freedom. A campaign dedicated to supporting veterans can fund housing assistance, mental health resources, or job training programs to help those who've served our country. 14. Youth Sports Equipment Drive For many young people, sports are a lifeline. By starting a campaign, you can fund sports equipment or uniforms for underserved youth, giving them the opportunity to participate and develop their confidence on and off the field. 15. Adopt a Classroom Many teachers spend their own money on classroom supplies. You can ease this burden by starting a campaign to provide books, tech resources, and classroom essentials to support teachers and students alike. With these ideas in mind, we hope you're inspired to start a campaign that makes a lasting impact. Giving Tuesday is more than just a single day of generosity; it's the perfect opportunity to begin cultivating a habit of giving in our lives. And it all starts by identifying someone you know with a need-be it a friend, family member, or someone in your community-and stepping in to start a campaign for them today.
