Asking for donations is something that transforms people into a bundle of nerves! But because it is the staff of life for nonprofits, it just cannot be neglected. We understand this to its core and that is the reason we have compiled a list of 8 tips to ask for donations for a fundraiser.
8 Tips to Ask for Donations
Asking someone for donation in-person is a daunting task and an especially a time-consuming when someone has outsider’s view. You have to pitch your nonprofit’s mission and vision successfully to convince them to support your nonprofit monetarily. Luckily, we have some tips for you to pitch individuals for donations. Let’s have a look at the 8 best practices for asking for donations.
1. Know Exactly Whom to Ask
With a whole slew of information available online, finding out the right donors is not a hard nut to crack. But (of course, there is a but) only if you know whom to ask. That is the only catch!
For this, research, research, and research some more till you find donors that resonate with your cause.
Since your donors will most definitely fall into two categories: (a) individuals and (b) businesses, let us find out how they should be approached.
How to Ask Individuals for Donations:
According to the USA Giving Report 2019, donations by individuals made up 69% of total giving in 2019. This makes it more important for fundraisers to streamline their efforts in this direction. One major tip while asking individuals for charity is to be as genuine and honest in your appeal as you can be. There is no other way!
How to Ask Businesses for Donations:
Many companies have departments that dedicatedly work with charitable groups. There is a CSR (corporate social responsibility) budget allocated to philanthropic causes which makes it rather easy to raise funds through them. However, there are certain tips for fundraisers to be kept in mind which are as follows-
A) Connect with the right person (An intern will not know much while a manager will)
B) Make your cause & motive clear right at the beginning
C) Learn & follow the request procedures (if any)
D) Be kind & respectful in your dealings
While these tips are just the spike of the iceberg, let us find out what the other 7 tips to ask for donations are.
2. Know What You are Asking For
With myriad charitable options, it is important that you know what you are looking for. Monetary donations? In-kind donations? What? Be very clear and proceed accordingly. Here is a sneak-peek into how you can do so with efficiency.
How to Ask for Charity Donations?
Charity can be done in innumerable ways. While the easiest is to do it with cash, you might be looking for support in the form of school supplies, food, etc. Let’s discuss how to ask for donations when the two main types are involved.
How to Ask for Monetary Donations
As a matter of fact, trusting a sibling with money (let alone a fundraising platform) is difficult for any individual. You, therefore, need to have an emotional appeal that tugs at the heartstrings of your prospect donor, so s/he believes in you and your cause. Even though it is not a brain teaser, it is not a no-brainer too. With many lacking in this fundamental area, it becomes an important tip to ask for donations.
Also Read: Fundraising Trends 2021: Latest Trends for Nonprofits
How to Ask for In-Kind Donations:
Next comes the second category that involves charity in the form of goods and services. If you are looking for something like this as a fundraiser, make sure this comes across as crystal clear in your very first meeting/call/mail. Be polite. Acknowledge what the other person has to say. And sincerely feel connected to your cause. Energies and vibes about how you feel matter!
3. No Surprises, Please!
If the prospect donor does not get to know the aim of your conversation in the initial 5 minutes, you are doing it all wrong.
4. Be Ready to Take No(s) For an Answer
While some will say yes, a lot of them will say, “No” to making donations. Prepare your mind beforehand and do not get demotivated by these acts. It is something that is bound to happen. Also, do not ask more than twice. You can try convincing them, sure, but make sure they are not irritated by the same.
5. Follow Up
We live in a world where even the idlest person is BUSY doing nothing. Considering this, if the prospect donor commits to donate but forgets, it is understandable. Following up and sending reminders is, thus, of the utmost importance.
6. Express Gratitudes
Once the donation is done, send an acknowledgment mail and thank them profusely.
7. Send Updates
Do not stop with Thank You(s). Keep them updated about your cause, your firm, its achievements, and more. Stay in touch to build everlasting connections. This will drive you funds from them in the long run as well.
8. Use Emails to Your Advantage
One major strength of using emails to talk about your cause and raise funds is that you can ask your inner circle of friends to forward it to theirs. This builds a chain that can help you meet the right people.
Now, after having discussed 8 tips to ask for donations, let us zoom in on the last one to understand what and how to write a donation email.
Also Read: Online Donations: Set Up Your First Donation
How to Write A Donation Email
While an email can make or break a situation, a touching, crisp mail will always make it. The question, however, is how to make an email sound appealing! This is not as difficult as you think if you follow the following tips:
Write to-the-point subject lines.
Do not beat about the bush in the body.
Cut right to the chase after the initial para.
Do not forget to give the details that will matter.
Keep it personal.
Make it easy for the donors to donate.
Provide links + ways for them to connect & know more.
Follow up.
Be polite.
Send acknowledgement mails once a donation is made.
Say thank you. More than once.
Stay in touch.
What Should A Donation Letter Say
If you do not want to go ahead with an email, a letter works just fine. Here is an example of how a donation letter should be drafted and what it should say.
Example:
Dear [donor’s name],
I am [name] and I am the [position] of [nonprofit’s name]. At [nonprofit’s name], we seek to help [fundraising mission] by [actions that have been taken by the nonprofit. Insert an emotional story about what your nonprofit has done so far and the lives they have changed. Give a specific example of your impact.]
While we have made some great strides, we still have a lot to accomplish.
We need your support to [new project or event that you are asking donations for].
Would you consider donating [donation amount, items, or services that you need] to help us achieve our mission?
If you have any questions, I would be happy to provide you with more information about how you can help support our work at [nonprofit’s name].
We greatly appreciate your donation, and it will be used to [insert how the donations will be used and the impact that this donation will have]. If you wish to contribute, please fill out the attached form or give us a call at [phone number].
Please join us! With your donation, we are one step closer to [insert goal]!
Sincerely,
[name]
[nonprofit website]
Now, the final question!
Which platform to use to succeed in fundraising? Well, we have an answer to that too! iConnectX is the platform dedicated to making the charitable process easy and convenient for the donors. All you have to do is get in touch with us either by giving us a call or by joining the live chat and we will take care of it all.
Peer mentoring is a relationship between people of the same age, career stage, or ability in which a more experienced person (peer mentor) helps guide and support a less experienced person (peer mentee). However, over a period, peer mentoring blends the vivid line that is divided between the peer mentor and the peer mentee, thereby letting both learn from each other on a more level-playing ground.
When a mentee starts mentoring the mentor i.e., when a less experienced candidate starts mentoring the more experienced candidate, the management practice is known as reverse mentoring. In this, the regular mentoring is flip-flopped.)
Coming back, the major aim of peer mentoring is to develop an environment wherein the mentees feel they have a voice that is heard and a presence that is valued. While this was just a glimpse into what peer mentoring is all about, let us dig deep and find out more.
Advantages of Peer Mentoring
Effective Learning
The 70-20-10 model for Learning and Development clearly states how 70% of the thing’s mentees pick up is through hands-on experience that peer mentors greatly help with. The remaining 20% is from social interactions and 10% from formal events. This reflects how mentorship really boosts up the learning process.
Constructive Guidance
Being a part of a new organization can be intimidating. There is too much to learn about rules/workflows/people and too much to adjust to, in too little time! Here’s where peer mentors make it easy by standing rock-solid beside their mentees, guiding, encouraging, and supporting them through their thick and thin.
Skill Development
Unanswered questions can feed on the skin like a parasite, hampering one’s work and skills. A business mentor, however, resolves them instantly because he is always around to offer help. This increases the skill development in the mentees as there is absolutely no burden of piled up doubts resting on their shoulders.
Trust Development
When one joins a new firm or organization, there are umpteen thoughts that s/he enters with. “Whether everything will work out or not.” “Will I be asked to do menial jobs?” “Will there be too much pressure?” “Will I be able to handle everything well?” All these questions can be lulled to sleep if there is a peer mentorship model in place. These builds trust between the mentor and the mentees, leading to trust between the mentees and the organization.
Improves Reasoning and Communication
Mentoring programs are designed to be the cocoons from where mentees can come out as butterflies; their wings fluttering with confidence. Because they have a safe place to go to when stressed or in doubt, they tend to grow faster and healthier. This environment is possible only when an organization has a fully functional mentorship program.
Importance of Peer Mentoring in Nonprofits
Now that we have discussed some generic points, let’s understand why peer mentoring in nonprofits is important now more than ever. While the above-stated points stay valid, here are 5 specific benefits of peer mentoring programs.
Increases Retention
With the growing competition, retention of reliable and creative employees becomes an issue. Peer mentors are, therefore, needed to make them feel valued.
Making A One-Person Army
In small nonprofits, one person must eventually be the jack of all trades because of the limited resources. That is possible only where there is a person who can guide a newbie well. Peer mentorship fills in the role here.
Reputation Building
Under 501(c) status, nonprofits have to adhere to a myriad of rules and regulations regarding fundraising, sponsorships, finances, and gifts. The overall image of the organization that gets portrayed in the public is of value too. Since it only takes one mentee speaking ill of the organization to disrupt its reputation, peer mentorship helps ensure that every issue is run through him. This leads to happy mentees speaking highly of the organization, leading to a great reputation.
Risk Management
Apart from accelerated learning and expanded competency, mentorship programs can genuinely help the organization in times that are demanding. If there’s enough trust and the peer mentor let the mentees assess risks, this mentorship can prove to be a shield against unforeseen liabilities.
Adds Value & Increases Revenue
If that’s not enough, peer mentorship can add priceless value to the organization purely through effective guidance, resulting in an enriched work environment. Besides this, when all these points combine, increased revenue is bound to happen.
Thus, the importance of peer mentoring, especially in nonprofits, cannot be neglected. Of course, the mentoring skills matter. But that is secondary. The primary task is to set up a peer mentoring program. How? When? Let us find out.
How to Get the Most Out of Peer Mentoring?
As discussed, what we need to understand here is that the benefits of a peer mentoring program unfurl only when it is effectively set up. And a proper set up requires research, apt implementation, and a keen eye to improve along with the will to right the wrong. Over the period, many promising models have sprung that help in carrying out the peer mentoring programs successfully.
Here are certain models you can refer to that will help you out efficiently in peer mentoring.
1. Pgg’s Model
The steps involved in Pegg’s Model are as follows:
Understanding: In the first step, the mentor starts with understanding the mentee’s situation and the challenges ahead.
Identifying: Then, the options that can help the mentee tackle those challenges are identified.
Analyzing: The best option is analyzed. Its pros and cons are discussed along with.
Implementing: That option is put into place.
Finding a Better Substitute: While the mentee is busy putting his best foot forward, the peer mentor takes a step back and looks for more creative options with which the challenges can be taken care of in a better manner.
Implementing the Better Option: The better option, therefore, is collectively chosen and put to practice.
2. TTX Institute Model
As the name suggests, this model was designed by the experts of TTX Institute and is very similar to the previous one. It goes as follows:
Boarding: In the first stage, the mentor helps the mentee set the goal, outline the direction of their development, and choose the right measures.
Learning: Then, they jointly determine the facts, obtain the necessary resources of experience and knowledge.
Exploring: After that, they explore different ways of achieving the goal.
Nailing Down: They further make decisions and plan actions.
Delivering: The final stage of the analyzed process is the implementation of the plans and commitments, and the achievement of results.
3. Mentoring Program Model in Nonprofits
Now that we have discussed some general peer mentoring models, let us discuss the one that brings out how important peer mentoring in nonprofits is! Here are the steps to be followed:
Identifying: The first step involves the identification of the needs, problems, and challenges of the mentees and/or beneficiaries of a nonprofit organization.
Defining: Once the pain points are identified, they are legitimately defined. That is because sometimes we know what the issue is but cannot really explain and that becomes a major setback.
Selection (Peer Mentor): This process involves the selection and training of the mentors.
Selection (Peer Mentee): This process involves the selection and training of the mentees.
Mentor-Mentee Pair Selection: This process involves the selection of the mentee-mentor pair.
Identification: The mentor starts with understanding and identifying the mentee’s needs and challenges.
Planning: Mentoring sessions are planned wherein things that need immediate handling or otherwise are discussed.
Implementation: This step involves the implementation of whatever that is discussed in the mentoring sessions.
Monitoring: Now, everything that is put into action is monitored and partial/final successes are celebrated.
Supervision: Peer mentors are supervised and sessions for them are also conducted.
Because most of the nonprofits get stuck in the initial process of finding the right volunteers/mentees, we at iConnectX, connect them with a community that has “like-minded” supporters. Besides being a quintessential social platform in providing the technology that nonprofits need to succeed in their fundraising, we cater to professional networking as well.
Thus, we can help you find peers, executives, and industry experts to connect with and share/discuss your thoughts/apprehensions. So, get in touch with us either by giving us a call or by joining the live chat today!
“In necessary things, unity; in doubtful things, liberty; in all things, charity.”
While charity is a beautiful emotion, one can hit two targets with a single stone by making charitable donations in 2021 and avoiding hefty taxes at the same time. There is no question as to why giving is important because we all know how essential it is for peace of mind and for infusing the right set of values in our future generations to come.
Besides this, charitable giving is immensely beneficial from a financial standpoint wherein you can save big and organize estate, finance, and taxes. In fact, charitable gifts have helped 26% of taxpayers with deductions on their tax returns. With benefits galore, it is about time you put “charity donations near me” on google and help yourself.
But remember that based on your estate-type and the money you want to offer and how you will find umpteen ways of making charitable contributions.
What Are the Ways Of Charitable Donations?
There are several ways of charitable giving, each with its own set of pros and cons. It’s up to you as to which to choose because each of these has different benefits and requirements. Let’s delve deep and find out what exactly the ways of charitable giving are.
Types of Charitable Giving
1. Donor-Advised Funds
Donor-Advised Fund is a form of charity giving where a non-refundable amount is donated to a nonprofit either in cash or securities through a giving account. Administered by a public charity that manages assets for individuals or organizations, DAF is ideal for anyone who is involved in paying taxes on assets or wants to create a legacy involved in philanthropy. Find list of best charities to donate to depends on the cause the charity supports
Benefits of Donor-Advised Funds
- Reduced Tax Costs – Using DAF can help donors achieve various and maximum tax deductions.
- Helps Create a Legacy – You can make your heirs a part of this giving, thereby expanding these charitable donations beyond a single lifetime.
- Direct the Fund’s Administration – If you feel too close to the cause or the organization, you can get involved in how the funds are utilized and direct the fund’s administration as to which grants should be made. However, the recipient isn’t under any obligation to follow which is why it is called ‘Donor-advised’ and not ‘Donor-directed’.
2. Real Estate
Selling property becomes a pain when exorbitant taxes get involved. In order to get out of the tax mess, you must donate to charity the property that you live in or no longer use.
Benefits of Real Estate Donations
- Donate Today, Transfer Later -If you happen to donate the property you live in, you can get into an arrangement where the property is transferred to the charity after your death.
- Lower Estate Taxes – This arrangement will help you with reduced taxes as the value of your home will be taken out of your estate, thereby lowering your estate taxes.
3. Cash
Of all the charitable contributions, giving cash is the easiest of all. A simple formula that the taxes involved in this charitable giving follow is –
Tax deductions = Cash donated – Value of goods/services received in returnBenefits of Gifting Cash
- Incredibly Convenient – Absolutely no hassles involved.
- No Complications – Tax Structures are fairly easy with no complicated structures.
Also Read: Why People Donate Money to Charity
4. Asset Donations
Paintings, life-insurance policies, retirement accounts, jewelry, and vehicles come under charitable gifts and can be donated for the following benefits.
Benefits of Asset Donations
- Income Tax Deduction – Such donations help in avoiding tax liability. For larger tax deductions, try giving your asset to the charity it relates to the most. For example – Gifting your painting to a museum than to a cancer hospital will benefit you more.
- Lower Taxes – It lowers the estate tax.
5. Pooled Income Fund
People who wish to donate to charity but only have modest means can pool together to make a considerable charitable donation. This is perfect for those who want to make a consistent income and would not mind donating a part of it later.
Pooled Income Funds allow donations from multiple donors and provide income streams to beneficiaries. Because of directly contributing to the PIF, all the donors end up with huge income deductions. Not only this, each beneficiary gets a share of the income earned by the fund every year. Upon the donor’s death, a part of the fund (decided beforehand) is given to the charity.
Benefits of Pooled Income Donations
- Reduced Tax Costs
- Yearly Earnings
Note: There’s a Pooled Special Needs Trust for people with disabilities. The added benefits of the same are 24*7 payment turnout, partner with the existing trustee or investment manager, and high efficiency.
6. Private Foundation
If you are someone with a cause that your heart really wants to work towards, setting up your own charitable foundation is a great step. This way, you can create a legacy of your own and get your future generations to work towards the same.
Benefits of Private Foundation
- Control rests with the Donor
- Creates a Legacy
- Reduced Tax Costs
7. Charitable Trusts
Charitable Trusts are of two kinds-
- Charitable Lead Trust
- Charitable Remainder Trust
Charitable Lead Trust
If you are an individual with a huge income event or who is incurring or will incur bumper high-estate and gift taxes when transferring wealth to heirs, investing in a charitable lead trust can help you out. It is a planning tool that reduces tax deductions and estate costs.
It further has two types – (i) Grant Lead Trust and (ii) Non-grantor Lead Trust. While in the former the assets of the trust are enjoyed by the donor at the end of the trust term, assets of the trust are transferred to the beneficiaries designed by the donor in the latter.
Benefits of CLT
- Secured Future – It is a great way to transfer wealth to your heirs.
- Immediate Gift Tax Deduction – The process is swift and the tax deduction is based on the income generated by the charity.
Charitable Remainder Trust
CRT is just like CLT with only one difference which is that in a CRT, the donors along with the beneficiaries get paid first. In other words, they end up getting their income before the charitable trust does.
Benefits of CRT
- Creates Income
- Consistent cash-flow
- Planner Lifetime cash-flow
- Planned Retirement
8. Securities
One of the best ways to carry forth charitable donations to reduce taxes is by contributing securities (example: stocks). Two major benefits of it are as follows-
Benefits of Security Funds:
- Zero Hassle – Neither do you sell your stocks nor do you involve yourself in capital gain taxes. The higher the stock value, the higher will be the tax savings.
- Tax Deductions – Any stock that is a year old and has a value greater than what it was bought for can be donated, thereby becoming eligible for tax deductions equal to the stock’s full market value.
Are Charitable Donations Deductible?
Moving on to the most important questions of all, we have 3 points to highlight:
- Taxpayers may deduct charitable contributions up to 60% of their adjusted gross incomes.
- Charitable donations to individuals, no matter how worthy, are not deductible.
- Donations totaling more than $300 in a year must be itemized.
In the U.S., donations can be deducted from the federal tax returns of individuals and companies making them. U.S. taxpayers are able to deduct up to 60% of their adjusted gross incomes annually. Taxpayers deducting more than $300 in charitable contributions must use Form 1040 or 1040-SR form and itemize their deductible contributions on a Schedule A form. However, as a result of the CARES ACT, the deductible portion of charitable donations has increased up to 100% of AGI.
This is a brief overview of different types of charitable giving and how you can benefit while giving! The best avenue to get started on your journey as a philanthropist is iConnectX. We are a platform dedicated to simplify the process of charitable giving for donors!
As 2020 comes to an end and we see 2021 on the horizon, it is time for nonprofits to gear up and plan their fundraising for the coming year. 2020 has taught us the important lesson of being “agile”, in other words, having the ability to adapt to the circumstances. Nonprofits cannot afford to ignore the importance of strategizing according to external circumstances.
Fundraising for 2021 can be planned based on 3 factors:
Successful fundraising strategies adopted in 2020: Fundraising strategies have undergone major changes in 2020. Many nonprofits have been quick to respond and have come up with innovative and successful solutions. Fundraising trends during COVID can be a good starting point for planning for nonprofits.
Fundraising trends for 2021: The emerging fundraising trends for nonprofits will evolve from top nonprofit trends of 2020. These will give the foundation for nonprofits to innovate and build on for the coming year.
Back up strategies to cope with uncertainties: 2020 shocked the entire world with something totally unprecedented. We have now come to realize that no amount of planning can secure us from an unpredictable future. Having an “agile” approach is no longer an option but is mandatory. In other words, fundraising for non-profits must ensure that they are able to adapt to sudden changes at any stage.
With the pandemic dominating 2020, the world has shifted from offline to online! What this means for nonprofits is that fundraising events have become virtual, donations have become online, and connecting with the audience is now through digital media.
Let us now look at the impact of digital fundraising trends on nonprofits
Virtual Events
Virtual events have replaced in-person events in 2020. Needless to say, nonprofits need to ensure that they are fully equipped to host and manage virtual events. What this also means is that they will need to think of innovative ideas to offer their audience a delightful experience. This is more challenging in a digital space when compared to in-person events.
However, virtual events drastically reduce the expenses involved in organizing the event by cutting down on costs of the venue, travel, and accommodation expenses of attendees, etc.
Leveraging Social Media
Social media has been a strong force even before 2020. However, in 2020 with most people being “locked down” the number of users has surged. 3.81 billion active social media users have been recorded in 2020. (Source: Backlinko ) A whopping 63% of the world’s population is active on social media when looking at an eligible audience aged 13+ years. (Source: Backlinko )
Nonprofits need to leverage the power of social media to connect to their audience. All platforms Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. hold potential. Social media campaigns with regular posting is a must.
It is also important to offer your donors to donate directly through social media platforms.
Gen Z donors
It is interesting to observe a rise in the number of Gen Z donors in 2020. Gen Z is people who are born in 1996 and later. The marketing strategies for connecting to this segment of the audience will have to be different. A majority of these donors will be found on Instagram and social media marketing strategies will need to the tailored to them.
Email Marketing
Many people tend to believe that email marketing is dead. But contrary to this belief, email marketing has become more powerful than ever in recent years. 76% of marketers say that email is the single most effective way to drive registrations. (Source: Markletic)
This is mainly because of the changing audience behavior. Personalization is the key and email marketing is undoubtedly the best way to offer it. Email marketing helps establish a one-to-one relation with the audience. Email marketing is undoubtedly one of the most important fundraising trends to focus on for your charity in 2021.
Video Marketing
To stand out amid the chaos on social media, video marketing is an effective tool. Videos with quality content are what will help nonprofits connect with their audience. Cisco predicts that videos will constitute 82% of online traffic in 2021. Videos are ideally suited for nonprofits because they can convey emotional and personal appeals effectively.
Live streaming is another powerful marketing strategy. Data reveals that over 150 million people watch live stream videos monthly.
Recurring Giving
Online giving has become popular due to the pandemic. Nonprofits need to focus on offering a recurring online giving option to their audience. Recurring giving provides the donors a better experience because they feel connected to the nonprofit and that they are making a difference. And, the nonprofit can create a predictable revenue stream that is immune to external factors to an extent.
Nonprofits could think of looking at traditional fundraising techniques such as donation forms, peer-to-peer fundraising, and crowdfunding, etc. to drive recurring giving.
Nonprofits and for-profit companies working together
2020 has shown an emerging trend of partnerships between for-profits and charities to work towards a common goal. In 2021 this trend is expected to become more predominant as organizations look to add purpose to their business model. Nonprofits gain by borrowing from for-profits because it promotes a sustainable and scalable growth model.
Fundraising Platforms
One of the most important online fundraising trends is the use of fundraising platforms. These platforms simplify the process of organizing fundraising events. 89% of businesses using event technology save approximately 200 hours per year. 20% of businesses see 360 or more saved per year. (Source: Bizzabo 2019)
There are different types of platforms available for hosting such events. These platforms offer different features such as event registration, hosting, marketing, analytics, and many more. These platforms help event hosts plan the event and measure the ROI of the event using different metrics.
One of the best event management platforms available for hosting fundraising events is iConnectX. This is a platform that provides the event managers end-to-end event management features. Event hosts can easily connect with their audience and organize events that function without a hitch and delight the audience. iConnectX is a platform that is a well-known name in the world of philanthropy. It has several features that are tailored to the needs of non-profits.
In Conclusion
The good news we hear in the last few months of 2020 is the vaccine is now available. However, it will take time for things to come back to normalcy. Besides the concept of “normal” is likely to change to a “new normal.” Probably in the new normal, there will be a mix of virtual and in-person interactions. However, one certainty is that digital interactions are here to stay. And, in such a scenario technology will have a vital role to play.
Auctions are the bread and butter of nonprofits. With this nonprofit sector facing challenges like never before, it’s time to step up the game by experimenting and exploring new options. And what better way than organizing virtual auctions?
With charity auctions having made a substantial achievement, it is an indication of online auctions being the right move. Especially when the paradigm shift is needed in times of social distancing and restricted gatherings. Let’s understand online auctions a little better by delving deeper.
How to Host A Virtual Auction: Steps for Nonprofits?
Just because live events are off the table now does not mean money can’t be raised. A perfect substitute for in-person auctions is the virtual auctions wherein the revenue can be generated with ease, thereby keeping nonprofits on track. A few essential steps to follow are
- Going for the right software
- Promoting the event like crazy
- Communicating with the supporters
- Following-up with them
Tips to Host a Successful Virtual Auction
Choose the Best Online Platform
Choosing a platform for your online auction is of the utmost importance. Make sure the platform you choose is user-friendly, allows easy bidding, provides notifications, and encourages participation. iConnectX is one of the options you can consider since it enables easy online participation.
Be Clear with Your Policies
How high is the bid to be increased? How are the prizes going to be delivered to the winners? Who will end up paying the shipping charges – the organization or the winners? Questions like these are vital and must be shared upfront with the participants so they know what they are getting into. Nothing should come across as something that might make them feel betrayed.
Keep Your Audience Engaged
Never reveal everything in a single go. Keep things to build suspense. Sharing the pictures of the items being bid on and prizes can benefit immensely to keep the audience hooked. Ensure that when the bidding starts, people are engaged enough to become a part of the whole thing even if they have to miss another important meeting.
Start Small
Have you ever been bombarded with the best of options but ended up making no purchase? We are sure it rings a bell. The learning to be derived from this experience is that the buyers must never be given too many items to bid on during an online auction. Always start small.
Hire Somebody to Take the Pictures
Pictures of the items you plan to sell can either make or break your auction. It is important that you don’t shirk away from hiring a professional who can take pictures from all the right angles because that’s what matters. Ultimately, what people see is what people buy!
Keep the Prices Moderate
The bids should open with considerable scope to go up. However, they shouldn’t be too low lest people should doubt the quality.
Don’t Fear Extending Your Auction
Because online auctions can run up to a week or more, take advantage of the same. Extend it so more people can participate, and they have enough time to raise the bids.
Make It Easy for Your Donors
Make sure your auction software has the Donation Option so bidders can pay with the utmost ease and convenience.
Difference Between Virtual Auction & Reverse Auction
Virtual Auction is like any regular auction wherein the seller sells the products or services to the buyer who bids the highest. What makes a regular auction a virtual auction is that it happens online, over the internet. This opens up new sales channels for the sellers and gives favorable purchasing conditions to the buyers. Example: eBay’s regular auction listings.
Contrary to this, a reverse auction is an auction wherein the sellers lower the prices of their products or services until the buyer agrees to buy it. Example: eBay’s booksellers continue to lower the prices until the buyer buys.
Long story short, regular auction involves buyers competing with other buyers while reverse auction involves sellers competing for buyers.
How Does a Virtual Auction Work?
A virtual action or an online auction is like a flea market being organized over the internet. Sellers choose to sell single or multiple products while the data collection happens behind the scenes. It involves winning and losing after making substantial bids. However, there are different types of online auctions that one can go ahead with. Let’s discuss this in detail.
Types Of Online Auction
There are two types of an online auction
- Virtual Live Auction
- Virtual Silent Auction
Virtual Live Auction
Virtual Live Auction is a live-streamed event with auctioneers, buyers, and sellers participating online, from their respective places. People can view the item details, join the live chat to discuss things with fellow supporters/participants, make bids, offer donations, and buy things, all through the single screen they operate with the help of the software. To make this work, all the interested candidates have to log on to the live-streaming platform at a specified time. The auctioneer will then commence things in real-time which the attendees can see on their screens. Items are auctioned one-at-a-time and the bids are made via online or mobile bidding tools.
Just like every coin has two sides, this type of auction comes with its own cons. The major drawback is that people can’t tune in after a specified period of time.
Virtual Silent Auction
An online silent auction takes place over a longer period, say, a week. This type of online auction gives the participants enough time to gain access to the online catalog that has the list of auction items. Participants can go through the catalog at their own pace and make bids on the items that interest them the most.
However, a combination of both can be achieved by opening bids for a week or so for certain items and doing a live auction for 2-3 trending items.
If you are all excited to organize your virtual auction, make sure that you choose the right software platform for hosting it. Choosing a good platform streamlines the entire process of organizing the event.
One of the most exceptional software for organizing virtual events is iConnectX. It is a platform that has been used by several nonprofits to organize different types of fundraisers over the years. It has innovative features that take care of each aspect of event management. iConnectX enables you to offer a great event experience to your attendees ensuring that the event proceeds in a hassle-free manner!
So why wait? Get in touch with one of our team members by either giving us a call or by joining the live chat.
We are in the last few days of 2020. What a year it has been! While we awaited the year to bring us some of the most revolutionary technologies, the year has brought us the pandemic! However, the overall change that was expected has almost remain unchanged-in the sense that the concept of normal has been re-defined!
We have now reached a stage where the phrase “new normal” is something that we are learning to accept! The new normal has a lot to do with transitioning to a digital space where online working, online education, online shopping, virtual meetings, virtual events are now becoming a way of life!
While many of you might be familiar with the other aspects of the virtual world, the concept of “virtual events” might come as a surprise!
Wondering how an event can be held virtually?
Without any further ado let’s get into the nitty-gritty of a virtual event:
What is a virtual event?
A virtual event is one in which the attendees interact in a virtual space instead of a physical location. It is held through webinars and webcasts. These events offer the look and feel of a physical event.
A traditional event is hosted at a specific venue. All attendees arrive at the venue at a fixed time and they have discussions in a physical space. On the other hand, in the case of a virtual event, the interaction is in a virtual space.
Although virtual events may seem very different compared to a traditional event. The planning and hosting process is quite similar.
Best Practices for a Virtual Event
Step 1: Define your objective
Before you plan your event, you need to identify the reason for holding the event. Are you trying to create awareness for your brand, training, or focusing on lead generation? Your objectives for the event must be in sync with the goals of your organization.
Step 2: KPIs
Identify the KPIs before you start with the planning process. These are metrics that will help you understand whether your event was a success or not. Based on the data collected post the event, you can assess the ROI after the event is over.
Step 3: Identify your Audience
- Who will attend your event & why?
- What are the demographics of your audience?
- Which social media platforms do they use?
Prepare a list of such questions to understand your audience and customize your event according to their needs.
Step 4: Choose the Type of Event
Virtual events can be hosted in different ways. Choose the one most suitable for your event based on the nature of the event and its purpose.
Types of virtual events are:
- Virtual conference
- Hybrid Events
- Internal Training
- Livestreamed Keynotes or panel discussions
- Virtual Exhibitions
Step 5: Details of Presentation
You need to create the event based on the specific needs of your audience. Therefore identify the expert in the field who will present. Also, draft the content relevant to your audience.
Step 6: Tech Set-up
Make sure that you have all the video conferencing tools in working condition.
Choose the best event technology platform.
Integrate the attendee data between the event technology system and the virtual event platform.
Ensure that you have a backup so that the event does not get interrupted due to connectivity issues.
Identify the tools for the attendees to network and schedule appointments.
Step 7: Finer Details of the Event
Type of event-live/on demand/mix?
For how long the on-demand sessions will be available to users after the event is over.
Will you charge a fee for the event or will it be free of charge?
Step 8: Registration
Determine the date and time for the event before asking your attendees to register.
Ensure that you have a robust online registration tool for your attendees to register. </>
The registration tool offers vital details such as personal information of the attendees, their preferences, and many more. This information helps to create customized events. Additionally, the registration tool can be used to collect payments if needed.
Step 9: Promote the Event
Leverage all marketing channels such as social media, mail marketing, and other channels to effectively connect with your audience.
Create a buzz on relevant channels to attract the attention of your audience. Encourage them to register. Offer incentives if possible, etc.
Step 10: Guiding your Potential Attendees
There are several technology options available for hosting virtual events. There is a possibility that the members of your audience may not be familiar with the technology that you are using. It is a good idea to help them by offering a guide that explains how to access the event sessions, etc.
Step 11: Hosting the Event
This is when the actual event takes place. Before the scheduled time of the event prepare a checklist and ensure that the entire setup is working seamlessly. During the vent, make sure to record it. Also, facilitate hassle-free communication between participants by resolving any technical/non-technical hitches.
Step 12: Engaging Attendees
Engage your audience by making the sessions interactive by including polls, Q&A, etc. where the members of the audience can participate, and their interest is sustained.
Another vital aspect of creating an engaging event is the duration of the event. While the duration of a physical event is ideally 60 minutes, it is difficult to hold the interest of the audience for 60 minutes in a virtual event. Therefore, keeping a traditional event as a yardstick, you can plan your virtual event around 15-20 shorter. For instance, if your physical event is planned to last for 60 minutes for a specific topic, schedule your virtual event for approximately 45 minutes.
Step 13: Data collection
Make sure to gather all the relevant data during and after the event. This is valuable information that helps evaluate the success of the event, qualify leads, identify gaps, etc. These inputs can help to enhance the quality of future events.
This is an overview of how a virtual event can be organized so that it is beneficial for the attendees and the host.
Virtual events have gained popularity in recent times due to restrictions imposed to restrict the spread of the coronavirus.
Although virtual events have become popular during COVID times, people are now realizing the benefits they offer, and they have the potential to be adopted even post COVID.
Here is a quick comparison between a traditional and virtual event:
Sr. No | Factor | Traditional | Virtual | Benefits of a Virtual Event |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Venue | Required | Not Required | Expenses incurred towards a venue are nil. |
2 | Interaction | Physical space | Can be attended from Home | 1. Convenient for Attendees 2. Saves expenses towards accommodation, travel, etc. of attendees. |
3 | Flexibility | Once fixed no changes are possible.td> | It is flexible and changes can be made at any stage. | Expenses incurred towards a venue are nil. |
4 | Reach | Limited reach | Worldwide audience | |
5 | Distribution | It is not possible | The link to the event can be shared with a larger audience. | People across the globe can access relevant events at their convenience. |
6 | Scalability | There is a limitation on the number of attendees. | A larger audience can be accommodated. | More people stand to benefit by attending events relevant to their area of interest. |
7 | Reliability | Weather conditions can impact the number of people attending the event. | Unaffected by weather | Attendees can view the event from anywhere without being affected by weather changes. |
8 | Analytics | Relevant stats are collected with the help of post-event survey forms which most attendees tend to ignore. | Metrics such as viewing stats or engagement details are readily available. | Valuable data points help create more engaging events in the future. |
9 | Sustainability | Lots of events imply lots of attendees traveling to the venue. More vehicles on the road are detrimental to the environment. | Has a positive impact on the environment because it reduces the number of vehicles on the road. | Virtual events not only help save traveling expenses but also minimize the impact on the environment. |
10 | Better Participation | Some attendees may have their inhibitions in interacting during the event. | Virtual events include online polls, live chats, downloadable resources, etc. making the event more interactive. | Virtual events make it easier for participants to interact and gain from the event. |
Conclusion</strong >
Therefore, we can conclude that a virtual event is cost-effective and convenient for both the host and the attendees. However, on the flip side, it does not offer an opportunity to network as effectively as a physical event. But, if we compare it with the positives it offers, it is surely a great option, especially during current times.
One of the most vital constituents for a successful virtual event is the event management platform being used. While choosing an event management platform, make sure it has the following features:
- It should offer end-to-end event management solutions.
- It should be easy to use and should have the flexibility to be customized for different types of events.
- The platform should facilitate live and on-demand delivery of the content.
- It should offer audience engagement tools.
One such event management platform which offers all these features, and more is iConnectX! It is a platform that is ideal for hosting non-profit events such as online auctions, fundraisers, and many more! iConnectX offers end-to-end management of your event by providing all the essential tools and support to host a successful event.
Connect with iConnectX for the best event experience!
Are you looking for the best charities to donate to in the 2021? You can raise funds to nonprofits in many ways like online donations, participation in online auctions organizing by nonprofits, text giving, volunteering or more. Before moving to find the good nonprofits, here are some interesting facts, during 2019, individuals, philanthropists, organizations across the U.S. have donated a massive sum of $449.64 billion. (Source: N P Trust)
Also, Do you know that the individual with age group 50-65+ donated 3 times more than the age group 20-35 years?
Donating time, money and other efforts to your top charities is a generous act and a bit relief from the tax deduction too. The genericity index of individuals and corporations donating fund to nonprofit is growing YOY and ranked top position is most generous country across the world. It is expected that the donation to charitable organizations will cross $470 Billion in 2021.
Many charities raise funds to run many social causes, events, and other programs, but many nonprofits use large portions of their fund in marketing, administration expenses, staff salary and only the limited amount actually spends on social causes. And unfortunately, some of the charities are not more than the smoke-and-mirror schemes.
Choosing the best charity to donate funds by name is a mistake some donors make. A donor must make a background check of nonprofit organizations before making any donations.
An individual can get benefit by donating the money to 501(c) nonprofit organizations. You can exempt the amount you donated to your best charities from tax deductions too.
An individual must research on following things before donating fund to your best charity:
Factors to Make Decision in Choosing the Charity
The first doubt comes in the mind of donor is How to choose the good charity to support? Deciding to help a charity is one thing but which charity you want to support is a whole different thing. Look at sites like MyPhilanthropedia.org or GreatNonprofits.org to get a feel for what charities are out there. Start to research each nonprofit and make a list of your best nonprofits where you want to donate funds and make sure they are accountable towards you and society.
Some of the factors help you to decide which charity to donate fund:
Type of Charity:
You want to donate to local charities or international charities. You can research the local charities in your locality who are working towards the upliftment of your neighbourhood. Even your small donation towards the charity makes a big impact and you can monitor whether you are utilized properly or not.
501(c) Nonprofit vs Non 501(c) Nonprofit
Make a list of all the local and international registered nonprofit organizations and list out the 501(c) charities and other nonprofit organizations. You can exempt a bit of your salary from tax deduction by donating the fund to 501(c) nonprofit organizations. And, a assurance that your money is going in the hand of right charitable organization.
Category of Nonprofit Organization
Every donor wants good charities to donate fund to make an impact on the society. Some generous donor wants to see an overall development of the society or some wants to donate for a reason like supporting the charity working towards the hunger, development of women, working towards women sanitary and hygiene, education, water crisis or maybe wanting to donate the fund in the natural calamity.
Support Your Charity
You can support your best charity not just by donating fund but by donating your time and efforts too. When using the iConnectX platform, your expertise becomes a fundraising tool.
Here’s how it works: professionals pay for mentoring sessions with executives of their choice, and portions of their fees go straight to charity – any charity the executive has designated.
iConnectX is a platform for nonprofits, listed 1.5 million non-boarded charities and more than two hundred fifty on-boarded 501(c) charities working in many areas. Next comes to giving-minded individuals are, what are the best charities to donate to? iConnectX has listed the good charities to donate to based on category.
Top Charities Working for Aged Community
Name of Charity | Category | Website |
---|---|---|
DEPARTMENT OF MONTANA VFW OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES | Aged | www.mtvfw.org |
Sellers Senior Center Inc. | Aged | www.Sellersseniorcenter.org |
Albion Bible Church A New Jersey Non-Profit Corporation | Aged | www.albionbiblechurch.com |
Teen Challenge Ranch of Northwest Arkansas Inc. | Aged | https://teenchallengeranch.com |
Senior Olympics | Aged | www.seniorolympicswpa.weebly.com |
Ps Charities Inc. | Aged | https://www.pscharity.org/ |
North Hills Christian School Inc. | Aged | https://www.northhillschristian.com |
Vista Grande Villa | Aged | https://vistagrandevilla.com/ |
List of Best Charities Working for Animals Welfare
Name of Charity | Category | Website |
---|---|---|
Atlanta Humane Society | Animals | http://www.atlantahumane.org |
Wild Africa Foundation Corporation | Animals | www.wildafricafoundation.org |
Paws 4 A Cure | Animals | http://www.paws4acure.org/ |
Bissell Pet Foundation | Animals | https://www.bissellpetfoundation.org/ |
Banovich Wildscape Foundation | Animals | https://www.wildscapesfoundation.org/ |
Detroit Dog Rescue | Animals | https://detroitdogrescue.com/ |
Bu dog sanctuary | Animals | https://www.facebook.com/BUdogsanctuary/ |
Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit | Animals | https://www.metrodetroitanimals.org |
Charities Working for Armed & Ex-Services
Name of Charity | Category | Website |
---|---|---|
Ruck Up Charities Inc. | Armed & Ex-Services | http://www.ruckupcharityevents.com/ |
AMERICAN LEGION | Armed & Ex-Services | americanlegionpost3roanokeva.org |
Healing 4 Heroes Inc. | Armed & Ex-Services | https://www.healing4heroes.org/ |
VFW National Home for Children | Armed & Ex-Services | https://www.vfwnationalhome.org |
FFX Ministries Inc | Armed & Ex-Services | https://www.ffxshow.org |
Richmond County Council of PTA’s | Armed & Ex-Services | https://www.rcboe.org/domain/6 |
Tamil Sangam Michigan | Armed & Ex-Services | http://www.mitamilsangam.org |
List of Good Charities Working for Children & Youth
Name of Charity | Category | Website |
---|---|---|
Arizona Girlchoir | Children & Youth | www.arizonagirlchoir.org |
Rich Foundation Reaching Innocent Children Hearts | Children & Youth | https://www.richfoundationhearts.com |
Hope Fieldhouse | Children & Youth | https://hopefieldhouse.org |
Courtney Jones Care and Cure Foundation | Children & Youth | http://www.CourtneyJonesCareAndCure.org/ |
Prescod Kids Inc. | Children & Youth | http://www.bowtiekids.org/ |
Vision Driven 757 | Children & Youth | http://Www.visiondriven757.org |
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana | Children & Youth | https://rmhc-kentuckiana.org/ |
The Elaine Clark Center | Children & Youth | http://www.elaineclarkcenter.org/ |
Ricky Davis Legacy Foundation | Children & Youth | http://www.rickydavislegacyfoundation.org/ |
Independent Butterflies Inc. | Children & Youth | http://www.ibigirls.org/ |
Raising Beautiful Butterflies | Children & Youth | https://raisingbeyoutifulbutterflies.org/ |
Presbyterian Home for Children | Children & Youth | http://www.phfc.org |
Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania | Children & Youth | http://www.jawesternpa.org/ |
Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida | Children & Youth | https://www.rmhcncf.org/ |
Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children | Children & Youth | https://www.fimrc.org/ |
Boys and Girls Home of North Carolina | Children & Youth | http://www.boysandgirlshomesofnc.com/ |
Food for the Hungry | Children & Youth | http://www.fh.org |
Project Esperanza Inc. | Children & Youth | http://esperanzameanshope.org/ |
Golden Empire Council, Boy Scouts of America | Children & Youth | http://www.gec-bsa.org/ |
Fulfillment Fund | Children & Youth | http://www.fulfillment.org/ |
Boy Scouts of America, Orange County Council | Children & Youth | http://www.ocbsa.org/ |
Kids-N-Kinship Inc. | Children & Youth | https://www.kidsnkinship.org/ |
Augustas Angels | Children & Youth | https://www.facebook.com/augustasangels/ |
Drawchange Inc. | Children & Youth | www.drawchange.org |
East Side Youth Sports Foundation | Children & Youth | https://www.esysf.com/ |
ILLOWA COUNCIL BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA | Children & Youth | https://illowabsa.org/ |
CATHOLIC YOUTH ORGANIZATION | Children & Youth | https://www.aod.org/cyo |
Camp One Step | Children & Youth | https://camponestep.org/ |
Sparky Anderson’s Catch Charity for Children | Children & Youth | https://catchcharity.org/ |
Methodist Children’s Home Society | Children & Youth | https://www.mchsmi.org/ |
Bloomfield Hills High School | Children & Youth | https://www.bloomfield.org/schools/bloomfield-hills-high-school |
Spaulding for Children | Children & Youth | https://spaulding.org/ |
Lets Go Detroit | Children & Youth | http://www.LetsGoDetroit.org |
Turning Point inc | Children & Youth | http://www.turningpointmacomb.org |
Farmington Family YMCA | Children & Youth | http://www.ymcadetroit.org/farmington |
Community Action Network | Children & Youth | http://canwashtenaw.org |
InsideOut Literary Arts Project | Children & Youth | http://www.insideoutdetroit.org |
Winning Futures | Children & Youth | http://www.WinningFutures.org |
LLEM International Inc | Children & Youth | http://www.lleminternational.com |
Kyyba Kidz Foundation | Children & Youth | http://kyybakidzfoundation.org |
Best Charities Working for Various Community
Name of Charity | Category | Website |
---|---|---|
The Singletons | Community | www.thesingletonsaz.org |
Housing Channel | Community | http://www.housingchannel.org/ |
Dream Leadership Academy Inc. | Community | http://www.DreamLeadershipAcademy.org/ |
Divine Inspirations Inc. | Community | http://www.sodivineinc.org/ |
Hilson Management | Community | http://hilsonmanagement.org/ |
Detroit Black Community Food Security Network Inc. | Community | https://www.dbcfsn.org/ |
Goldwater Institute | Community | http://www.goldwaterinstitute.org |
Trinity Wellness Community Outreach | Community | https://www.trinitywellnesscc.com/nonprofit |
The Food Bank of Central Louisiana | Community | http://www.fbcenla.org/ |
United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro | Community | https://www.artsgreensboro.org/ |
Matthews Miracles 333 | Community | https://www.matthewsmiracles.org/ |
Longville Area Community Foundation | Community | https://longvillefoundation.org/ |
Working Against Repeating Situations Community Organization | Community | http://www.warscommunity.org/ |
Craving for A Change Foundation Inc. | Community | https://cravingforachangefoundation.com/ |
Hand & Hand Foundation Inc. | Community | http://www.handandhandfoundation.org/ |
Keep Pushing | Community | http://www.keeppushinginc.org/ |
National Nonprofit Minority Association | Community | https://nationalnonprofitminorityassociation.org |
HeartLove Place, Inc. | Community | http://www.heartloveplace.org/ |
Saferide America Inc. | Community | http://saferideamerica.org/ |
United Way of Florence County | Community | http://www.uwflorence.org/ |
Services to Enhance Potential | Community | https://stepcentral.org/ |
Ccc Partners Foundation | Community | https://globalpartnersinhope.com/ |
Evansville Rescue Mission | Community | https://www.evansvillerescuemission.org/ |
Girls on the Run International | Community | https://www.girlsontherun.org/ |
WCPE | Community | http://theclassicalstation.org |
Brcastrong | Community | www.brcastrong.org |
Envision Proven Success | Community | https://www.envisionprovensuccess.com/ |
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors | Community | http://www.taps.org |
Lesane Inc. | Community | https://lesaneinc.wixsite.com/lesaneinc-end-abuse |
Encourage Me Im Young Inc. | Community | https://emiyworld.com/ |
Sauk Rapids-Rice Education Foundation | Community | https://www.isd47.org/srref |
Southeast Texas Nonprofit Development Center | Community | https://setxnonprofit.org/ |
Be the Star You Are Inc. | Community | https://www.bethestaryouare.org/ |
Private Key Foundation Inc. | Community | www.privatekeyfoundation.com |
Bailey Park Project | Community | http://baileyparkndc.org/ |
Initiative Foundation | Community | http://www.ifound.org |
Hope Street Ministries Inc. | Community | https://www.hopestreetministry.org/ |
United Way of Washtenaw County | Community | https://www.uwwashtenaw.org/ |
The Young Women’s Christian Association of Metro Detroit | Community | http://www.ywcadetroit.org/ |
Community Foundation For Southeast Michigan | Community | https://cfsem.org |
Ruth Ellis Center | Community | http://www.ruthelliscenter.org/ |
Detroit Indian Women’s Association | Community | https://www.diwapro.org |
Food Share of Lincoln County | Community | http://www.foodsharelincolncounty.org |
Leticia’s Helpful Hands Inc | Community | https://www.facebook.com/pg/tchelpfulhands/about/?ref=page_internal |
LOVING HANDS OF JESUS SHELTER | Community | https://www.alignable.com/chicago-il/loving-hands-of-jesus-shelter?fbclid=IwAR0azaGGMYIFub_NAPdyA1kD9OVMILnw774plc6H4vhBZ741NJw6 |
Detroit Malayalee Association | Community | http://www.dmausa.org |
Hands and Feet 24 7 | Community | http://www.handsandfeet24-7.org |
The WIshwall Foundation | Community | http://www.thewishwall.org |
Life Remodeled | Community | http://www.liferemodeled.com |
Kerala Club | Community | http://www.keralaclub.org |
Good Charities Working for Culture & Heritage
Name of Charity | Category | Website |
---|---|---|
Young Men of Distinction Inc. | Culture & Heritage | http://Youngmenofdistinction.org/ |
Jewish Community Center of Chicago | Culture & Heritage | https://www.jccchicago.org/ |
International Folk Art Alliance | Culture & Heritage | http://www.folkartalliance.org/ |
555 Arts | Culture & Heritage | www.555arts.org |
The Minority Freedom Community Fund | Culture & Heritage | http://www.mifreedomcf.org |
FORD ASIAN INDIAN ASSOCIATION | Culture & Heritage | https://www.facebook.com/groups/127396923941334/members/ |
Charities Working for Disabled
Name of Charity | Category | Website |
---|---|---|
Eagles Way Life Center Inc. | Disabled | http://www.eagleswaystl.org/ |
Nasia Foundation | Disabled | http://www.thenasiafoundation.org/ |
Just Ask | Disabled | www.justasktalkshow.org |
Loving Thunder Therapeutic Riding Inc. | Disabled | https://lovingthunder.com/ |
National Multiple Sclerosis Society | Disabled | www.nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/MIG |
The Fowler Center | Disabled | http://thefowlercenter.org/ |
Greater Detroit Agency For The Blind and Visually Impaired | Disabled | https://gdabvi.org/ |
SAMARTHANAM USA, Inc | Disabled | http://samarthanamusa.org |
CRi Choice. Respect. independence. | Disabled | https://mycri.org/ |
Autism Society of Oregon | Disabled | http://www.autismsocietyoregon.org |
Special Ministries of Livingston County | Disabled | http://www.special-ministries.org |
Best Charities Working for Better Education & Training
Name of Charity | Category | Website |
---|---|---|
Resources to Dream | Education & Training | http://Bit.ly/Resourcestodream |
Cancer Support of Deming and Luna County Inc. | Education & Training | http://www.demingcancersupport.com/index2.html |
Power of Pain Foundation Inc. | Education & Training | https://internationalpain.org/ |
Artisan Alley | Education & Training | https://www.artisanalley.com/ |
American Concrete Institute | Education & Training | https://www.concrete.org/ |
HIV Alliance | Education & Training | https://hivalliance.org/ |
Feed the Children | Education & Training | https://www.feedthechildren.org/ |
UNIFIED – HIV Health and Beyond | Education & Training | www.miunified.org |
Share Cancer Support | Education & Training | https://www.sharecancersupport.org/ |
Us TOO International | Education & Training | https://www.ustoo.org/ |
Detroit Public School Foundation | Education & Training | http://www.dpsfdn.org/ |
Junior Achievement of Arizona | Education & Training | https://jaaz.org |
Fresh Start Visions | Education & Training | https://freshstartvisions.org/ |
Adelante Mujeres | Education & Training | http://www.adelantemujeres.org/ |
Michigan STEM Partnership | Education & Training | http://www.mistempartnership.org |
Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation | Education & Training | http://www.keepingthebluesalive.org |
PowerMyLearning | Education & Training | http://www.powermylearning.org |
AIM for SEVA | Education & Training | http://www.aimforsevausa.org/ |
Charities Working for Employments
Name of Charity | Category | Website |
---|---|---|
AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION | Employments, Trades & Professions | https://www.fb.org/ |
North American Meat Institute | Employments, Trades & Professions | https://www.meatinstitute.org/ |
Ten Thousand Villages of Huron Valley | Employments, Trades & Professions | http://www.facebook.com/VillagesAArbor/ |
501(c) Charities Working Towards Better Environment
Name of Charity | Category | Website |
---|---|---|
Connecticut Audubon Society | Environment | http://www.ctaudubon.org |
Belwin Conservancy | Environment | http://www.belwin.org/ |
Alliance for International Reforestation Inc. | Environment | https://www.airguatemala.org/ |
Rethink Inc. | Environment | https://www.wabashrethinks.com/?fbclid=IwAR0JUwV7PD2VTn3zRqnv2Wj6Z8iuVCYV_DiRN5jyUJ3bjVUUW6OC-VnjA3Q |
Californians for Population Stabilization | Environment | http://www.capsweb.org/ |
Iowa Environmental Council | Environment | https://www.iaenvironment.org/ |
Green Living Science | Environment | http://greenlivingscience.org |
Seven Ponds Nature Center | Environment | https://sevenponds.org/ |
Dahlem Conservancy | Environment | https://www.dahlemcenter.org/ |
The Nature Conservancy in Michigan | Environment | https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/michigan/ |
The Michigan Urban Farming Initiative | Environment | https://www.miufi.org/ |
North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy | Environment | http://www.nohlc.org |
Wildlife Conservation Foundation | Environment | http://www.wcfindia.org |
Hope Clinic | Hearing Impairments | http://thehopeclinic.org |
List of Charities Working in Housing Sector
Name of Charity | Category | Website |
---|---|---|
Zion Hill Community Development Corporation | Housing | http://zionhillcdc.org/ |
Genesis Joy House Homeless Shelter Inc. | Housing | http://www.genesisjoyhouse.com/?fbclid=IwAR09OsYtCz0ZeNbUjjyvu5k24WiPNyRM-12ySRwYFL0PHY089BjwJeHGg4c |
Fair Housing Center of Metropolitan Detroit | Housing | https://fairhousingdetroit.org/ |
Gladwin County Habitat for Humanity | Housing | https://www.habitatgladwin.org/ |
Apartment and Office Building Association of metropolitan Washington DC | Housing | http://www.aoba-metro.org |
Homes for Veterans | Housing | https://www.homesforveterans.us/ |
Habitat for Humanity of Lenawee | Housing | https://www.habitat-lenawee.org/ |
Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan | Housing | https://www.habitatnemi.org/ |
Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity | Housing | http://www.northwestmihabitat.org |
Habitat for Humanity of Michigan | Housing | https://www.habitatmichigan.org |
Habitat for Humanity of Kent County | Housing | https://www.habitatkent.org/ |
Coalition On Temporary Shelter | Housing | http://cotsdetroit.org/ |
Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley | Housing | http://www.h4h.org |
Good Charities Working for Human Rights
Name of Charity | Category | Website |
---|---|---|
Sri Shankara Cancer Foundation USA | Human Rights | www.v2soft.com |
Sisters Healing Sisters Inc. | Human Rights | http://www.sistershealingsistersinc.org/ |
Montgomery County Women’s Center | Human Rights | https://www.mcwctx.org |
Best Charities Working for International Development
Name of Charity | Category | Website |
---|---|---|
Hope Water International | International | https://www.hopewaterinternational.org |
International Oasis | International | http://internationaloasis.org |
Global Samaritan Resources | International Development | https://www.globalsamaritan.org/ |
Global Alliance for Entrepeneurship and Business D | International Development | http://globalaebd.org |
The Appropriate Technology Collaborative | International Development | http://www.apptechdesign.org |
GlobalGiving Foundation Inc | International Development | http://www.globalgiving.org |
Charities Working Towards Medical Research & Welfare
Name of Charity | Category | Website |
---|---|---|
Breast Cancer Alliance | Medical Research | http://breastcanceralliance.org |
American Society of Cytopathology | Medical Research | https://cytopathology.org/ |
Alzheimer’s Association | Medical Research | http://www.alz.org |
Larrys Legends | Medical Research | http://larryslegends.weebly.com/ |
Be The Match Foundation | Medical Research | http://www.bethematch.org |
Hsu Medical Education Foundation Inc. | Medical Research | www.hsumef.org |
Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association Inc. | Medical Welfare | ecaware.org |
Labor Arts Inc. | Medical Welfare | http://www.laborarts.org |
Ghawk Foundation | Medical Welfare | https://www.ghawkfoundation.com/ |
Krabbe Connect | Medical Welfare | https://krabbeconnect.org/ |
Fundacion Manos Juntas | Medical Welfare | https://www.manosjuntas.net |
Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute | Medical Welfare | http://www.karmanos.org |
MedGlobal | Medical Welfare | http://www.medglobal.org/ |
The Rebuilding Alliance | Overseas Aid | https://www.rebuildingalliance.org |
World Medical Relief | Overseas Aid | http://www.worldmedicalrelief.org/ |
Best Charities Working in Religious Sector
Name of Charity | Category | Website |
---|---|---|
CBMC INC | Religious | https://www.cbmc.com/ |
Lifeline Christian Mission | Religious | http://www.lifeline.org/ |
Reciprocal Ministries International | Religious | http://www.rmibridge.org |
FRANCISCAN FRIARS ASSUMPTION BVM PROVINCE INC | Religious | https://www.franciscan-friars.org/ |
The Labouré Society | Religious | http://rescuevocations.org |
Love to the Nations | Religious | http://www.lovetothenations.com/ |
Best Charities Working in Social Welfare
Name of Charity | Category | Website |
---|---|---|
Fallen Heroes Foundation Inc. | Rescue Services | www.fallenheroesfoundation.org |
Quality Day Foundation | Social Welfare | http://www.Qualitydayfoundation.com |
Viola S Place Inc. | Social Welfare | http://www.violasplaceinc.net/ |
Rhiannas Treasured Gifts | Social Welfare | https://rhiannas-treasured-gifts.business.site/ |
California Fight Against Coronavirus | Social Welfare | https://media.tenor.com/images/77f57cdfd49f2d6563697d1d70bf410a/tenor.gif |
Healing Action Network Inc. | Social Welfare | www.healingaction.org |
Thanksgivings Heroes Llc | Social Welfare | https://www.thanksgivingsheroes.org/ |
Kids Coalition Against Hunger | Social Welfare | https://www.kidscoalitionagainsthunger.org/ |
Cathedral Center Inc. | Social Welfare | https://cathedral-center.org/ |
Homes For Our Troops | Social Welfare | http://www.hfotusa.org/ |
Easter Seals Southeast Wisconsin Inc. | Social Welfare | https://www.easterseals.com/wi-se/ |
Hero Foundation | Social Welfare | https://herofoundationmi.org/ |
Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels | Social Welfare | https://ymow.org |
Korean American Family Service Center | Social Welfare | https://kafsc.org/ |
First Step | Social Welfare | http://www.firststep-mi.org/ |
Urban League of Detroit and Southeastern Michigan | Social Welfare | https://www.deturbanleague.org/ |
Province of St. Joseph of the Capuchin Order | Social Welfare | https://www.cskdetroit.org/ |
Haven, Inc. | Social Welfare | https://www.haven-oakland.org/ |
Friends in Deed | Social Welfare | https://www.friendsindeedmi.org/ |
Addison Township Firefighters Association | Social Welfare | https://www.twp.addison.mi.us |
Detroit Area Agency on Aging | Social Welfare | https://www.detroitseniorsolution.org/ |
Gift Of A Helping Hand Charitable TR | Social Welfare | https://www.tgoahhct.org |
Peace Neighborhood Center | Social Welfare | https://peaceneighborhoodcenter.org |
Alternative for Girls | Social Welfare | https://alternativesforgirls.org/ |
DO Foundation | Social Welfare | https://www.dofoundation.net/ |
Association of Kannada Kootas of America | Social Welfare | http://www.akkaonline.net/akka_html/contact.html |
Centro Multicultural La Familia | Social Welfare | http://www.centromulticultural.org |
United Way for Southeastern Michigan | Social Welfare | http://UnitedWaySEM.org |
List of Good Charities in Sports Recreation
Name of Charity | Category | Website |
---|---|---|
Unicycling Society of America | Sport & Recreation | https://uniusa.org/ |
Midnight Golf Program | Sport & Recreation | https://midnightgolf.org/ |
Good Charities Working in Health Sector
Name of Charity | Category | Website |
---|---|---|
Michigan Council of Women in Technology | STEM | http://www.mcwt.org/ |
Macular Degeneration Association | Visual Impairments | http://macularhope.org/ |
Online virtual fundraising for nonprofits is currently trending as an alternative to traditional fundraising tools. As people are more inclined towards online activity due to the current health concerns and many other reasons; saving time, money, effort, and overall, it is easier to participate, the majority of fundraising activities are taking place on web and mobile platforms. Online virtual fundraising for nonprofits has witnessed a year-over-year growth, according to the NP Source report, online giving increased 10.6% from 2017 to 2018 and overall online revenue increased by 23% in 2017, increasing from 15% growth the previous year. With online fundraising gaining popularity over the years, we at iConnectX anticipate that it will continue this growth into the future.
Most nonprofits are researching the idea, but not ready to take the full advantages of virtual fundraising. Online platforms such as iConnectX have brought you full-service online fundraising tools with some fresh and innovative approaches to raise funds for nonprofits, especially during the current coronavirus pandemic. Utilize a platform such iConnectX and use the community to participate in online fundraising using the available tools.
Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
Peer-to-peer fundraising, one of the significant things that a fundraising platform such as iConnectX can do, is help with online donations. Leveraging the community of professionals and organizations, is one of the best fundraising ideas out there. Encourage your networks to set up personal fundraising pages through iConnectX to fundraise for your nonprofit. If a donor creates a fundraiser page, they build legitimacy for your cause. In fact, peer-to-peer fundraisers result in more donations with regular participation in causes and programs.
Nonprofits and their sponsor professionals must encourage their networks to build peer-to-peer fundraisers for the charities. Use an online platform like iConnectX to set-up and manage a fundraiser page for them.
Set up a demo of iConnectX with one of our team members so you can see how quickly a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign can be set-up for your virtual fundraising event.
Also Read: Fundraising for Coronavirus: Create Virtual Events
Online Donations
The ease of creating an online donation page on iConnectX not only encourages you to donate or but also assists you to promote donation from your advocacy site, your fundraisers, and events.
Solicit online donations through your advocacy page within iConnectX, also on any fundraisers and events you run. Platforms like iConnectX make it easy by integrating payment forms in the process, employing only a single button click. Payments are sent to your nonprofit directly. The best part of platforms like iConnectX is any users or nonprofits can create fundraisers with just 5 easy steps.
Set up a demo of iConnectX with one of our team members so you can see how easy it is to set up your advocacy page and start collecting online donations.
Online Ticketed Event
Online fundraising events can help with boosting donations and tap the audience who may not be able to attend the event in-person. Platforms like iConnectX have introduced online fundraising events for nonprofits and their supporters. Even a professional can set up a fundraiser with an included event page on behalf of nonprofits. Don’t miss out on your participant’s contribution in any way by creating virtual event page on iConnectX that enables them to give at anytime and anywhere.
Easily set up your events with options to collect RSVPs, sell tickets, sell sponsorship packages, and collect donations. Show your attendees where the location is through the google maps integration. Promote your event in the iConnectX Marketplace where our community of professional’s view the info on both web and our mobile app. The platform includes full reporting of who responded, sold tickets and sponsorship packages.
Online ticketed events are also a trending fundraising method, where nonprofits are spending less time and effort than hosting the traditional in-person event. An online event frees up your staff, helping nonprofits spend their time and energy where needed most.
Set up a demo of iConnectX with one of our team members so you can see how easy it is to set up your own online event and sell tickets to raise funds.
Online Auctions
Take your auction to the next level and get more participation by hosting it on an online platform. Solutions like iConnectX enable your auction participation to happen online through the mobile app.
Easily set up and run your own auction, have your participants use the web and mobile apps for bidding, provide notifications for bidders; highest bidder or out-bid, and of course, full reporting of bids and dollars raised.
So, whether you are holding a silent auction at a golfing event, looking to turn those donated items into dollars through an online event, or holding a gala with elegant prizes, iConnectX has the solution for you. Online auctions have their own benefits, its easy to bid, you can incorporate donations, and any bidders can participate at anytime and anywhere. It’s a win-win for bidders and your nonprofit. Online auctions are a good tool for when most of us are looking to donate unused items to nonprofits and contribute to raising funds for them.
Set up a demo of iConnectX with one of our team members so you can see how easy it is to set up your own online auction and raise funds.
Coronavirus or COVID-19 is spreading at such a pace that the number of cases in some areas are doubling each week. So far, over 6.9 million cases of the novel coronavirus have been officially declared globally, with around 410,000 deaths, leaving many in the critical condition fighting for their life. Due to this high-rising increase, many countries are falling short on person protection equipment such as masks, gloves and other medical equipment required for treatment.
Economies are declining, Healthcare infrastructures are failing, and the small business community is shut down. Schools are closed, malls, restaurants, and many other businesses are either closed or only keeping a small porting of their business in place due to the government issued lockdown. The world could see another recession that can be worse than the last recession in that took place in 2009(Source: IMF ).
So, what can you do to help?
Fundraising for Coronavirus: How to Raise Funds for victims and families of the COVID-19 Pandemic
1. Support industries that are Impacted by Coronavirus:
The hospitality industry is one of the most affected industries due to the pandemic. Most hospitals are overcrowded and do not have enough personal protection equipment for the workers. Most companies have seen a drop of 70-80% in sales resulting in huge profit losses and corresponding unemployment in affected countries. Also, hourly workers or employees being not paid during their lockdown are among the most vulnerable during this pandemic, making low-income household families more vulnerable and in need of immediate financial assistance.
2. Create a Fundraiser:
Another way to support these victims is to create a fundraiser for a local nonprofit helping victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. By setting up a fundraiser, you can support the nonprofits who are raising funds to provide food & water, medical supplies, and volunteering support due to the spread of coronavirus. Once the fundraiser is created, share your updates to your audience, invite them to join your cause and make donations to support your fundraiser. Invite your professional connections to build your network and support your nonprofit fundraising cause.
3. Directly Donate to Nonprofit Organizations:
A great way to support the victims and families affected by the Coronavirus is to donate direct to these nonprofits who are helping or providing necessities to people affected by COVID-19.
If you are looking for charities serving people during this hard time, you can click here and find local or national nonprofits supporting these causes. You can help through monetary donations, or providing food, water, medicine, toiletries, and more. If you’re not able to donate items or want to do your own nonprofit fundraising, consider starting a fundraiser to support a local charity. Using iConnectX, you can find over 144 local onboarded nonprofits or 1.7 million non-onboarded nonprofits and start fundraising on their behalf.
4. Shift away from traditional events and move to Virtual Events:
The COVID-19 pandemic across the USA and world has brought fundraising events to a halt that forcing the nonprofits to change the tactics to raise the funds to run the programs supporting the community by basic necessities.
During these times, nonprofits have to be more mindful and sensitive when asking for funds to support their cause, as we are all concerned about our own financial situations. Leveraging iConnectX, nonprofits or individuals (through fundraisers) can create virtual events to solicit online fundraising auctions or sell tickets to a virtual event. They can invite their networks to participate. Find out more on how to create a nonprofit virtual event.
Now, more than event, it is important to stay connected with your top donors who consistently donate to your causes and volunteer in your programs. Reach out to your existing audience and/or target the new “giving-minded” audience in iConnectX and promote your online auctions or virtual events. Using iConnectX, create an account and connect with professionals willing to donate to nonprofits during these challenging times the country is going through.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a deadly and infectious disease affected by a newly discovered coronavirus. The coronavirus disease reportedly originated from Wuhan, the capital city of China’s Wuhan province.
Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus experiencing mild to moderate respiratory illness and reportedly people with good immunity recovering without special treatment. Older people above 60 years and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to affect from the coronavirus.
The best way to prevent the virus and slow down its transmission to be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol-based sanitizer frequently and not touching your face. Doctors are advising to wash your hands regularly.
The coronavirus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow). It is also reported in some parts of the world that when an infected person coughs or sneezes, the droplets travel in the air for an hour that is causing more coronavirus cases.
At this time, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for coronavirus. Donald Trump, the president of the USA permits to treat the infected people with medicine using for Malaria treatment. However, there are many ongoing clinical trials evaluating potential treatments. iConnectX will keep you updated with the latest news and updates through its blog and social media page. Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter
Coronavirus Prevention:
The government of all countries is advising their citizens to follow social distancing that is the best way to defeat the nCOVID-19 or coronavirus. Many countries like Italy or Spain failed to take timely social distancing action that reported the highest deaths in the world.
To prevent infection and to slow transmission of coronavirus or COVID-19, do the following:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or clean them with alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Maintain the social distancing and not to come out if your city or province reported coronavirus cases or if Government has lockdown the city.
- Advice to maintain at least 1-meter distance between two people.
- Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Stay home if you feel unwell.
- Avoid taking medicine without the Doctor’s consult, it can be dangerous to your life.
- Refrain from smoking and other activities that weaken the lungs.
- Practice social distancing by avoiding unnecessary travel and staying away from large groups of people.
The USA government has asked for Hydroxychloroquine, a medication used to prevent and treat malaria, from many countries to use in the treatment of COVID-19. India export the consignment of hydroxychloroquine, days after New Delhi lifted a ban on the export of the anti-malaria drug, seen as a possible cure for COVID-19, to the US and some other countries on humanitarian grounds.
Coronavirus Disease and Symptoms:
The coronavirus or nCOVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Coronavirus is a respiratory disease and most infected people will develop mild to moderate symptoms and recover without requiring special treatment. People who have underlying medical conditions and those over 60 years old have a higher risk of developing severe disease that leads to death.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Runny Nose
- Tiredness
- Dry cough
Other symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Aches and pains
- Sore throat
- Very few individuals will complain about diarrhea, nausea or a runny nose.
Individuals with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should self-isolate and contact their medical provider or a COVID-19 information line for advice on testing and referral.
People with fever, cough or difficulty breathing should call their doctor and seek medical attention.
Coronavirus in the USA (COVID-19 in the USA)
The US exceeds China and Italy and took the grim title of the country with most COVID-19 cases worldwide. The state of New York has become the epicenter of the country’s outbreak with most cases reported from this region only followed by New Jersey and California with total COVID-19 or coronavirus deaths crossed 115,000.
In the United States, more than 1,942,910 and 6.9 million people worldwide have tested COVID-19 positive. In the USA alone, 33k people have been recovered from the virus and discharged from the hospital. The world has observed 21% fatality in all the closed cases, edging out Italy which has reported most deaths, and China, where the virus was first detected and in two months, it has infected more than 180 countries.
Fundraising for Coronavirus or COVID-19
To prevent the people from coronavirus pandemic, governments across the world completely or partially lockdown the country to stop the movement of people from city-to-city or country leaving the poor, daily wages laborer and underprivileged people unemployed. Many local nonprofits are coming forward to provide the food. You as a responsible citizen, create virtual events, online donations, programs to raise funds to help the people affecting due to coronavirus or COVID-19. Support local or national nonprofits for fundraising in coronavirus pandemic.
Summary
The coronavirus or nCOVID-19 which originated from Wuhan, the capital of China’s Hubei province, initially the Hubei province reported the 99% cases in the first month of the outbreak. The coronavirus outbreak panicked the people living in the city lead them to fly to their country. The unpreparedness of respective governments leads to an increase in cases, and also people who did not heed to government advisories leads to more cases.
Currently, the USA has reported more coronavirus or COVID-19 cases followed by European countries. Italy, France, Spain, and Germany are the most affected countries in Europe. So far, Italy has seen more deaths due to coronavirus pandemic followed by Spain.
Reportedly, there is no approved medicine by WHO but respective governments are using prescribed medicines suggested by their health organizations. The best way to defeat the novel coronavirus is by maintaining social distancing. Government across the world has completely or partially lockdown the county. A country like India where the population is little over 1.3 billion is currently in stage 2 and the government has completely locked down the country. It is reported that if coronavirus pandemic enters into stage 3 then it will lead to millions of positive coronavirus cases and deaths.