Pitch your nonprofit fundraiser, and not get NO as an answer
Jewish momma learns her lesson… the hard way
The first time I was caught red-handed throwing one of my oldest child's projects in the garbage was quite a learning experience. (Don't worry, I've learned my lesson. Always double-wrap it in a shopping bag first and make sure the coast is clear before pitching and burying it in the can under a pile of chicken bones.)
While I can't recall every little detail, I distinctly remember that awkward, deer-in-the-headlights moment as my daughter, who thought I'd temporarily lost my mind, asked me candidly what I was doing, and why?
Now, I know that it's impossible for me to save every single project that my kids create. It doesn't really matter how cute they are, or how much I love them. (And believe me, as a creative, I DO love them, even if I am a strong minimalist from Camp Discard.)
But why, in that moment, does the activity elicit so much shame? Why does deciding what to toss and what to hold onto sometimes become such a sensitive challenge?
It's because there is a dramatic difference in perceived value that is strongly linked to our emotions.
Beware of potential presentation sabotage
When creating big client projects, we have personal biases and opinions regarding these "labors of love." It is so tempting to add, add, add and save, save, save, and make our presentations fuller and stuffier and more self-promotional.
But in order for the finished pieces to be effective, they need to be designed based on the values of an audience—clarity, emotional connection, and time.
My mantra for these project plans?
Strong minimalism. Nothing less, and nothing more.
I want my clients' donors to fall in love with their causes and be driven to support them. I don't want ANYTHING to get in the way. Their fundraising booklets should shine AND be impactful.
Creating donor presentations, and hearing about the impact that they have within fundraising fills me with so much joy. Learning about what works and what doesn't over the past few years has been a fascinating journey which has dramatically impacted my design and production process.
Insanely successful presentations avoid these traps
Some donor presentations are insanely successful, but not all of them. There are a number of reasons why a donor presentation may fall flat.
Here are 5 reasons why many nonprofit presentation materials fail-
Self-promotion
Your presentation speaks about how amazing your organization is and what it's accomplished... without ever acknowledging the support of your donor, once.
Lots of Jargon
The writing includes too many special words or expressions that YOUR organization understands internally... but nobody else does.
Hard to Read
After using many complicated fonts, little contrast, and minimal white space, your messaging has become difficult for your donor to decipher.
No Storyline
From start to finish there is no narrative, flow, or linear storyline that your reader can follow and make sense of, so that...
Missing CTA
...he or she can take action. And if you miss this very last crucial step (aka the glorious "CTA"), you can easily lose critical donor support.
Begin your fundraising success story today
Cut through the noise and stand out.
As the non-profit world becomes more and more competitive, the process of creating fresh, compelling material and a loyal audience can feel overwhelming and complex.
BUT, we are here to help.
Through research, application and experience, we'll take your presentations to the next level, so that they inspire, touch your donors' hearts, and compel them to pledge financial support.
Have a donor presentation booklet idea that you’d like to discuss? Click here to reach out and see if we can help you in your fundraising journey.
Photo credit: Steve Johnson on Unsplash