Super Bowl 2012!

The holidays are over, you’ve sent out your end of year appeal… now what? A lot of nonprofits are gearing up for their spring luncheons and walkathons, but why wait until then to throw your next big fundraiser when Super Bowl Sunday is right around the corner? Here are a few simple ways to turn your Super Bowl party into a Super fun fundraiser:

1. Have your guests bet on a Super Bowl box pool. Charge an affordable price per box, (between $15 and $25), and give an exciting yet affordable gift to the winner, such as a Nook simple touch, or a gift card to a popular restaurant in your area. Learn how to create your own box pool here, or print one out here!
2. Create a personal fundraising page on Karma411 prior to your party, where you can choose which organization you’d like to raise money for and send out invitations to your guests. When guests ask what they can bring to your party, ask them to make a donation on your fundraising page instead!
3. Play a guessing game! Ask questions such as: who will be the MVP?; which player will score the most points?; and, how many total yards will be accumulated? Ask your guests to donate $5 per guess, and give winners affordable prizes such as team mugs or hats.
4. Play football bingo! Create your own cards for each time an announcer says words such as touchdown, punt or goal. Ask players to donate $5 per card, and give out a prize to the first player to yell “bingo!”

1. Make it personal – why are you supporting the cause? Tell your story: for example, if you’re raising money for breast cancer research, did you lose a loved one to breast cancer? Did you help a family member fight their battle? Potential supporters want to know why you care so much about the cause before they donate.

2. Recruit friends/family – if you are trying to raise money for a cause, take advantage of a platform like karma411 where you can create a campaign and invite your friends to help you! If you’re a nonprofit, ask your biggest supporters to create campaigns on your behalf!

3. Talk to other fundraisers – there are other experts out there; learn from them and read about what they’re doing that makes them such successful fundraisers.

4. Put your event online – if you want to raise money for cause by hosting a live event such as a walkathon or golf outing, create an online campaign around that event to create buzz and collect donations prior to the big day. If you want to host a dinner party to support a cause, give guests the option to make a donation online prior to the event.

Happy New Year!

It’s that time of year again. The time when we take a good look at ourselves and decide how we want to change for 2012; some go the ‘get into better shape’ route, which is why the gyms fill up for the few weeks after New Years day, and then slowly empty out again as people revert back to their old routines. In addition to making a resolution to improve ourselves why don’t we also make a resolution that will help others? Here are a few social good New Years resolutions that will leave us feeling good, too!

1. Recycle! This is not only one of the most socially good things you can do, it is also one of the easiest.
2. When you go grocery shopping, buy one extra non-perishable food item that you can donate at your local salvation army.
3. Once a month, go through boxes of older clothes you’ve had stored away in your attic (I know I have plenty!) and choose at least one or two items that you can give away.
4. Donate old towels and blankets to animal shelters. Most shelters will accept old blankets, bath towels, hand towels, sheets, pillows, pillow cases, bathroom rugs and t-shirts. Shelters use these items to line cages, provide warm bedding, and to dry off wet animals.

Social Media Reach

This morning John Murcott, CEO of Karma411 appeared as a guest on Image Talk Radio to discuss Karma411, social media channels, the power of user-generated content, and a different way for nonprofits to attach value to supporters with the show’s hosts Brian Cohen and Joann Dobrowlowski.

John began by talking about why he felt there was a need to create Karma411, saying that social media is becoming increasingly important for all organizations. “Traditionally they [nonprofits] focused their message on more formal channels like newsletters, their website, and collateral they print,” he said. “Now, more of the information that people get about these organizations is from informal channels, like Facebook and Twitter. Normally those interactions are a lot less formal, but they are a lot more credible.” The interactions John references are considered more credible because it has become apparent that people respond more favorably to something that a friend or colleague recommends. John added that in creating Karma411 he wanted to provide a channel with similar tools and features to that of Facebook, but focus the activity on raising awareness and money for causes.

Joann posed a question that has arisen in many conversations we have had with nonprofits; why should nonprofits look to new methods of fundraising, especially when they have used the same methods for years and have very limited budgets? John responded by saying that current fundraising channels are becoming less effective; government grants are more difficult to get, and it is becoming harder to raise money through traditional forms of outreach. In addition, there has been a cultural change – more and more people are looking for their friends’ opinions when they are buying something, whether it is a product, movie or a book. John believes that people take the same approach when they are looking to support a cause; people are more likely to support a cause if someone, like a friend or relative, asks them to do so.

“You need to energize a smal group or a kernal of supporters who care about your cause; let them share, let them post, let them tweet. Let them tell their friends about the cause and why it’s important to them, and then that starts a viral effect to their friends and their circle, and the network grows. You’re taking advantage of a social trend and applying it to causes. It’s a nice combination of a trend that’s very successful and a category of business that is finding it more and more difficult to raise money.”

One point that was brought up a significant amount of times throughout the interview was the strength of social media platforms and how all of the content created on these platforms is user-generated. Such platforms enable people to interact by sharing ideas and thoughts, and both companies and nonprofits can benefit from the passion, interest and content that their consumers and constituents add.

When asked about Karma411′s current projects, John informed Brian and Joann that Karma411 works with nonprofits directly, as well as with companies on projects that benefit nonprofits. For example, he said, Karma411 is currently working on a project with Major League Baseball where the site being built supports different cancer organizations. This project is an example of a company implementing cause-related marketing, which is something John says will only increase in the future because of its huge financial benefit to the company and the organization.

Towards the end of the conversation Brian asked John a question that perhaps might never have a concrete answer: how do you attach value to a supporter? The clearest way to value them, John said, is by how much money they donated the previous year. Moving forward, however, there is another type of person who could be just as valuable – a connector, such as someone who has a lot of Twitter followers.

“Who will be more important? Someone who donates $10,000, or someone who has 10,000 followers? That’s a difficult question  to answer, but to have 10,000 people listen to what you say, and if that person can say I really support that cause, I gave $10, would you do the same? That can have a very significant impact. Moving forward, nonprofits are not only going to be interested in people who can give a lot, but people who are very connected, very socially minded and influential in the blogosphere.”

Listen to the interview in its entirety here!

Happy Holidays!

I’m sure that everyone is getting ready to throw a holiday or new years party (as am I) by researching delicious dinner and dessert recipes, checking the guest list (twice) and making sure the decorations are just right. If you’re looking to make your gathering more special than the standard shindig, consider providing your guests with the opportunity to bring a donate-able gift, or, give them the ability to donate to a cause that you care about during the event. Here are a few ways to encourage giving at your holiday party:

1. If you’d rather not ask your guests for cash, consider asking them to bring canned goods and non-perishables that you can drop off at a local food bank.

2. Create a page on Karma411 for your event, and send an invitation out to all of your guests prior to your party. You can also set up a couple of laptops during your party to encourage additional donations.

3. Hold a raffle or auction at your event. You could ask guests if they have any items that they are willing to part with, or that they bring an extra bottle of wine to raffle off for charity.

4. When guests inquire about what they can bring to your party, ask them to make a donation to your charity of choice instead!

The holiday season is upon us, and with Turkey day right around the corner what better way is there to give thanks than to give back! Here is a list of creative ways to give back to your community throughout the holiday season, and in some cases, year round.

1. Volunteer at a Food Bank - The Food Bank For New York City offers myriad ways to volunteer your time, or donate food or money to those in need. If you aren’t able to volunteer in person, hold a virtual food drive! All you have to do is pick a campaign, personalize it, and invite your friends and family to help you meet your goal.
2. Donate clothing – Like me, I’m sure you have clothes either in your closet or stored away in the attack that you haven’t worn in years. Don’t let these perfectly good tops and trousers collect any more dust! You can donate clothes by dropping them in a bin at your local church, or, you can schedule a free donation pick up with The Salvation Army.
3. Shop on iGive.com – Choose your favorite charity, shop and the organization will receive a contribution based on the amount of your purchase. How easy is that?!
4. Donate Toys to Toys for Tots – Head over to Toys R Us with a few friends or co-workers for a fun-filled shopping spree. On the Toys for Tots website you can easily look up the nearest toy drop-off location.
5. Donate a Goat – Seriously. Oxfam America Unwrapped enables you to give “unique charitable gifts that do good” like a dozen chickens, books for kids, a grove of “miracle trees,” mosquito nets, fruit trees, and yes, a goat.

Thomas Dooney, Beth Petrucci, Matthew DeMaria, Matthew Maglio

The Education & Assistance Corporation (EAC) held its 6th Annual Party to Protect Children on October 27, 2011 at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, and it was truly spooktacular! Boys, girls, and even some of the parents came to the event costume-clad and ready for Halloween themed games.

Children lined to play interactive games like the Witch’s Hat toss, the Spiderman Web toss, the pumpkin fishing game, and the Frankenstein game, and a face painter and juggler helped everyone to get into the Halloween spirit! The tables in the ballroom came alive with magical masks by Huntington artist Robyn Bellospirito, and all attendees were treated to a beautiful singing performance by Karen Mobley, age 14, who is part of EAC’s Chance to Advance program. All of the children left with wide smiling faces, and bags filled with prizes and Halloween goodies!

EAC was proud to honor Paul Tonna, Executive Director for the Energeia Partnership at Molloy College, and his wife Carol, as well as William J. Lindsay, Presiding Officer of the Suffolk County Legislature for their dedication to helping Long Island’s at-risk children.

The proceeds from the Party to Protect Children will support EAC’s programs with a special focus on the EAC Suffolk County Child Advocacy Center at The Pat & Mary Bagnato Place For Kids.

Masks by Robyn Bellospirito

Designs by Nicole Troncone

Last year I helped run a social media workshop for nonprofits at Stony Brook Unversity, and was very surprised at how most of the attendees (mainly Executive Directors) responded to the idea of being active online. I specifically remember a conversation I had with two nonprofit executives as I helped them set up a twitter account. “Why should I have a Twitter account?” they said. “I don’t want people following me, and I don’t know who to follow.” I can’t remember exactly what I said in response, but it was probably something along the lines of: “What?! Why wouldn’t you want followers? Don’t you want more exposure? Isn’t that why you came to this workshop?” Even after I listed myriad reasons why being active and following users on Twitter would be beneficial, they still seemed a little skeptical.

I know that following users on Twitter should be strategical, so I’m not insisting that nonprofits should every user out there. I just want to point out that following more on Twitter will most likely increase your following, and get more users talking about your nonprofit!

1. Each new user that you follow will most likely receive an email notification that you followed them. Even if they choose not to follow you in return, you will still be on their radar!
2. If someone follows you and you do not follow them back, then they cannot send you a direct message. If one of your followers wants to ask you a question but they do not want to post it on twitter, a direct message is an easy way to do so. It is important that you give your supporters/followers this option!
3. Following usually results in more followers. One of my mentors, Jim Estill, an extremely successful business executive and entrepreneur, told me that the best way to acquire followers is by following others. He said that if you follow 50 users everyday, you can be sure that by the end of the week you will have a considerable amount of new followers. If 50 seems like too large of a number, why not start with following 10 users a day?
4. Following strategically (ie: following social media savvy nonprofits like @redcross) will help you with ideas for your social media initiatives. Scour their Twitter feed to learn what tactics they used to gain a following of over 500,000 users!
5. When you follow someone, there’s a good chance that they will mention you in ‘Thank you  new followers’ post. Even if they do not follow you right away, the mention still gets your name our there to all of their followers. This also gives you the opportunity to write back to them, saying something like ‘looking forward to your tweets!’ This back and forth could lead to more follows, and more mentions of your nonprofit!

It is important for nonprofits to market and reach out to new potential donors, and they often do so through newsletters, email blasts, and through new mediums like Facebook and Twitter. Although it is essential to target a new (and younger) donor base, nonprofits must not forget their current, repeat donors.

One of the most important things a nonprofit can do is acknowledge their donors: say thank you! Spend as much time thanking current donors for their donations as you do reaching out to a new donor base. Make them feel appreciated with a personal note, instead of with the same e-blast that goes out to your entire list.

What might be equally important as saying thank you, is keeping your donors up-to-date on your numbers. Let them know the statistics – and that they helped you reach that goal! If they contributed to a cause they care strongly about, I’m sure they would like to know the results.

I love the fall season and everything that comes with it: changing leaves, chilly weather, the need for chunky sweaters and tall buttery leather boots… I can go on and on! I particularly love the month of October because even if the warmth of summer is still lingering, I can get slip into fall-mode perusing pumpkin patches and sipping warm spiced lattes. When I think about this particular month, a few things come to mind, apple picking, pumpkin picking, pumpkin pie (pumpkin EVERYTHING for that matter), Halloween costumes, and last but certainly not least, raising awareness for a cause that is close to me: breast cancer.

October is indeed Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and there are plenty of ways to donate to such a great cause. Here are a few fun, unique ways to raise money and awareness for breast cancer:

1. Go to Susan G Komen for the Cure’s site, where you can find a list of 31 ways you can support Breast Cancer Awareness month – one action for each day of the month!
2. Looking for a gift for a lady in your life? Purchase a makeup goody from the Elizabeth Hurley Pink Ribbon Collection, and 20% of the sale will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
3. Think pink at lunch! Head over to panera and nosh on a Pink Ribbon bagel, made with cherry chips, dried cherries and cranberries, vanilla, honey and brown sugar.
4. Click to give free mammograms on TheBreastCancerSite.com. All you have to do is click (it’s FREE!) and sponsors will pay for mammograms. If you’re looking to give more, shop around the site’s online store!
5. LIKE Purina Cat Chow on Facebook, pledge to take a “cat nap,” and Purina will donate $2 to Susan G. Komen. How easy is that?!