On Tuesday, October 26 Karma411‘s John Murcott & nonprofit guru Ted Hart hosted a webinar on how to increase the power of your holiday giving with the latest online fundraising and community  building tools.

Ted kicked off the webinar by saying that nonprofits have to move away from direct marketing, and move towards direct influencing. He went on to say that around the holiday season, why not spruce up your homepage by adding some holiday flair? The design of your website is important, and you should make sure to update it regularly. Think about how your website can highlight the joy of the season, and get people excited to come to your page and donate! Also, why not create a holiday splash page? This is a great way to personalize a greeting from your organization, and get your supporters excited!

Ted concluded his part of the presentation with some points about online fundraising, and of course, the ‘Aunt Mable Effect.’ Ted said that you don’t have to stop your direct mailing efforts, but rather integrate them with online mailing. Online fundraising and mailing reduces the cost of direct mail, and is better for the environment! What the Aunt Mable Effect means exactly, is that you are more likely to open an email from a loved one or relative before you open an email from an organization. Taking this a step further, you’re more likely to donate if a loved one asks you than if an organization asks. In other words, as Ted put it, “it’s about asking the right person for the right amount at the right time.”

When John began his part of the presentation, he talked about how nonprofits can ‘extend’ their current efforts to maximize fundraising capabilities this holiday season. “Instead of asking your supporters to make a donation, ask them to make a page,” said John. “Ask them to tell their story of why your cause is important to them.” After supporters make a page, they could then ask others to join their team. John mentioned that hosting a dinner party is a great way to kick off the holiday season – you could even put your dinner party event page online to invite your friends and ask for donations in advance!

Key Points to Take Away:

• Add holiday flair to your organizations homepage
• Update your websites design (regularly!)
• Create a holiday Splash Page with a greeting from your organization
• Integrate online mailing
• Extend your current efforts with online registration, an online awareness campaign, and an online auction site
• Extending your current efforts online means that your campaign or event can go on even after the holiday season passes

If you missed the webinar but would still like to view the presentation, click here!