The NYC 501 Tech Club returned this week with a new format – presentation + networking. Big Duck’s Farra Trompeter moderated a discussion on multi-channel fundraising – a topic I often discuss, joined by Simon Moloney of Npower NY and Rebecca Willett of Planned Parenthood. Also this week, Convio held its annual Summit in Austin, TX.
For those in the NYC audience who don’t yet integrate multiple channels in fundraising efforts, Farra asked that we strive to break down silos within our organizations because “donors see us as one nonprofit.’ So there shouldn’t be a competition between money raised by direct mail versus email marketing or other online fundraising tools. Multichannel appeals are most effective, especially this time of year (make sure you plan to email your donors on Dec. 30 / 31). Farra also asked the attendees who we blend personal and organizational priorities in social networking content; this may be addressed further in a future meeting. (My take – a personal touch breathes life into a blog posting or tweet, as long as the focus isn’t removed from the nonprofit’s mission.)
Rebecca reviewed Planned Parenthood’s multi-channel strategy which she described as a ‘collaborative effort of the national office and affiliates.’ In response to my question on what content to put on each channel, Rebecca suggested first finding out which audience(s) are on each channel, then asking ‘what are they looking for’? Planned Parenthood has some interesting enhancements planned, such as a 24×7 chat / text hotline, as well as a mobile phone application.
Slides from the NYC 501 Tech Club gathering on Multi-Channel Fundraising are available on SlideShare. (Thanks Farra)
While I missed seeing other Convio users at the Summit, I was pleased to see Convio’s Nonprofit Live TV – an attempt to bring the event to me. Congratulations to those nonprofits that were honored for innovation in in Online Marketing, Fundraising, Advocacy and Email Marketing.
Online tools make it easy for us to keep in touch with colleagues and friends, but it’s still nice to connect in person. At the 501 Tech Club gathering, I met someone from Catholic Medical Mission Board, an organization I worked at while I was in college – long before I joined the nonprofit community full time. Although many people I worked with have moved on, it was still nice to make a new connection. Thanks to Nten and to organizers Charles Charles Lenchner and Thomas Negron for getting our group back in gear.
Addendum 11/24/09 – Here is Farra’s write-up of the 501 Tech Club event.
