Crowdfunding for Unrestricted Funds

Who among us doesn’t love receiving some unrestricted funds?

There are a multitude of benefits – covering the necessary cost of doing business and unexpected expenses, and the good times of taking the team out to celebrate. They also complement grants – be it a match during the application process or filling budget gaps from restricted funding. Simply put, unrestricted funds can be your entire budget or provide some extra breathing room.

So how to increase unrestricted funds? Crowdfunding!!

Founded in 1997 by a British rock band*, crowdfunding continues to grow as an essential component in a comprehensive fundraising strategy. Clearly, it works. So how to reach new donors while keeping current donors engaged in your campaigns? 

Here are 4 communication tips!!

1.       Social media – Create accounts on several channels and ask folks to share your campaigns. One donor may see the campaign on Facebook, while another views TikTok, and yet another on YouTube – and those donors may not visit the other channels. Messenger is great too for private communications. Cast a large net.

2.       Monthly newsletters – This is a great avenue to reach donors via email, especially those not using social media. Be sure to include campaign links.

3.       Provide updates – Donors want to hear how their gifts enable your organization to fulfill its mission, so let them know! Share photos, video, testimonials … the donor is the hero! In addition to sharing a quick update, this is also an opportunity to build donor engagement and their long-term investment.

4.       Be consistent – Do your best to find the sweet spot between just enough communication to recruit new donors and keep current folks engaged without being too much. A goal is to keep your organization and campaigns top of mind.

As donors are diverse, so should your methods and channels to reach them. Be sure to vary messaging to match the format, but stay focused on your key message and share the success donors helped create. 

Before you know it, unrestricted funds can be on their way!!

Interested in learning how to apply these tips to your nonprofit or fiscally sponsored project? JJ Crowdfunding Advisors partners with organizations of all sizes, so let’s connect and chat about your goals and how crowdfunding can help you achieve them while fulfilling your nonprofit’s mission.