by Rachel Dukeman | Jan 5, 2015 | Fundraising
PNC Arts Alive announces that the application process for year seven funding opened TODAY Monday, January 5, 2015. Visual and performing arts groups that meet the eligibility requirements may submit applications for programs that will take place between June 1, 2015 and December 31, 2016.
UPDATED funding guidelines, eligibility information and application will be available via www.pncartsalive.com. The application will not be available before then.
The deadline for submission is February 6, 2015 at 5:00 p.m.
PNC Arts Alive is a multi-year, multi-million dollar initiative of the PNC Foundation, designed to support visual and performing arts organizations. The goal is to increase engagement in the arts, develop new audiences and make the arts more accessible to diverse communities in the Greater Philadelphia/Southern New Jersey region.
NOTE: You are receiving this email because you are a PNC Arts Alive past applicant, grantee or website visitor. Please check the eligibility guidelines to determine if your organization qualifies.
by Rachel Dukeman | Jan 5, 2015 | Fundraising, Social Media
Note: I wrote this back in 2010, rediscovered it, and was so surprised by its continued relevance (to me and the field) that I’m publishing it here. (It was first published by Jan Crocker LLC in July 2010).
Online Fundraising: A Case For Social Media at NonProfits
As a millennial, there are two statements that I often hear that irritate me to no end. The first is the misconception that “social media is for young people.” And the second is that online fundraising should be separate from “traditional fundraising plans.”
I feel confident that the misconception that only young people utilize social media is less widespread than it used to be. And, statistics show it’s not even true. According to iStrategyLabs, “the 35+ demographic now represents more than 30% of the entire user base” on Facebook. Furthermore, “the 55+ [Facebook] audience grew a whopping 922.7% in 2009.”
What is true, however, is that nonprofits are still acting like social media audiences are not potential users or, more importantly, potential donors of their institutions. Which leads me to the second misconception, the need for separation of traditional and online fundraising.
The key to fundraising, whether traditional or not, is effective communication and relationship building. You can plan the most posh fundraising gala on the planet, but if you can’t effectively invite people to attend, you won’t raise a cent for your institution. Social media is the way people are communicating in today’s world. Nonprofits need to start getting better at it.
Some nonprofits are incorporating social media, but most are barely tapping the surface. Simply starting a Facebook page or Twitter profile won’t get you very far. On the contrary, I would argue that setting up an account you hardly use has a negative impact on your institution’s public image. The operative word in social media is social. If you’re not going to interact with people regularly, then you’re not effectively communicating.
What’s more, it is not only individuals utilizing social media. If you search Twitter today you will find over 100 Foundations that use the networking site to disseminate information. Facebook even has a special section unique to Nonprofits that allow individuals to search for different causes. Your potential donors are out there and they’re looking to talk to you. And, the best part of social media is that these communications will most likely go viral and be spread through “word of mouth,” thus multiplying your efforts.
As with any new venture, it takes planning. Do not start a new online fundraising initiative until you have effectively adapted your annual appeal for the web. A social media communications plan needs to be developed and incorporated into all aspects of a strategic plan in order to be the most effective.
![Take a Hike!]()
by Rachel Dukeman | Nov 10, 2014 | Fundraising
Let’s say the weather forecast calls for beautiful weather — that’s this excellent nonprofit giving environment we are currently experiencing. Go out and take a hike while the weather is good!
Now pick a trail. You need a map, right? That’s your strategy. It’s the difference between knowing where you’re going and how to get there, or wandering in the wilderness.
Now you need the right outfit. Hiking boots, a sun hat, rain gear. You can’t hike in flip-flops. Yet you’d be surprised how many nonprofits attempt to do just that. They set off into the forest of fundraising activity without creative branding tools: a logo, style guide, tagline, and more. Not only does this make your nonprofit easily recognizable and consistent, each one of these things serves a practical purpose on your journey.
These things are within your reach.
We can be your guide and trail companion. R&R Creative offers all of these services. Our rates are surprisingly reasonable. Call for a free 15-minute consultation. Get started.
