Have you met your goals? What campaigns worked and what campaigns could use a little work? With the answers to those questions it is time to plan your year-end giving campaign. Of course you’re not the only organization doing this; the end of the year is a busy time in the fundraising world.

A key component in your campaign’s success is your ability to make it stand out from all the others.

Email
Email still has a place in the fundraising world, but it must be tailored for the on the go donor, who is most likely reading your email from a mobile device. Mobile friendly should be your new mantra.

Still, don’t forget about the little things like a clear and concise subject line that makes your donor want to click your email. And, make sure your email messaging is consistent with your overall branding. You want it to be a cohesive experience for the recipient.

Social Media
Social media is one of the best free (or in some cases low cost) tools at your disposal. Twitter and Facebook remain the kings of social media, but if platforms like Instagram and Snapchat are where your donor demographic is, then that is where you should be too.

Stop thinking static when you think social media. Features like Facebook Live, Periscope and Boomerang let you add videos or livestreams to your feed. Live fees give you an opportunity to really connect with your audience. Show them your mission in action.

You can’t really be over saturated in social media, as only 9% of your audience sees any given post, but that doesn’t mean you should run the same content over and over again. You need to keep it fresh.

Take the time to create an social media editorial calendar and take advantage of apps or in platform services that allow you to schedule your posts in advance.

Many organizations participate in the November #GivingTuesday. Started in 2012, #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving designed to counteract the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

If you choose to participate in #GivingTuesday let your donor base know ahead of time that you’re participating to build excitement for the day of giving.

Or your organization could participate in the Thankful Campaign. During the month of November you can share specific examples of how your organization is thankful for volunteers, donors etc. and post messages on your social media accounts.

Text-to-Give
Yep, text giving is still a popular choice. It is a low cost campaign that often reaps large rewards for the organization.

You can use text messaging to drive awareness of your year-end giving campaign or your upcoming #GivingTuesday campaign.

With careful planning texting can greatly increase your donor awareness and donations. Tailor your mobile list by interest, level of involvement or giving history and send out educational messages first before soliciting donations. Use your social media platforms to let your donors know they can give by text.