Not Being Mum~my: Spooky Tale of Fall 2020 Fundraising Strategies

Fundraising for causes near to our hearts is in the Front Porch Marketing team’s fabric of being.

Last year marked my last of three being involved in Jesuit Preparatory School of Dallas Mum sales.

The new Mum Moms found a new solution to Mum sales in the COVID19 world. No Homecoming Dance or other celebrations. So why spend the time or energy?

Reasons Not to Cancel Your Fundraising Efforts

1. It is tradition. Everyone wants to continue traditions and celebrations. Even if they look differently. Students want to celebrate Homecoming. Donors want to continue annual giving and / or event attendance. They look forward to it. We are thirsting for normalcy.
2. Fundraising for Mums helps the school. Our school communities need more funds to operate at their best. Now more than ever.
3. Volunteers for Mums builds school community. Volunteers help make the work happen. They come together. Celebrate tradition. Share stories. Ask advice. Coming together to make this happen.

Tips for Fundraising During the COVID

1. Adjust communication tone. Be authentic and empathetic.
2. Adapt communication vehicles and their frequency. Email, text and phone are preferred. Make sure they are quick and to the point. Adjust frequency. More emails and texts are needed to break through the clutter. But they must be on point and useful.
3. Reinvent your event. Socially distant or online. Engage experts if needed. Events can still happen. It takes extra time. More investment of dollars is needed. Keeping the conversation going is immeasurable.
4. Make involvement easy. SignUpGenius is a great vehicle. Make sure volunteers know where and when to meet. Maximize their time spent. Create opportunities to volunteer from home.
5. Make donating simple. Eliminate all the barriers to donation. Make sure the donate button or page is front and center. Optimize the speed and ease of use.
6. Pick up the phone or schedule a video conference. Check in with your donors. Reach out. Show them you care. You do.

My Mum Mom fundraising era has (maybe temporarily?) ended. The relationships I made with all communities and the students are priceless. Make sure your efforts create the same.