Confidence in the cause improves fundraising success

January 30, 2014

Confidence in the cause improves fundraising success

A study by Georgia Tech has helped identify what some of the most successful phrases are for use in Kickstarter campaigns. The phrases can also provide nonprofit fundraisers with an idea of how certain language can impact the effectiveness of social media posts, print materials and even speaking in person with a potential donor.

While the study is very comprehensive, Nonprofit Quarterly has provided a nice infographic that provides a couple of the key findings. The phrases fit well into two different categories and correlate closely with the success of the campaign:

  • Confident language: Phrases that exude confidence in the success of the fundraiser were typically more successful. "Your continued," "also receive two" and "mention your" were considered strong language. The phrases suggest that funding so far has been positive.
  • Passive language: Phrases such as "hope to get" or "not been able" suggest that the group views the success of fundraising as beyond its control. If a nonprofit does not sound confident in its ability to support the cause, potential donors won't either.

Applying positive phrases to other forms of fundraising
According to the nonprofit research firm GuideStar, this positive language can also be used when asking potential donors for money. For instance, it suggests asking a donor for a contribution of $1,000 a year for three years. The power in the phrase is that it shows you consider your cause of enough importance to ask for a large, continued investment. Should the potential donor agree, you have the added bonus of securing some future funding without having to ask again.

You can also apply this confident language to any of the ways in which you engage your clients. When posting updates on social media, sending out fliers or writing commercials. Nonprofits should as for money, not beg for it. A confident aura when raising funds shows that while they are needed, the organization is a capable one. Donors give money to causes they believe will succeed and positively impact another person's life.  

Develop your own list of key phrases 
The phrases from the study are helpful, but could be awkward to work directly into all crowdfunding campaigns. Before approaching donors on the Web or in-person, sit down with a fundraising team and throw around some positive, confident terms that can help make your next fundraiser a success.

Content presented by First Nonprofit Companies, the leading provider of state unemployment insurance solutions for 501(c)(3) nonprofit employers.

single-post10042

Ready to chat?
Get in touch today to request a no-obligation savings evaluation.

Testimonials

First Nonprofit has saved us so much money over the state’s program. We had one little glitch with the state recently and we contacted FNP immediately. FNP staff called us back immediately and moved to remedy the problem.

WI Council of Religious & Independent Schools (WCRIS), Madison, WI

First Nonprofit has been a great partner. They have helped us saved hundreds of thousands of dollars! They have awesome resources for our nonprofit organization. Thanks for the partnership.

Community Care Inc., Milwaukee, WI

Life is certainly busy these days but having business partners like First Nonprofit has made some of the process hassle free. We have worked with this team for years. When we changed payroll systems, they outlined every step. I think this team is terrific and I know they get the job done! Thank you, Cruz, to all the team at FNP.

Gulfside Healthcare Services, New Port Richey, FL

FNP has helped our agency to save thousands of dollars every year on our unemployment coverage. The service is phenomenal, and we are thankful to their team as our partner. My experience working with Marshall on the advocacy around UE for nonprofits was also a highlight as someone who teaches advocacy and lobbying for nonprofits. Really, your whole team is top shelf, so thank YOU!

Advancing Academics, Turtle Creek, PA

Chicago Children’s Theatre has greatly benefited from our partnership with First Nonprofit, and I have always enjoyed working with the staff on our filings and any complicated questions. I would not hesitate to recommend First Nonprofit to fellow nonprofits. We’re very happy customers.

Chicago Children’s Theatre, Chicago, IL

FNP is a great resource for Daniel Kids. To have a TPA that we can count on to take point on not only managing our unemployment claims, but to support and guide any protest hearing, is invaluable. All the professional support staff we have worked with have been excellent, very knowledgeable and responsive. We are grateful for the help and support, thank you.

Daniel Kids, Jacksonville, FL

When I first began in my position at my organization, I hadn’t had experience working with a company like FNP. The staff was so patient and helpful in helping to explain the benefits of First Nonprofit. Anytime I reach out with a question I receive a quick, clear, and thorough response. I’m so thankful that we decided to partner with FNP. Their excellence in customer service, coupled with their variety of packages frees us up to truly serve our staff and community with a peace of mind knowing that our organization is protected against unanticipated unemployment insurance expenses.

Homes of Hope, Chicago, IL

First Nonprofit gets an A+ in my book. You are so easy to work with & very knowledgeable! Whether it is my quarterly correspondence with Kim or my random interactions with Dawn about a bond … I am so pleased that I get to work with such a helpful company. Thank you!

Women's Choice Network, Pittsburgh, PA