Tips for planning a successful campaign

September 5, 2014

A good campaign, whether based around fundraising or awareness, can drive the success of a nonprofit by providing needed funds or developing knowledge in the local community about an important issue. Conversely, a campaign that has poor results means the time and effort put in by staff members will have been squandered. Successful campaigns also help charitable organizations develop and maintain the forward momentum that motivates both employees and volunteers. Because raising funds and awareness are so important, here's a look at key considerations that can boost effectiveness and create success:

Determine the start and the end: It's easier to find the right path when the origin and desired destination are known. All that's left is to find a line that successfully connects both points. For nonprofits, it's important to understand when, how and where a campaign will start, This can include a quiet kickoff or an attention-grabbing opening. Defining exactly what a success will be is also important, according to the Nonprofit Technology Network. Creating an internal consensus about the goals of a campaign makes it easier to work backwards and determine the middle and beginning of such an effort.
Figure out who needs to be involved: Some campaigns can include a heavy volunteer component and prove successful because the number of people involved helps to raise funds and awareness. There are also efforts that benefit from having a small team of employees involved and could suffer from having too many individuals participating. Having a clear understanding of who needs to participate and who would be better used in a different role can help to craft the intended flow of a campaign as well.
Determine the electronic and physical tie-ins: Creating a plan for supporting documents and social media outreach allows for the messages presented to be carefully crafted and targeted ahead of time, instead of a last-minute rush to distribute hastily created content. Nonprofit Information pointed out that the presence of social media in campaigns, whether for fundraising or the development of awareness, is a ubiquitous concept and necessary to any campaign. This extends to the distribution and even the creation of direct mail items and handouts, which are especially effective when trying to increase awareness.

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

Testimonials

Visually Impaired Preschool Services has been a client of First Non-Profit since it was first offered as a benefit of VisionServe Alliance. We completed a thorough evaluation of cash savings to our agency before taking advantage of this wonderful benefit and it has been a very wise decision. Our experience with the processes from accounting to claims have been professional, expeditious and easy.

Visually Impaired Preschool Services, Louisville, KY

The Ensight Skills Center has enjoyed working with First Nonprofit for several years. We are enrolled in their Unemployment Savings Program and although we have not required a lot of intervention, there have been a few times. I know others have dealt with the same problem of unemployment fraud over the last year and in our case, a call to First Nonprofit (they actually answer their phones) cleared up the issue. They also sent us a letter to send to all our employees telling them what they needed to do to prevent this in the future and protect themselves. What a relief! Over the years if I have questions or concerns, they are happy to listen, advise and help if they can. Another BIG advantage of using First Nonprofit is that all the money that is paid into the Unemployment Savings Program lives on my balance sheet as an asset. The money continues to be Ensight’s not the governments. First Nonprofit has certainly given me peace of mind.

Ensight Skills Center, Inc, Fort Collins, CO

In addition to their money-saving purpose on behalf of nonprofit organizations like AHS, First Nonprofit’s Nonprofit Unemployment Fund streamlines the information we need to efficiently manage unemployment claims. Our relationship with NU Fund gave us access to such things as advice on planning for what’s ahead and how to analyze cost scenarios when unexpected events occurred. Both experiences were very helpful.

Asian Health Services, Oakland, CA

We have had a great experience with FNP. During Covid, when there was the chance that reimbursable nonprofits would have to pay 50% of the unemployment costs, FNP went to bat for us. We would receive weekly information on the Unemployment claim and how they were working to reduce the costs to reimbursable nonprofits. They have a great service also working with [our claims administrator] to make sure all the paperwork is completed correctly for any unemployment claim.

ACLA Libraries, Pittsburgh, PA

PORT Health Services has had a great experience with the Unemployment Savings Program offered through First Nonprofit. Throughout the years we have been involved in the program, we have increased our reserve account significantly through this program and find the reporting we receive both timely and useful. We look forward to our continued involvement with this program and our connection with First Nonprofit for many years to come.

PORT Health Services, Greenville, NC

Job One was spending a lot of money on unemployment. Our insurance broker, Mark Simcosky, recommended that we switch over to First Nonprofit. We did just that! This switch has been a huge savings for us! This switch saved us over $10,000 in the first year. Their customer service is Superior! Any time we have a question, we get a response very quickly. Any time we send them a report and they have a question; they call rather than just assuming. They were very responsive during COVID, even when they were in crisis mode their selves. They also were always there when we needed during COVID and very helpful! We would 1,000% recommend First Nonprofit to anybody that could benefit from it!

Job One, Independence, MO

My experience with FNP has always been positive. Every time I have had to contact them, I’m always put in contact with a friendly and knowledgeable person. If something is missing from our account, they reach out to us to request it. It’s nice to work with a company that makes sure our account is current. I would recommend them to any nonprofit looking to reduce their unemployment insurance costs.

Family Counseling Center, Gloversville, NY

We’ve saved tens of thousands of dollars PER YEAR by changing to become a reimbursing employer, freeing funds for much needed capital investment. FNP has been a valued partner in this process, providing assurance that we have stopgap coverage for extraordinary claims and keeping claims response painless and simple. It’s a huge Win/Win!

Tips for planning a successful campaign