From golf tournaments to galas, big events are tried-and-true tools for raising funds and building relationships in higher education. But recently, some nonprofits have begun turning to "crowdfunding" as a vehicle for finding new friends and donors. Could this latest fundraising trend benefit theological schools?Crowdfunding is the practice of getting small online donations from a large number of individuals. Most crowdfunding is organized to fund private, for-profit organizations, and the majority of donations are $80 or less. These micro-donations are very attractive to young donors and can draw a diverse audience. In 2014, $3 billion raised by crowdfunding went to social causes.Just like a traditional event fundraiser, successful crowdfunding depends on setting clear, realistic goals, considering expenses, recruiting volunteers and donors, and marshaling resources. Many nonprofit organizations piggyback a crowdfunding campaign onto a thriving third party event, such as an established marathon. By partnering with a well-known third party event, a theological school can promote a crowdfunding campaign more effectively.
For example, as part of a popular community 5K run/walk, organizations can set up a team, create a website, and seek online sponsors. This model allows volunteers to tap into their own social networks, and it gives theological schools an opportunity to tell their story to a wider audience.A compelling narrative can make all the difference to a successful campaign. A powerful video can spread a school’s mission or even go viral, attracting an international community of stakeholders. By saving on costs and reaching new audiences, crowdfunding can be an engaging new tool in a school's fundraising toolkit.For more on crowdfunding, check out these resources:
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Thursday, February 15, 2024, 1:00 p.m. (ET)
Presenter Donna Alexander, President & CEO of Advoxum Global Strategies, offers best practices for navigating conflict and crisis. She examines the crucial elements of defining conflict and crisis, identifying, and prioritizing affected stakeholders, utilizing effective communication strategies, and ultimately, executing a plan of action. Click here to register.
FEBRUARY 22, 2024, 1 PM (ET)
An In Trust Center Resource Grant offers member schools a chance to explore innovation at their institutions through a matching grant opportunity of up to $15,000. Join us for this 30-minute information session, including Q&A, as we provide details on eligibility requirements, funding priorities, application process. Previous grantees are eligible to apply as long as they are not within our current funding cycle. Click to register.
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Presenter Donna Alexander, President & CEO of Advoxum Global Strategies, offers best practices for navigating conflict and crisis. She examines the crucial elements of defining conflict and crisis, identifying, and prioritizing affected stakeholders, utilizing effective communication strategies, and ultimately, executing a plan of action.
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