Do you want a creative way to engage supporters, generate excitement for your event and capture net new donations? Well, we’ve got the perfect strategy for your nonprofit: Ambassador Fundraising.
Ambassador Fundraising leverages Peer-to-Peer in conjunction with galas, auctions, golf outings, or any type of event. This new trend harnesses “Ambassadors”, or your most loyal supporters to social fundraise, before, during and sometimes even after your signature fundraiser.
Think of it as creating a fundraising army, whose built-in social and professional networks allow you to engage and funnel new volunteers, donors and activists to your cause. Because Ambassador Fundraising uses competition to reach fundraising goals, it brings added energy, enthusiasm and motivated giving to your events.
Let’s face it, every event needs new ideas, strategies and energy to help avoid donor fatigue and keep your event growing year over year.
So how do you get started? We’ve outlined three simple steps to put the right pieces in place and begin fundraising with Ambassadors today!
A key step to success is the Ambassadors themselves. It’s like building a high-performance race car – you need a powerful engine to drive across the finish line.
Selecting Ambassadors need not be daunting. You likely have them throughout your giving and supporter networks already. Just look around, think about those that are committed, passionate, and connected (directly or indirectly) to your mission.
The best Ambassadors are people of influence, who have strong networks and social clout in your community. They are outgoing, engaged, and well connected. Grab your team (our yourself) and hit the whiteboard; think about where your future Ambassadors might be engaging with your fundraising now.
Good places to look for Ambassadors include:
Don’t be shy or bashful about your Ambassador asks. Think of the Ambassador program as an honor – a new way to give visibility and elevated supporter status your most loyal participants. Many nonprofits use Ambassador programs to create rich traditions and build donor cache. Carry this “badge of honor” with you into every Ambassador invitation.
At the same time, you are targeting Ambassadors, begin building your fundraising campaign. The core components to a successful campaign launch include setting program parameters, goals, and onboarding plan.
Define Program: Start by designing your program strategies. Decide exactly how you will you leverage your Ambassadors and engage their networks to raise funds. Be sure to do this before you get started.
Ambassador Fundraising tactics you can use include:
Set program goals: Next up, outline your Ambassador Fundraising goals. Like any campaign or event, take the time to define what you want to achieve, how you expect Ambassadors to contribute and what your success metrics are. Ask yourself:
Onboard Ambassadors: Successful onboarding is must for any successful Ambassador Fundraising campaign. Bring your Ambassadors onboard with a kick-off meeting, where you outline expectations, guidelines and the overall program. Make it a celebration, hosting it at a major donor’s house, sponsor business or somewhere fun, where you can launch with pizazz.
After your launch event, take time to sit down with each Ambassador one-on-one, to answer questions, review individual goals and walk them through the technology they will use to fundraise.
Ensure your Ambassadors and their friends are engaged up until the moment your gala starts (and beyond!). Add an extra layer of social engagement and competition to your planning.
These simple three steps you are ready to start Ambassador Fundraising! With a clear program, energized Ambassadors and easy-to-use peer-to-peer fundraising tools on your side, it’s time to let your fundraisers loose. Watch their networks take off and the fun, plus donations flow in, as they compete for fundraising glory and increase your fundraising along the way.
You’ve taken the first steps in Ambassador Fundraising, but the learning process never ends. Get inspired by these additional Peer-to-Peer resources: