3foldComm

“Thank you notes before playing with your gifts,” my mom would tell me. I would spend the first few hours of Christmas morning handwriting notes to my grandparents and Santa Claus for their generosity. It was torture for a 10 year old. When I became a fundraising professional 15 years later I credit my mother with giving me the most valuable skill any professional can have – being able to say thank you in a timely, personal and meaningful way.

According to Penelope Burk’s Donor-Centered Fundraising, only 40% of donors say they always receive a thank you letter after they make a donation… which means that the other 60% either receive a thank you sometimes, or shockingly, not at all.

So what does this statistic mean for nonprofits? A typical nonprofit will lose 50% of its annual donors between the first and second donation and up to 30% year on year thereafter. Yikes! The lesson here: Not saying thank you to your donors, members, stakeholders, board members and even your staff is hurting you financially!

With your year-end annual appeals wrapping up, here are a few tips to ensure you give everyone on your list a personal and meaningful thank you this annual appeal season.

Take Inventory

Pull together all the past notes, letters, phone scripts or any other materials created for the purpose of saying thank you. Make sure they are all consistent in messaging, information is up to date (especially statistics about your organization) and there are no spelling errors before sending out.

Be Timely

It should be a priority to say thank you within 48 hours after receipt. If you send out all your thank you letters at the end of the month, shoot an email or call after hours to leave a message of gratitude right away. I like to set aside the last 30 minutes of my work day to send thank you notes or make thank you calls.

Make It Personal and Meaningful

The goal is to tell your donors “You matter to us and your gift makes a difference.” You’re not going to make me feel that way if your letter starts off with “Dear Friend…” Don’t do that, ever! Know my name. Know how much I gave. Tell me what kind of impact my contribution made in your organization.

Go Retro

For the younger generations who love email and social media it’s easy to hide behind your computer. Don’t ever underestimate the power of a phone call or handwritten note card. They have become a lost art like sewing or cooking for us busy professionals but people appreciate them, remember them, and feel like you went above and beyond.

Didn’t Get Any Money? Send A Thank You Anyway

It’s called cultivation and don’t be short sighted. They didn’t give this year but there is always next year. Didn’t get the big grant you applied for? Better send a thank you note — trust me, the nomination committees will be more likely to remember you next year.

There are lots of times I forgot to say thank you, especially to my co-workers and my husband (my top donors of time, idea sharing and support). I just have to remember to make it a habit and priority throughout the day. So thanks Mom, for making me write those thank you cards when all I really wanted to do was play with my new toys. I appreciate it now.

read more

One of the greatest things about our work with nonprofit organizations is seeing the very best people doing their very best to change the world.  If you haven’t donated yet or enough during this season of giving, please consider these very worthy organizations – they’re making a difference and deserve our support!

If you want to help homeless families and individuals, donate money and warm clothes to Francis House Center of Sacramento.  Rev. Faith Whitmore and her team provide critical triage and support to people facing the really hard issues of homelessness and unemployment.  Donate online at www.francishousecenter.org or drop off donations to them at 1422 C Street, Sacramento.  The hug you receive will be heart-felt, and you’ll leave feeling better about yourself, guaranteed.

If you want to support the arts, give money to La Raza Galeria Posada.  Executive Director Marie Acosta, along with talented staff and an active board of directors are determined to preserve, promote and present the very best of indigenous peoples’ art.  You don’t want to miss their annual Day of the Dead celebration; and check out the Sacramento Bee’s online coverage of their Second Saturday Las Posaditas celebration.  Donate money online at www.larazagaleriaposada.org.  And drop in to their Midtown site at 1022 22^nd Street to check out the artists’ works they have for sale.

If you support women’s programs, especially job readiness, donate to Women’s Empowerment.  Lisa Culp leads a tremendous team of staff and volunteers, and one visit to their headquarters will prove to you their impact.  The walls are covered – literally covered – with photos and bios of their graduates.  It’s an amazing place.  Check them out online at www.womens-empowerment.org and consider donating cash as well as your time.  They thrive on the contributions of volunteers and can be found at 1400 North C Street.

If you worry about people being hungry, then double-down on your grocery shopping and make a food donation to River City Food Bank.  Better yet, volunteer to bag groceries for families in need, and feel blessed that our community has Eileen Thomas and her team.  Donate money online to them at www.rivercityfoodbank.org or stop by their center at 1319 27^th Street in Sacramento.

If it is youth mentoring that connects with your priorities, the very best program in our region is the Child Advocates of Placer County.  Donate online at www.casaplacer.org or if you live in Placer County, call Don Kleinfelder at 530-887-1006 to find out when you can be trained as a volunteer advocate and mentor.  The time is nothing compared to the impact you’ll have in the life of a young person who needs your help.

If you worry about gay, lesbian, and questioning youth and their safety and support, donate to the Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center.  Shara Perkins-Murphy and her team manage the largest and oldest LGBT community center in our region, and they need us to support their work.  Donate online at www.saccenter.org, or mail your check to 1927 L Street, Sacramento.

Many of us have been touched by cancer, and if childhood cancer concerns you, support the Keaton Raphael Memorial Foundation.  Donate online at www.childcancer.org and call Robyn Raphael at 916-784-6786 to hear about the real difference they’re making in the lives of families facing a devastating diagnosis and treatment plan.  I couldn’t imagine going through such a thing alone, and Robyn makes sure families don’t.

So let’s recap. The 12 things you can do this holiday season are:

1. Send a donation to Francis House Center.
2. Call Rev Faith at 916-443-2646 and find out what they need, then donate the stuff.
3. Send a donation to Women’s Empowerment.
4. Call Lisa Culp at 916-669-2307 and find out how you can volunteer at Women’s Empowerment.
5. Donate money or groceries to River City Food Bank.
6. Call Eileen Thomas at 916-446-2627 to find out how you can work a shift at River City Food Bank.
7. Send a donation to La Raza Galeria Posada.
8. Shop at the La Raza gallery for interesting, one of a kind art gifts.
9. Donate money to Child Advocates of Placer County.
10. Sign up to become a volunteer youth mentor, if not in Placer County, then where you live.
11. Donate to the Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center so people coming out have support.
12. Donate to Keaton Raphael Memorial to ensure that families diagnosed with childhood cancer are supported.

All the info you need to make a difference is in this blog post.  Let us know what you decide to do, whether part of this list or something else, to contribute to the Season of Giving.  And thanks for showing up for those who show up every day to make things better for others.

read more

I might still be considered the new hire here at 3fold…right? Less than six months is still a total newbie in some circles and it seemed like yesterday my colleagues were giving me “Advice For the New Guy” on the company whiteboard. Some of their suggestions included: providing me with directions on how to get up to the rooftop pool, that Friday’s were “Bathing Suit Only” days, and that Kim Tucker has a hard shell but a gooey interior.

While stabilizing my feet in the culture and vibe here at 3fold, it became easier for me to recognize a theme emerging from many of our clients. Having spent 100% of my time working for a nonprofit over the past 15 years, I now have the chance to work alongside nonprofits in an entirely different way and see things – and themes – in an entirely new way. The theme that continues to rear its beautiful head over and over…is innovation.

I find myself completely enchanted when I see the nonprofit leaders in our community doing great things, taking incredible chances and undertaking innovative endeavors. More and more nonprofits are recognizing that providing nonprofit services the same old way just isn’t getting it done. Too much competition. Not enough collaboration. Too few dollars. And no ROI. Yes, I just said that!

Don’t get me wrong, I totally get it. Nonprofits need to be do-gooders — the world relies on them to do the work that no one else wants to do or can do. Heck…there is a reason you get a tax break for doing nonprofit work – IT’S FREAKING HARD!!! But amidst the difficulties of nonprofit work, there is a business to run, a board that needs to be answered to and innovation that needs to happen at every turn (if you care to read a fascinating debate over the topic, click here for a piece done by the Wall Street Journal).

As we see more and more nonprofits locally and nationwide following the path away from operating like a traditional charity and towards a more business-like model…I feel proud and encouraged. As our clients at 3fold continue to raise the bar and push the envelope, I feel so fortunate to be working alongside them as they innovate to make our community a better place to be.

read more

We love innovation, we love technology and we love the nonprofit community here at 3fold, so in the spirit of Thanksgiving we decided to have our staffers each recognize a nonprofit they are thankful for. This list is more than just great nonprofits with an incredible goal (that list could easily be in the hundreds!), but ones we think are doing innovative things and leveraging technology in incredible ways to share their messages and advance their causes. We of course cannot list every one, but would love to hear about your favorite innovative nonprofits in the comments below!

Charity: Water (www.charitywater.org) — Bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations … AND 100% of public donations directly fund water projects (including the credit card fees from your donation). Why are they innovative? They use the digital space in a clever and unique way to very clearly outline, promote and report the progress on their goals (in numbers we can all understand, plus you can check Google maps to see where every completed water project is located).

-Gordon Fowler, President & CEO

826 Valencia (www.826valencia.org) — They help kids become better writers while helping over-burdened public schools and teachers provide the one-on-one attention that budgets no longer allow. But why are they innovative? They also run a pirate supply store which pays the lease, and how cool is that? At first, 826 Valencia started as just the address for a San Francisco publication to house its offices. However, looking at the education need in their own community, they decided they should add a free tutoring program for local kids. Running a publication in the morning, then when school ended, offering up staff as tutors. Because the building was zoned for retail, though, they needed to sell something to stay in their location. They created the Pirate Store, which turned out to be the perfect connection for 826 to the very community they wanted to help, as curious neighbors and visitors stopped in to see the unique store, and more often than not became new clients, donors and volunteers. Far from being part-time now, they have a volunteer roster of more than 1,700 local creative professionals and serve more than 6,000 students in San Francisco alone…and they have even opened seven more chapters across the country.

-Angela Criser, Director of Digital Strategy

Francis House Center (www.francishousecenter.org) — They serve as a triage center for newly homeless individuals and families, providing great emergency assistance, referrals, and case management. Why are they innovative? Francis House Center is the only organization in Sacramento that helps homeless people obtain State-issued identification, which is critical to enrolling in programs, obtaining health benefits, getting a job.

- Kim Tucker, VP Nonprofit Division

Project 7 (www.project7.com) — Simply put, You buy, they give. They are a cause-related company that makes everyday consumer goods like bio-bottled water, gum, mints and coffee. However, they aren’t asking you to buy more stuff, just change the products that you already buy in order to help others. Why are they innovative? Project 7 uses hardcore cause marketing (like retail space at the cash wrap in Walmart) following a hard-nosed, straightforward brand …”Buy this and do that.” Brilliant.

- Steve Alfano, Creative Director

These Numbers Have Faces (www.thesenumbers.org) — TNHF educates and empowers South African youth to ignite community transformation. Why are they innovative? They’re a pretty well-rounded and great organization. They are active on Twitter – and I especially love the quotes and statistics they push out. They also utilize pretty much every major social network and even have an iPhone app — it’s impressive to say the least for a nonprofit to truly understand technologies connection to new audiences.

- Alicia Allen, Social Media Coordinator

Cottage Housing, Inc. (www.cottagehousing.org) — A solution-focused, participant-driven and strength-based organization where homeless people help themselves — and each other — through their transition from the streets to self-sustainability. Why are they innovative? Cottage Housing, Inc. is not the patient type.  They were not interested in sitting around waiting for the economy to improve so they could find their formerly-homeless graduates jobs.  Instead, they started creating jobs by starting businesses.  Take Finishing Touch. This is a mobile detailing business that employs a formerly homeless workforce who graduated from Cottage Housing’s program.  Job skills, employment readiness, a living wage, a self-esteem boost…and a shiny, clean car. And that is just one of many.

- Scott Moak, Director of Nonprofit Services

TED (www.ted.com) — TED is a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, and Design. Since then, its scope has become ever broader. Why is it innovative? They believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and, ultimately, the world. The TED website offers free knowledge and inspiration from the world’s most inspired thinkers, and also a community of curious souls to engage with those ideas and each other.

- Clay Nutting, Account Manager Social Media Services

Doctors without Borders (www.doctorswithoutborders.org) — Doctors Without Borders began in 1971 as Medecins Sans Frontieres by a group of French doctors and Journalists in the wake of the war and accompanying famine in Biafra and Nigeria. Why are they innovative? In light of them being an organization that has been around for more than 30 years, they continue to grow and change, now utilizing social media such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Tumblr to spread the information regarding their great body of work.  Their webpage is designed to show everything from current events affecting the world to ways to donate, from how to work with them to annual reports spanning the last decade.  They currently have 435,738 followers on Facebook and 155,208 followers on Twitter!

- Curtis Ebo, Operations Coordinator, Nonprofit Services

Center for Land Based Learning (www.landbasedlearning.org) — They teach California’s urban youth about the importance of agriculture and watershed conservation. CLBL exposes these kids to farms and ranches — a world they typical do not interface with. Why are they innovative? They work with youth to help them develop leadership skills and learn how sustainable agriculture practices contribute to a healthier ecosystem and create connections to agricultural, environmental, and food system careers. They also use channels like Facebook and YouTube to share these hands-on experiences, hoping to connect those not able to participate first hand with their mission. Besides, who wouldn’t love this video of kids rapping in a field about what they learn.

- Andi Justice, Account Manager

Special Olympics (www.sonc.org) — Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Programs give athletes continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skill, and friendship with their families, other athletes and the community. Why they are innovative? Beyond their incredible use of social networks to spread the message, they have partnered with pop culture media, including the TV show Glee and the Not Acceptable R-word PSA. In their social networks, the positive messages, incredible images and dynamic stories always bring a smile to my face.

- Brian Blank, PR and Social Media Manager

Kind Campaign (www.kindcampaign.com) — An internationally recognized movement, documentary and school program based upon the belief in KINDness that brings awareness and healing to the negative and lasting effects of girl-against-girl “crime.” Why are they innovative? They use a very “real” documentary to reach out to victims (and perpetrators) of adolescent girl-against-girl violence and then provide an immediate outlet for girls to gain support and empower themselves with their tagline “We’ve all been a victim. Unfortunately, we’re also the cause. Help us change.” They also have support from stars such as Lady Gaga.

- Elise Crispen, Account Assistant

Girls on the Run (www.gotrsac.org) –  The nonprofit is geared to girls from the 3rd to 8th grade and they teach them the value of eating right, having a healthy body image and ultimately showing them the joy of running.  Why are they innovative? With so many obese boys and girls in our country, it is great to see a program like Girls on the Run.  At the end of each session, each of the girls ends up running in a local 5K race.  Also, depending on the financial need of the school district the program is instituted in, the organization outfits the girls with new running shoes from New Balance.

- Ross Villegas, Account Manager

read more

Our own Clay Nutting recently moderated the Social Media Club’s Social Media Best Practices for Charities, exploring how social media plays a pivotal role for several Sacramento-area charities. As a recap, we wanted to provide some insight for nonprofits that are exploring using social media.

Many nonprofits are finding social media to be an effective way to engage current supporters and reach new ones.  At your organization, you may already have asked where tools like Facebook, Twitter, blogs and other social media channels fit within your long list of priorities.

The tools you should use depend on what you want to accomplish, and who you want to reach. That being said, once you choose the platforms that are right for your organization, here are a few tips that can help you on your way to social media success:

1. Define goals and audience. It is often not enough to merely have presence. Think about what you are trying to accomplish and who you are trying to reach.
2. Engage with your supporters. Don’t just use your profiles as a sounding board, engage your supporters, pose questions, and collect thoughts and insight. If someone asks a question, respond. If someone shares feedback, thank them and ask for more insight. When people take the time to reach out and share, return the favor with a friendly response.
3. Drive traffic to your website. Post links to drive traffic to your website where information about fundraising, volunteering and advocacy opportunities can be found.
4. Make connections. Search and follow people with common interests, hobbies or professions. Identify your most influential supporters and get them active on your page. Engaging other profiles of like minded people or organizations is the fastest way to build an audience for you and your organization.
5. Show, don’t tell. Bring your communication to life with photos and videos. Use photos of staff or your organization in action, a video of you thanking your customers, clients, donors, or volunteers for their support, or given the season, share holiday wishes from your organization.

Joining the right social networks for your organization is half the battle! Once you’ve joined there are many great resources online to help guide you through social media management. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to 3fold by visiting www.3foldsocial.com.

read more