George Hunt’s Post

"We have no money for branding." "Our lack of a brand means we have no money." Have you heard or said this before? It's one of the objections I hear from charities and startups looking to grow. While it's correct to set priorities early on (and you certainly shouldn't spend your first £1,000 on a logo), the importance of plotting a course, building a strategy and being held accountable to it can't be understated. Investing a small amount in strategy at the beginning of your charity or business journey can have the biggest ROI over the long run: including 🙌 Increased engagement with your audience 🥳 Better team morale 🧭 Internal clarity around goals and actions 💸 More donations from supporters and 🩵 A healthier and longer life for what you're building. If you've got the next great idea, or the best cause, or a struggling charity, don't skip strategy. #Charity #Strategy #Branding

How do we get more donations? In the crowded charity landscape, standing out can feel like an uphill battle. Whether you’re running a small non-profit or a well-established charity, one question keeps coming up: How do we get more donations? The answer often comes down to how well you connect with your audience and share your impact. 𝟭. 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 Is your mission easy to understand? Make sure your visual brand and messaging reflect who you truly are. People want to feel a connection to your story, and that’s what inspires them to donate. I always remember a client referencing the Obama website as something they wanted to aspire to. When we dug deeper to understand what it was they liked, it was the fact that it got loads of donations. We had to explain it wasn’t because his website was good (which it is) it was because of who he is and the fact that people bought into his story. 𝟮. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 Are people resonating with your message? Consistent, authentic communication builds trust. Show your supporters the real difference their contributions make. 𝟯. 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 Are you utilising impact reports? They’re a great way to show donors exactly how their money is making a difference. This can turn one-time donors into long-term supporters. 𝟰. 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 Is your brand instantly recognisable? Your logo, colours, and messaging should work together to clearly communicate who you are and what you stand for. 𝟱. 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 There is nothing more frustrating than trying to do something on a website, and it’s not working! Does your donate form actually work, where is it connected and how many options do people have to donate, can I use Apple Pay etc. If you need a hand with any of this, reach out for help. We can refine your visual brand, sharpen your messaging, and create impactful reports that resonate with your supporters as well as build a great user experience for donors.

There's something way more IMPORTANT at a Fundraiser than a live auction 💡 It's a Pledge and here's why. 1. Direct Connection to the Cause 🎯   A Pledge creates a powerful moment where donors can directly connect with the cause. Unlike silent or live auctions, pledging allows attendees to make a straightforward, heartfelt commitment. This simplicity and clarity can significantly boost contributions. 2. Inclusive Participation 🌐   Not everyone can participate in high-stakes bidding, but a Pledge opens the door for everyone to contribute at a level that suits them. This inclusivity ensures that all attendees feel part of the mission and can support in a meaningful way. 3. Emotional Impact ❤️   The Pledge segment often comes after a compelling story or presentation about the cause. This emotional connection motivates guests to give from the heart. Witnessing the collective generosity can be a moving experience, further enhancing the evening's atmosphere. 4. Fundraising Flexibility 🛠️   A Pledge can be tailored to fit various fundraising goals. Whether you're seeking general support or targeting specific projects, it allows you to guide contributions to where they are needed most. This flexibility is invaluable for meeting immediate and future needs. 5.*Momentum Builder 🚀   When donors see others pledging, it creates a ripple effect, inspiring more guests to contribute. This momentum can lead to higher overall donations, significantly boosting the event’s success. 6. Transparency and Trust 🔍   Pledges are often made publicly, fostering a sense of community and transparency. Donors see their peers contributing, which builds trust and encourages accountability. It also shows that every contribution, big or small, is valued and essential. Incorporating a Pledge into your fundraising gala dinner is not just a strategy; it's a catalyst for deeper engagement and higher impact. It turns a simple evening into a transformative experience, driving your mission forward with the collective power of your supporters. 🌟 If you'd like to find out how I could make a difference with your next fundraiser feel free to check this out https://lnkd.in/eP3Pj87k 🌟 #Fundraising #NonProfit #GalaDinner #CharityEvent #Pledge #Philanthropy #EventPlanning #CommunityImpact #FundraisingStrategy

A consistent issue I see with new Gala planners? They want to be creative. 𝙏𝙤𝙤 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚. “We’re doing a paddle raise at the end of a pub crawl!” One potential client exclaimed. I advised against it. Creativity is great as long as you’re playing within the tried and true principles of executing a successful fundraiser. Here are the principles a pub crawl fundraiser breaks 𝟭) 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁, 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱. The earlier you raise money in your program, the better. Tired and drunk folks tend to leave early, which is money walking out the door. 𝟮) 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗱𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗸 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀. A buzz is great to help open the purse strings, but wasted people are a distraction during the program and don’t pay attention. 𝟯) 𝗔 𝗣𝘂𝗯 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗹 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁. Partaking in a pub crawl doesn’t create a mood for giving. What does drinking have to do with your mission? Why should people care about contributing their hard earned money to your cause? A pub crawl fundraiser is like waking up and cracking open a beer, not a good idea. Any other principles of fundraising this idea breaks? I'd love to hear your thoughts below. #charityfundraising #auctioneer #nonprofit #nonprofitevents

Discover how nonprofits are innovating their fundraising efforts with Wine Crawl, a unique event that combines giving back with fun activities. Learn more about this exciting initiative and how it's making a positive impact on fundraising strategies. #nonprofits #fundraising #innovation #WineCrawl #charityevent

Discover how nonprofits are innovating their fundraising efforts with Wine Crawl, a unique event that combines giving back with fun activities. Learn more about this exciting initiative and how it's making a positive impact on fundraising strategies. #nonprofits #fundraising #innovation #WineCrawl #charityevent

If your organization is to be successful as a founder, people have to know, like and trust your organization. There's no two ways about it. No business would sponsor your organization of the blue, unless they know, like and trust your organization. And if they ever sponsor you from the blues, then they know people who know, like and trust you. It's the way of the world. You can't change these processes. You only need to plug in for the success of your organization. How do you plug into this process as an organization? Rather than reach out to prospective donors and sponsors asking right out, you can focus on first getting them to know you, like you and then trust you before making the ask. You can create a donor/sponsor acquisition funnel that builds on these three processes before asking for donations or sponsorship. This way, you are guaranteed more fundraising success, meaningful and lasting partnerships and advocates who will get others to know, like and trust you. #nonprofitmarketing #fundraising

Is your charity struggling to stand out? Maybe it’s time for a rebrand. Rebranding charities is one of my all time favourite things to do, and it is so important! Rebranding can be the difference between thriving and fading into the background, and one thing you don't want your charity to do is get forgotten about. And here’s why: 🔥 A fresh, modern brand makes it easier to connect with new supporters. Supporters mean visibility, visibility means funding (and so on). 🔥 Clear messaging helps tell your story in a way that resonates and builds trust. You have a great story, now make sure you can tell it properly 🔥 A professional, cohesive identity can open the door to new funding opportunities; something that is much needed for most charities these days. And the important thing to remember is rebranding isn’t just for corporations. Nonprofits that rebrand see a significant boost in visibility and donations. In fact, rebranded charities reported an average 28% increase in funding according to Blackbaud. Feeling stuck with an outdated image or messaging that no longer speaks to your mission? It might be time to rethink your approach. A rebrand could be exactly what your charity needs to engage new donors, increase awareness, and ultimately make a bigger impact. 💚 Ready to explore how rebranding can change the future of your charity? Read the full article [link in the comments] to get a complete guide on how to rebrand effectively and boost your charity's success. #branding #charity #notforprofit #success #brand

When it comes to charity fundraisers, there’s one game that always brings the energy up and gets everyone involved 'Heads or Tails'! 🎉Here's why I think it's the perfect game for any fundraising event: 1️⃣ **Quick to Play:** Time is precious at a fundraiser, and 'Heads or Tails' only takes a few minutes. It’s the perfect way to inject some fun without taking too much time away from the main event. 2️⃣ **Easy to Play:** No complicated rules here! Just choose heads or tails, stand or sit, and see if luck is on your side. It’s simple enough that everyone can join in, no matter their age or experience. 3️⃣ **Encourages Participation:** The best part? If just a couple of people at a table stand up to play, it creates a ripple effect. Suddenly, the whole table—and often the entire room—is in the game. The excitement builds, and before you know it, everyone’s on their feet, laughing and having a great time. - Early Fundraising Boost: One of the best things about 'Heads or Tails' is that it’s an easy way to collect a small donation from every guest right at the start of the event. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to get everyone contributing from the get-go. 💰 ‘Heads or Tails’ isn’t just a game; it’s a way to break the ice, boost engagement, and raise more funds for a great cause. Next time you’re planning a fundraiser, don’t forget to add it to the lineup! 🪙 #Fundraising #HeadsOrTails #Auctioneer #EngageYourAudience #FundraisingFun #emcee