Quick Start Guide for Your Nonprofit Technology Crowdfunding Campaign on the TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange

Quickstart Guide

Introduction-------------------3

What is Crowdfunding?

3TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange

4TechBridge Guarantee

5

Chapter 1: Getting Started-----7

Chapter 2: Campaigning Basics--11

Chapter 3: 45-Day Marketing Plan14

Chapter 4: Post-Campaign-------17

Chapter 5: Resources-----------18

Email Templates

19Press Release Templates

31Social Media Update Samples

35

Chapter 6: FAQs----------------37

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Crowdfunding is the collection of funds from a large number of people, usually via a website, to finance a new business venture, project or initiative. It’s origins can be traced to crowdsourcing, a broader concept of an individual reaching a goal by receiving and leveraging small contributions from a large number of people.

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What is Crowdfunding?

Rewards-basedCampaigners in this category incentivize potential backers with rewards that have clear monetary value such as product or the first units of the product for which the campaigner is crowdfunding.

Donation-based Donation-based campaigns are generally cause-based and funders of these campaigns do so because they back the cause. Backers are rewarded by mentions, social recognition and in some cases branded goods from the campaigner.

The pedestal for the famous Statue

FACTof Liberty was financed through crowdfunding by newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer in 1884.

On his urging, 125,000+ readers of his newspaper New York World donated more than $100,000 in six months.

Types of CrowdfundingCrowdfunding is broadly grouped into three categories: donation-based, rewards-based and equity-based depending on the kind of reward the backer of a crowdfunding campaign agrees to in exchange for his/her pledge.

Equity-basedBackers of equity-based campaigns pledge funds in exchange for shares in the company. This form of crowdfunding was made possible with the introduction of the JOBS Act in 2012.

Introduction

Welcome to crowdfunding with the TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange, a curated donation-based crowdfunding platform for your IT projects.

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AboutThe Nonprofit Exchange is our easy to use donation-based crowdfunding portal bringing together corporations, foundations and individuals interested in funding IT projects that will increase nonprofits’ capacity to serve.

Nonprofits harness the power of crowdfunding by launching campaigns for IT projects on the website to engage with existing donors and corporate sponsors, and connect with new ones through the platform’s built-in social sharing features.

Benefits• New funding mechanism

for your IT project• Raise awareness for your

mission to your audience and their social networks

• Reach a new audience • Provide transparency to

your constituents: board members, funders, corporate sponsors and volunteers

• TechBridge provides support; develops project scope and implements project; assists with campaign marketing

Volunteers

Individual Donors

Corporate Donors

TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange

TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE

TechBridge Nonprofit

Exchange

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The TechBridge DifferenceTechBridge works with you to scope your project, tell your story and craft the impact your project will have on your organization, those you serve and the community. Posting your project on the Nonprofit Exchange also guarantees that the project will make an impact on your organization’s capacity by ensuring that it aligns with your organization’s overarching technology strategy and is appropriately budgeted.

A nonprofit, TechBridge has worked exclusively with nonprofits for more than 13 years. We provide technology tools, funding, discount programs and connections nonprofits need to better use technology that will further their mission.

Through the Adopt-a-Nonprofit program, we have successfully found funding for 25 technology projects. The Nonprofit Exchange leverages program learnings to benefit additional nonprofits.


The TechBridge Guarantee

There are three distinct phases in any crowdfunding campaign and we will provide support across all phases.

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Phases of a Crowdfunding Campaign

Planning

Develop project scope and budget

Set campaign pricing

levels/length

Gather/create marketing assets

Identify internal/external

champions

Prepare in-house lists

Launch/Promotion

Implement promotional

schedule across communication

channels• Social media

accounts• Email• Media

Post-Campaign

Notify funders of campaign outcome

Kick-off meeting to initiate project implementation

Provide funders with periodic

progress updates

CHAPTER 1:Getting Started

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There are many advantages to crowdfunding but launching a successful campaign requires planning and the strategic allocation of resources. We have developed a list of criteria based on best practices that will help you determine if you are ready to become a Nonprofit Exchange campaigner!

Do you have a designated staff person (preferably one with a marketing focus) to lead your campaign and partner with TechBridge?

Is your nonprofit willing to solicit your mailing list about the project?

Is your nonprofit willing to use your social media accounts to promote the campaign?

Do you have a staff person who will be responsible for implementing the technology project with the TechBridge service delivery team after the campaign is successfully funded?

Will you commit to covering the difference (up to 20%) if all funds are not raised via campaign?

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5

If the devil is in the details then the key to crowdfunding success is often in the preparation. As crowdfunding becomes increasingly mainstream for financing passion projects, humanitarian causes and new business ventures, it can become a viable method for raising funding for your nonprofit’s IT projects. But there are steps that you must take to increase the likelihood of reaching the campaign goal. While the information in this document is not meant to be exhaustive, we will, however, touch upon the factors that you will need to consider as you are planning for your campaign.

A. Your ProjectBeing able to clearly define and communicate the “what,” “why,” “when” and the “how” of the project you want to crowdfund is central to formulating a compelling pitch. We will help with the “what,” “when” and “how” by defining the project scope, corresponding budget and implementation plan but only you can articulate the “why” or the impact the project, once completed, will have on your nonprofit and clients.

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Planning

“He who is best prepared can best serve his moment of

inspiration.”

― Samuel Taylor Coleridge

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Planning cont’d B. Communicating the “Why”Images, testimonials and video, when used strategically, fuel crowdfunding campaigns. A poignant image accompanied by a quote from a client or a staff member communicates more than words alone. Not only do they bring to life your nonprofit’s mission and impact, they also serve as shareable media that funders can use to promote your campaign to their social networks.

A video that tells the story of your nonprofit’s mission and the impact the project, once completed, will have on the organization’s capacity to serve will also capture the imagination of potential funders.

C. Build & Leverage Your Email ListIf you aren’t already doing the following, it is worth putting them in place even if you aren’t planning on launching a crowdfunding campaign.

Facebook. Encourage your Facebook followers to subscribe to your email list and reward them with valuable content at least on a quarterly basis and ideally on a monthly basis. If they are accustomed to receiving relevant news from your organization, they would be more inclined to read and click the link when you issue a call to participate in a crowdfunding campaign.

Blog. If you have a blog, the same rationale applies.

D. Board Members & Volunteer LeadersGetting early pledgers is crucial for a crowdfunding campaign. A campaign that has funds pledged right from the beginning carries more credibility among potential pledgers who aren’t familiar with your organization. Members of your board members and volunteer leaders can make excellent early pledgers.

Inform them about your upcoming campaign and project and why it is so important to your nonprofit. Email them again once it goes live, asking them to pledge.

It is also worthwhile emailing those that hadn’t pledged, either during the ‘natural lull’ in the middle or a few days before the end so they help with the final surge.

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Planning cont’d

Planning Checklist [minimum requirements]

Hi-res logo – 300 dpi or better

Mission Statement

Active social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Project overview – we’ll help tell this story to show the impact of your project

Video that is an overview of your organization and its mission - ideally 2 minutes but must be shorter than 3 minutes

One large banner/cover photo sized 1024x546 px

One smaller photo that will be a square shape

Statistics about the number of people you serve

Quote from an active volunteer

Quote from a sponsor/donor

Four category names or your giving levels. Optional. Example: $10 = Fan, $25 = Big Fan, $50 = Biggest Fan , $100 = Fanatic

Contact list of reporters who have written about your organization or who are supporters

Active email list of potential sponsors

The hallmarks of successful crowdfunding campaigns are good planning and sustained execution during and after the campaign. Here are tips on what to do before, during and after the campaign;

CHAPTER 2:Campaigning Basics

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Before Make your entire staff aware of

the fundraising campaign and be sure to communicate the benefits of the IT project to everyone.

Paint a picture of what your organization will look like when the IT project has been implemented.

Be sure that your Executive Director talks about the campaign at his/her meetings with the boards of advisors and directors.

TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE

Identify a board member who is willing to match donations during a certain time period [e.g. mid-campaign] to encourage more pledges.

Make your asks personal. Use the first person when drafting the copy for emails in the email campaign and updates and posts on social media,

Write and send a press release to media to kick-off the campaign.

.

Work the campaign launch announcement into your organization’s existing communications channels such as the newsletter, social media calendar, etc.

Campaigning Basics cont’d

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During Deploy a 3 – 6 email campaign to

your email list; be sure to create a suppression list of those who have already pledged to discourage unsubscribes.

Have your staff link to the campaign in their email signatures.

Mention your campaign to all volunteers who come onsite.

Have a flyer or postcard about the campaign on your front desk.

Bring flyers/postcards of the campaign to any trainings or events you attend or host.

Ask local merchants and retailers in your neighborhood if they will allow you to make flyers/postcards available at their store.

Give regular shout outs on Twitter and other social media to individual pledgers and sponsors to give them recognition.

Say thank you via phone or a personal email to pledgers whom you know personally,

If you have a blog, write 1 post per week with progress updates for the duration of the campaign.

If you have the resources, work with a local retailer to host a ‘live’ crowdfunding at the retailer’s store.

After Be sure to thank all your

funders via social media and email.

Draft and send a press release announcing the successful completion of the campaign.

Provide funders email updates – short note and photos work best – of your project’s progress. At least 3 emails are recommended: 1 at project kick-off, 1 midway through the project and the last at the end of the project.


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Campaigning Basics cont’d

Choose a target. Not all media outlets are a good fit for your story. For example, the weekly business newspaper focuses on business and commerce and will not likely find your story to be a good editorial fit.

Know your target writer. Read their previous articles with an eye for their interests, themes, and the way your idea would help extend their subject matter further. Be sure to let the writer know how and where your idea might fit. Develop your idea through the reporter’s eyes: how will this piece be of interest the reader? How will it meet the publication’s criteria and the writer’s beat?

Pitch impact; not your nonprofit. Is there an opportunity for your nonprofit’s crowdfunding campaign to be part of a broader industry trend or pervasive need? Develop your pitch from what it would look like from the reporter’s point of view. Make your pitch by email first. Wait an afternoon, or preferably a day to give the reporter to respond. If you don’t hear back, give him/her a call.

When you call, refer to the earlier message. Regardless of whether the reporter has seen it or not, re-forward as a courtesy as you are talking to allow the individual to scan the high points of the message and preliminarily respond.

Respect the reporter’s decision. You will be more successful by respecting the reporter’s right to say yes or no, while providing them with as many meaningful reasons as possible to have the desire to say yes. Can you provide an exclusive on the story? Or perhaps a slant that hasn’t been offered to anybody else? Will it have broad

Get straight to the point. Reporters are time-challenged. Be succinct when you have them on the phone. Do not engage in small talk. Let them know why you are calling, and why it is relevant.

Avoid calling repeatedly. Listen to the reporter’s voice mail—it will often provide you with clues. For example, the reporter may be on vacation this week—out sick—moved to another beat (or even another publication) or may be so adamantly opposed to voice messages that you should be aware the message will likely never be heard (or may even offend them). If you do leave a message, one message in a day is ample. If the reporter has left a cell number on the message, refrain from using it unless the matter is genuinely urgent. They’ll appreciate the courtesy you use in reaching out in the ways they most like to be contacted.

Twitter intelligence. Twitter can often give you a clue as to where the reporter is and what they are doing on that day. For example, if they Tweet they just arrived at the NTEN conference, they won’t likely answer the office phone. Some reporters also respond to Twitter DMs faster than other channels. Use this channel sparingly.

Pitching to Media 101

CHAPTER 3:45-Day Marketing Plan

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Day Nonprofit Tasks TechBridge Tasks- 14 • Begin drafting copy for the platform and collecting

images, video + statistic assets for the campaign• Begin drafting press releases and copy for email

campaign

- 10 • Copy for platform completed• Assets formatted and ready to go

• Schedule promo copy for upcoming newsletter as appropriate

-9 to -5 • Create an account in a social media management platform [Tweetdeck, Hootsuite]

• TechBridge uploads copy + assets to platform

-7 • Press release announcing campaign draft completed• Press release template for sponsor [that sponsor can

use to promote their involvement] completed• Send personal email from ED to board members to

pre-announce the project

• Present planned tweet schedule to client

-5 • Copy for email campaign completed• Establish account on a free press release distribution

service • Segment email list to volunteers, sponsors/donors

and past clients

• Send ambassadors list of upcoming campaigns

-5 to 1 • Conduct outreach to local daily and alternative print publications [Patch.com, Creative Loafing, Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s submit an announcement]

Day -5 • Begin daily meetings with TechBridge to prepare • Schedule check-in meetings

Day -1 Enable home page of your website with link to the Nonprofit Exchange

Following is a sample 45-day marketing plan. It can be adapted for longer campaigns.

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Day Nonprofit Tasks TechBridge Tasks

1 – Go Live for Campaign (Thu)

• Issue press release about campaign• Send Email B to sponsors + Email C to donors

and volunteer distribution list about campaign [video]

• ED sends Email D reminder to board members + staff to pledge [impt: project needs to have some pledges committed in the first minutes of the project going live

• Post on social media• Update news on website

• Tweets [min of 3] • Facebook update [either

summary of what’s just gone live or just the one]

• Send 1 sample tweet/campaign to ambassadors

2 • Social media posts • Send email to TB Board, Advisory Board and staff about campaign [bi-weekly updates]

6 • Social media posts• Status mtg w/TB

• Status mtg• 2-3 tweets

8 • Email E update to sponsor/donor + volunteer lists

• Email F call to existing pledgers to share with their networks

• Incorporate post about current projects on blog [dependency: mthly newsletter cycle]

8-11 • Social media posts with impact statistics and or photo

15 • Social media posts • Status mtg w/TB

• Phone check in• Status mtg

17-21 • Daily social media posts [shout outs to donors and running total]

22 • Email G update to all lists: Half-way point with amount still to be funded + call to share network + update on sponsor(s) pledged as appropriate

23-30 • Social media posts (funding $ total)

25 • Status mtg w/TB

45-Day Marketing Plan cont’d

45-Day Marketing Plan cont’d

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Day Nonprofit Tasks TechBridge Tasks

28 • Social media posts (Funding $ total, donor quote)• Status mtg w/TB

• Status mtg

37 • Email H One week to go message to existing donor list to ask for additional pledges + to share their network

• Email I One week to go message to sponsor/donor + volunteer list

• Social media posts (Funding $ total)

• Reminder email to BOA + BOD + Ambassadors

43 • Email J “24 hours to go” email with amount still to be raised and impact statistic

• Countdown tweets [freq. increased to 5/day]

45 • Campaign comes to an end

46 • Status mtg w/TB• Email K OR L Wrap up email to all distribution about

campaign

• Status mtg

46 - 52 • Social media posts [Funding $ total, photo] • Social media posts

47 - 52 • Issue press release about campaign• Contact media

• Issue press release if campaign is successful

• Contact media (coordinated effort)

END of Launch/Promotion Phase

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Day Nonprofit Tasks TechBridge TasksEnd + 7 • Project kick-off meeting • Kick-off meeting

End+8 • Email M to funders announcing kick-off of implementation

• Schedule update in newsletter

• Social media updates

Midway [if 60-90 days]

• Email to funders with progress update • Social media updates

Completion [if 60-90 days]

• Email update with photos of team and tool or clients/staff using tool if appropriate

• Schedule update in newsletter

¼ way [if > 90 day implementation]

• Email progress update • Social media updates

½ way [if > 90 day implementation]


¾ way [if >90 day implementation]


Completion • Completion email • Schedule update in newsletter

• Social media updates

CHAPTER 4:Post-Campaign

Keeping your funders informed, with the right level of frequency, of the progress of the project once the campaign has come to a close will be important in nurturing a loyal support base for future crowdfunding campaigns.

We have provided a sample communication schedule once a campaign has been successfully funded.

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Email Platforms MailChimp | list management list best practices:

http://kb.mailchimp.com/article/best-practices-for-lists/

Contant Contact

Vertical Response

Press Release Distribution Services PRWeb - paid

PRNewswire – paid

Atlanta Day Book – local paid

PR Log - free Newsvine – free

Atlanta Media Outlets Patch.com Creative Loafing Reporter Newspapers Atlanta Journal Constitution


CHAPTER 5:Resources



http://www.prweb.com/

https://atlanta.daybooknetwork.com/

http://www.prlog.org/

http://www.newsvine.com/

http://www.patch.com/

http://www.clatl.com/

http://www.reporternewspapers.net/

http://www.ajc.com/

Email Templates

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A. Email from ED to Board announcing campaign - pre-launch

Subject Line: Upcoming ABC Nonprofit Crowdfunding Campaign

Dear Board Members:

You may be aware that there has been a series of discussions around crowdfunding and I am pleased to announce that we will be launching a crowdfunding campaign on TechBridge’s Nonprofit Exchange. We are raising money for [technology project] that will enable us to [project impact] and we will be collaborating with TechBridge on promotions for the campaign so that both organizations can leverage their respective audiences for support.

We are very excited about this opportunity to reach out to our supporters with a very specific ask to build capacity so that we may serve more people. We also anticipate reaching new audiences using the power of social media.

The campaign will last approximately six weeks and we anticipate that with our collective efforts, the funding goal can be achieved.

Funds raised will be used to implement the [technology project] with services provided by TechBridge.

Be on the lookout for the official launch of our campaign in the next few weeks.

Sincerely,

[E.D. Name]

Email Templates

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B. Email to Sponsors announcing Go Live

Subject Line: Support ABC Nonprofit’s 1st Crowdfunding Campaign

Dear [Sponsor Name]

Thank you for [your company’s] generous support of [ABC Nonprofit] over the years. We could not serve as many people as we do each year without your sponsorship.

We are about to embark on a new kind of fundraising campaign to raise money for [technology project]. We are partnering with TechBridge to launch a crowdfunding campaign on the TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange that will raise [$YY] from companies and individuals to fund [technology project]. This will enable us to [project impact]. We are collaborating with TechBridge on promotions for the campaign so that both organizations can leverage their respective audiences for support.

We greatly welcome your organization’s sponsorship of this campaign. Sponsorship levels begin at [$XX]. As a sponsor, your logo will be placed on the campaign webpage throughout the duration of the campaign and will remain after the campaign has successfully reached its funding goal. We will also share your support through social media. A press release template announcing your support of our campaign is also available.

Please visit our campaign the TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange today! [bit.ly link to campaign].

Email Templates

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C. Email to Individual Donors/Volunteers announcing Go Live

Subject Line: Support ABC Nonprofit’s 1st Crowdfunding Campaign

It’s an exciting time at [ABC Nonprofit]!

We are about to embark on a new kind of fundraising campaign to raise money for [technology project]. We are partnering with TechBridge to launch a crowdfunding campaign on the Nonprofit Exchange. We are raising money for [technology project] that will enable us to [project impact].

Please consider making a donation to our project. Your support means more [type of clients] served. And once you’ve made your pledge, please tell your friends about it on social media and email.

Please visit our campaign the Nonprofit Exchange today! [bit.ly link to campaign].

Email Templates

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D. Email from ED to Board and Staff announcing Go Live

Subject Line: The [name of campaign] is now live - Please Make a Pledge

Dear [ABC Nonprofit] Board & Staff--

Our crowdfunding campaign to raise [$XX] funds to implement [technology project] is now live on on the TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange! Crowdfunding experts say it is important for there to be pledges right in the first few hours of a campaign going live and definitely on Day One. Please visit our campaign at [bit.ly link to campaign] today to make a personal pledge and be sure to use the Nonprofit Exchange’s social sharing features to share your support with friends.

This technology project will enable us to [project impact]. And to ensure that the project is implemented on schedule and on budget, we will be working with TechBridge on the implementation once the campaign funding goals are reached.

Please share this email with your friends and colleagues.

Sincerely,

[E.D. Name]

Email Templates

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E. Day 8 Update Email to Sponsors, Individual Donors & Volunteers

Subject Line: Your Support Needed: ABC Nonprofit’s Crowdfunding Campaign

Hello!

It has been eight days since the campaign for [project name] went live. We have raised [$XX] of our [$YY goal] so far and need your support to reach our goal. Your pledge will help us make an impact on more clients like [names of client in the quote/photo]

“[client testimonial]”[client first + last name]

[Include photo of your work in action or even better, the client in action.]

F. Day 8 Email to Pledgers to Spread the Word

Subject Line: Share Your Support of ABC Nonprofit’s Crowdfunding Campaign

Hello!

Thank you again for supporting our campaign. We have raised of [$XX] of our [$YY goal] in the last eight days but still have a ways to go.

Would you share news of your pledge with your social networks and encourage them to pledge as well? Your collective contributions enable us to make an impact on more clients like [names of client in the quote/photo]

“[client testimonial]”[client first + last name]

[Include photo of your work in action or even better, the client in action.]

Email Templates

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G. Day 22 Update Email to Sponsors, Individual Donors & Volunteers: Halfway Point

Subject Line: Half-Way Through ABC Nonprofit Campaign - Your Support Needed

“Did you know that [ABC Nonprofit] served more than [XX] clients last year?”

Greetings!

We are halfway through our fundraising campaign for [project name] and need your support and the support of your friends to help us reach our goal of [$XX].

We’d like to thank our sponsors to date:ABC CompanyDEF CompanyGHI Company

We would also like to thank all the individual donors who have collectively pledged [$DD].

[Include photo of your work in action.]

Email Templates

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H. Day 37 Update to Current Donors: One Week to Go

Subject Line: 1 Week Left Before ABC Nonprofit Crowdfunding Campaign Closes

Hello!

There is just one week left in our [project name] campaign and we are at [X%] of our fundraising goal of [$XX].

Please consider making another pledge and spread the word to your friends on Facebook, Twitter, Linked In or Instagram! The momentum you give us through your social networks will help us reach our goal!

Thank you for your continued support of our campaign!

[bit.ly link to project page]

I. Day 29 Update to Sponsors, Individual Donors & Volunteers: One Week to Go

Subject Line: 1 Week Left to Support ABC Nonprofit Crowdfunding Campaign

Hello!

There is just one week left in our [project name] campaign and we are at [X%] of our fundraising goal of [$XX]!

If you haven’t done so already, please make a pledge to support our fundraising campaign. With your help we’ll be able to get [technology solution] that will enable us to [impact of technology].

Thank you!


Email Templates

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J. Day 43 Update to Sponsors, Individual Donors & Volunteers: 24 Hours to Go

Subject Line: Last Chance to Support ABC Nonprofit Crowdfunding Campaign - Closes at [date/time]

Hello, friends!

Last chance to make a pledge for our [project name]. We are at [X%] of our fundraising goal of [$XX]. With just 24 hours to go, please help us make our goal by making a pledge.

With your help we’ll be able to get [technology solution] that will enable us to [impact of technology].

Thank you!


Email Templates

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K. Day 46 Email Update: Campaign was successful!

Subject Line: Thank you for Supporting ABC Nonprofit’s 1st Crowdfunding Campaign

Thank you so much for helping us meet our fundraising goal of [$XX]. We could not have done it without you!

But the work is just beginning. We will now be gearing up to work with TechBridge to implement [technology project] and will provide you with project updates periodically so that you may keep up on our progress.

You made a difference for [ABC Nonprofit] and all the wonderful people we serve in this community!!

Thank you![E.D. Name, address, phone number]

L. Day 46 Email Update: Campaign goal not metSubject Line: Thank you for Supporting ABC Nonprofit’s 1st Crowdfunding Campaign Dear friends,

Thanks to all of you who supported our fundraising campaign on the TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange. We did not make our goal but we are not discouraged--we got to know many of you better during the campaign and even made some new friends.

If you know of friends who would like to be added to our mailing list for news, updates, volunteer and other opportunities, please share this email with them.

[link with text:Add me to email list]

For all of those who did make a pledge, your credit card will not be charged. If you have any questions, please contact us at:

[E.D. Name, address, phone number]

Email Templates

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M. End+8 Email Update: TechBridge project has begun [Funders/Sponsors]

Subject Line: The ABC project has begun

Thanks to you, work on the [technology project] has begun! We kicked off the project with TechBridge on [date of meeting] and project completion is scheduled for [end date.]

[Photo of project kick-off meeting]

We are so excited to embark on this journey that will build more capacity to serve more people.

The scope of our project includes: [scope details]. Stay tuned for updates as we hit key project milestones. .

Sincerely,


Na. Midway through project and on schedule [Funders/Sponsors]Subject Line: ABC project updateGreetings!

We are at the half-way point and have [1-2 highlights of what has been completed].

[2 photos of project activity]

We are on schedule and can’t wait to be able to [project purpose/value proposition]. Thank you again for your support and do visit [website.com/volunteer page] if you are interested in other opportunities to participate.

Sincerely,


Email Templates

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Sincerely,


Nb. Day+Midway through project and not on schedule [Funders/Sponsors]

Subject Line: ABC project updateGreetings!

It’s been [weeks/months] since we kicked off the project and much progress has been made. The [description of project phase or key activities] have been completed but, unfortunately, due to several unexpected delays, progress has slowed. We, remain, however optimistic that the project will be completed on schedule.

Thank you again for your continued support of [mission] and please visit [website.com/volunteer page] if you are interested in other opportunities to participate.

Sincerely,[E.D. Name, address, phone number]

Email Templates

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Sincerely,


O. Project Completion [funders/sponsors]Subject Line: ABC project complete!

Greetings!

We are so pleased to announce that the [project name] has successfully been completed as scheduled [alt copy: AA days ahead of schedule]!

Your support has made [reason for project] a reality for our organization and will enable us to better serve clients like [client name] more effectively.

[client quote of the nonprofit’s impact on their life/condition]

[image of client(s) in action shot]

Sincerely,


Press Release Templates

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1. Press Release announcing that campaign is planned

ABC Nonprofit to Launch Crowdfunding Campaign for [Technology Initiative]

[Benefit of Technology Initiative]

ATLANTA – Date Here. [ABC Nonprofit, brief mission/location description], seeks to [reason for technology initiative] by implementing [name of technology initiative]. It will be launching a crowdfunding campaign on the newly minted TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange website to raise funds for the project from corporations and private individuals.

"Crowdfunding is becoming increasingly mainstream in the commercial sector and we at ABC Nonprofit are thrilled to leverage the TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange to fundraise for [technology initiative,]” said Executive Name at ABC Nonprofit. “I believe this project is essential to increasing our capacity to serve more [nonprofit clients],” he added.

The campaign will feature the scope of the technology project as well as expected outcomes once completed. [ABC Nonprofit] and TechBridge will collaborate on a joint marketing campaign to spread the word in the community.

The TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange provides a unique opportunity for local companies and individuals to positively impact nonprofits in a way that targets the bottom line. TechBridge, a nonprofit helping other nonprofits by leveraging affordable technology and business solutions, manages due diligence prior to campaign launch and project implementation on successfully funded campaigns.

Quote from donor/Board member:

[ABC Nonprofit’s] Nonprofit Exchange campaign is scheduled to launch on [XX date] and will last approximately five weeks. The goal is to raise [XX dollars] for [technology initiative]. To pledge to the campaign, visit https://nonprofit-exchange.techbridge.org

About ABC Nonprofit

Long company description and include web address.

About TechBridge

Founded in 2000, TechBridge is a nonprofit that provides other nonprofits with the tools, resources and relationships they need to apply business strategies and technology to further their missions. This is made possible by support from the TechBridge network of corporations, individuals and foundations. The TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange provides nonprofits with a funding vehicle for their technology needs while TechBridge’s fundraising efforts, including its signature gala, the Digital Ball, unite the technology community to celebrate the impact technology can have in strengthening our community. For more information about TechBridge, visit www.techbridge.org.

# # #

https://nonprofit-exchange.techbridge.org/


http://www.techbridge.org/


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2. Sponsor Press Release to be used by sponsor announcing their support of ABC Nonprofit’s campaign

XYZ Corporation Participates in Nonprofit Crowdfunding; Funds ABC Nonprofit [Technology Project] through TechBridge Nonprofit

Exchange

Atlanta – Date Here. [XYZ Corporation, brief mission/location description], is proud to announce its support of the [Campaign Title] for [ABC Nonprofit] on the TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange with its sponsorship of [dollar amount]. The campaign seeks to raise [$XX dollars] by [campaign end date] to fund the implementation of [technology description] that will [impact of technology].

“We are so pleased to sponsor a technology project that will help [ABC Nonprofit] get to the next level by [impact of technology],” said Executive, title at XYZ Corporation.

[Paragraph on XYZ Corporation’s legacy of supporting nonprofits [or this particular nonprofit].]

“The operational efficiencies we achieve with [Campaign Title] will allow us to serve more people,” said [ABC Nonprofit Executive Director [E.D. Name].

According to [CIO Name], [XYZ Corporation], “We are thrilled to sponsor [ABC Nonprofit] on this campaign and look forward to seeing the results of the work.”


Visit the campaign page on the TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange at https://nonprofit-exchange.techbridge.org to learn more about [ABC Nonprofit] campaign.

About ABC NonprofitLong company description and include web address.About XYZ CorporationLong company description and include web address.About TechBridgeFounded in 2000, TechBridge is a nonprofit that provides other nonprofits with the tools, resources and relationships they need to apply business strategies and technology to further their missions. This is made possible by support from the TechBridge network of corporations, individuals and foundations. The TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange provides nonprofits with a funding vehicle for their technology needs while TechBridge’s fundraising efforts, including its signature gala, the Digital Ball, unite the technology community to celebrate the impact technology can have in strengthening our community. For more information about TechBridge, visit www.techbridge.org.

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3. Campaign Kickoff Press Release

ABC Nonprofit Kicks-off Crowdfunding Campaign for [technology initiative]

Atlanta – Date Here. [ABC Nonprofit, brief mission/location description], is proud to announce the launch of its crowdfunding campaign on the TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange. The campaign aims to raise [$XX dollars] to [impact of technology]. [ABC Nonprofit] and TechBridge will jointly promote the campaign to their respective audiences. Individuals and companies that recognize the value of technology and the impact it will have on [ABC Nonprofit] are encouraged to contribute to the campaign.

“We think our organization is at a crossroads where technology is the key to helping us get to the next level. The operational efficiencies we achieve with [XYZ project] will allow us to serve more people,” said [ABC Nonprofit Executive Director [E.D. Name]

"Increasing a nonprofit’s capacity is the ultimate goal at TechBridge,” said James Franklin, CEO of TechBridge. “The TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange offers nonprofits an efficient way to garner financial support from current supporters and their peers through social networking features. We are thrilled to partner with [ABC Nonprofit] on this campaign and look forward to implementing their project as soon as the funding goal is reached.”

Visit the campaign page at https://nonprofit-exchange.techbridge.org to learn more about [ABC Nonprofit] and contribute to their campaign.

About ABC Nonprofit


About TechBridge


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4. Campaign Success Press Release

ABC Nonprofit’s First Crowdfunding Campaign on the TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange A Success

Atlanta – Date Here. [ABC Nonprofit, brief mission/location description], is proud to announce the successful completion of their crowdfunding campaign [Campaign Title] on the TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange. The campaign raised [$XX dollars] , YY percent over the original goal amount of [$ZZ]. Funds raised will be used to implement [technology description] to [impact of technology]. TechBridge will provide project management and services to ensure that the project is completed on schedule. Excess funds will be applied to…..

“We are overwhelmed by the support the campaign received. The funds raised will allow us to get to the next level by [impact of technology] and the operational efficiencies we achieve with [XYZ project] will allow us to serve more people,” said [ABC Nonprofit Executive Director [E.D. Name]

"Increasing the reach of [ABC Nonprofit] is the ultimate goal,” said James Franklin, TechBridge CEO. “We are thrilled to partner with [ABC Nonprofit] on this campaign and look forward to implementing their project as soon as possible so they can start reaping the benefits.”


Visit the campaign page on the Nonprofit Exchange at https://nonprofit-exchange.techbridge.org to learn more about [ABC Nonprofit] and TechBridge.

About ABC Nonprofit


About TechBridge


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Sample Social Media Updates

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Sample Facebook Posts & Tweets

Post #1 – Check out ABC #nonprofit ‘s campaign to fund XYZ Project on @IamNPExchange Give generously! www.projectlink.org #fundchange

Post #2 – Spread the word on our campaign to raise $XXk for ABC Project Pls RT www.projectlink.org. #fundchange #nonprofit

Post #3 – We embarking on our 1st #crowdfunding campaign for ABC Project. Details at www.projectlink.org! #fundchange #nonprofit

Post #4 – We are on Day 8 of our 45 day campaign to raise funds for ABC Project. Help us reach our goal at www.projectlink.org. #fundchange #nonprofit

Post #5 – (Photo post) Check out the kids/dogs/seniors we serve. The ABC Project will help us serve even more like them. #Fund now www.projectlink.org.”

Post #6 - (Video post) “Want to learn more what we do in the community? Check out www.projectlink.org. #fundchange #nonprofit

http://www.projectlink.org/










Sample Social Media Updates cont’d

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Sample Facebook Posts & Tweets

Post #7 – Huge thanx to pledgers Kathy Jones, Steve Earl, James King, Kelly Mitchell, etc. The IT project will help us <insert impact>. Pls spread the word and share www.projectlink.org #fundchange

Post #8 – “We are now on Day 21 of XX to raise $XYZ dollars for Project ABC. Shout outs to our most recent donors: Steve Wills, Betty Smith, Julie Armstrong, Sonali Mathew and David Hutchins. Join them at www.projectlink.org.”

Post #9 - $XX raised and $YY to go. Help us <insert project> to <insert impact> www.projectlink.org #fundchange

Post #10 – Last chance to fund <insert impact> Need your help to get us to $XX. www.projectlink.org Please RT

Post #11 – (Photo post) #Fund the ABC Project to help us serve even more <animal, child, seniors, etc.> www.projectlink.org. #nonprofit

Post #12 – (Photo post) Stop <cause> #Fund the ABC Project to help us serve even more <animal, child, seniors, etc.> www.projectlink.org. #nonprofit








CHAPTER 6:FAQ

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TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE

Is there a cost to post a project on the Nonprofit Exchange?There is an administrative platform fee of the larger of $500 or 5% of the total campaign goal. This fee can be rolled into the total campaign funding goal or can be paid separately by the nonprofit organization.

What happens if my project is not fully funded?If your project is not fully funded on the Nonprofit Exchange, your organization will have the option of making up the difference of the funds needed to begin your project.

If your target is not met and your organization is not able to make up the difference in funding, your donors will not be charged for their pledges.

What happens if we raise more than the campaign goal?The Nonprofit Exchange allows campaigns to receive pledges over and above the stated campaign goal. Any additional funds that are collected will be put toward a pre-determined stretch goal project that is scoped at the time of the original project.

This information is also clearly outlined in the campaign page to encourage more pledges.

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