Small groups have a unique challenge when it comes to fundraising. How do you maximize your impact with limited resources? What are the best marketing materials to invest in that will get your organization noticed? This article will explore the answers to these questions by identifying five of the best marketing materials for small group fundraising, including:
- Pamphlets
- Business cards
- Fact sheets
- Appeal letters
- Engagement toolkits
Many people believe that print is dead, but in reality, that’s not true. Providing materials like brochures and fact sheets leave a memorable impression on your donors. Not only that, but it can increase donations by giving donors something to take home and consider further. When you include a scannable QR code on the printout, they will be able to donate on the spot or later, using their mobile device.
No matter what age your supporters are, having physical marketing materials in their hands will increase the impact. Your charitable organization can raise more funds in the long run, even if you’re just a small group of volunteers working to make a difference.
Effective Marketing Materials for Small Group Fundraising
1. PAMPHLETS
If you’re trying to raise money as a small group, using pamphlets can be a very effective marketing tool. Once the booklet is designed and printed, all your team will have to do is distribute it. You can leave it at local businesses and community spaces to spread the word about your organization and your latest fundraising campaign.
Placing a scannable QR code can make pamphlets even more effective. All donors will have to do is scan the code with their phone, and they’ll be directed to a page to donate. It takes mere minutes to donate when you use a service like CheqrPay to create QR codes and fundraising campaigns. Your small group will be on its way to raising large sums of money with this easy and effective marketing tool.
If you’re wondering the difference between a pamphlet vs. brochure, pamphlets are actually only used for non-commercial promotion. They can look similar to a brochure with a one-page format or can extend to multiple pages. Whatever design and printing capabilities your small organization can access will be sufficient when you place all the necessary information and a QR code on your pamphlet. Using powerful stories and images will make this marketing material even more effective.
2. BUSINESS CARDS
Anytime someone from your organization has a business meeting or talks with a potential donor, they should have business cards. As an accessible marketing material to utilize, business cards can take your small organization to the next level and open up fundraising opportunities where they haven’t existed before.
Business cards should have all the vital information about you and your organization, including:
- Name and title
- Organization name
- Phone number
- Email Address
- Organization website
- QR code for donations
By adding a scannable QR code to your business card, donors will be able to give on the spot. It’s that simple. If your organization doesn’t have business cards yet, invest in them as your next marketing material.
3. FACT SHEETS
Donors want to know who they’re giving to and why. With a fact sheet, your small organization can make your purpose known. Fact sheets are typically one-page, easy for donors to read, and include all the necessary information about your mission. In addition, you can add charts, statistics, and images to the fact sheet to increase its visual appeal and impact.
Depending on your organization, you can create multiple forms of fact sheets. Some can be used to answer frequently asked questions about your organization; others can accompany your annual giving report or appeal letter so that donors have all the information they need to feel good about making a donation.
4. APPEAL LETTERS
One marketing material commonly used by nonprofit organizations is the appeal letter. Whether you are a big or small organization, appeal letters can generate many donations from your supporters. These types of appeals can be sent out annually or more frequently, depending on your fundraising campaign schedule.
Small organizations should take advantage of appeal letters because they are easy to distribute, even with a small team working behind the scenes. All you’ll need to do is draft your content, create a QR code that donors can scan to donate, and mail the letters. The QR code meaning can be specific to your campaign – leading donors to an online page where they can give in minutes without creating an account.
If you have a mailing list of past supporters, this is a simple way to target them and ask for another donation. Including a story and even an image within your appeal letter can generate more donations because it makes the cause more personal.
5. ENGAGEMENT TOOLKITS
Creating donor or volunteer engagement toolkits is another effective marketing material for small group fundraising. Asking some of your best supporters and volunteers to help spread the word for you can increase awareness of your organization and mission. You could even create a “street team” of people willing to get the word out for you.
Giving your team toolkits of printed marketing materials will make it easier for them to share your organization with people in their community. Toolkits could include:
- Pamphlets
- Posters for local businesses
- Fact sheets
- Postcards
- Promotional coasters, pens, or other items
Stretch the limits of promotional materials with an engagement toolkit. Think about your target audience of donors – what would be most helpful or fun for them to receive? Something that will leave an impression on them will undoubtedly lead to more donations for your organization. Placing a QR code for contributions on all promotional materials will help you reach more supporters, whether they’re new to donating or loyal benefactors.
Increasing the Impact of Small Group Fundraising
With effective marketing materials, you can increase the impact of your small group fundraising efforts. Utilizing items like fact sheets and engagement toolkits will leave an impression on your donors and inspire them to give to your organization. Print is not dead, especially in the world of fundraising. Raise more money for your campaign by including a scannable QR code that will lead supporters straight to the donation page.
