The Steier Group’s latest live forum covered the Digital Do’s and Don’ts of what your organization should be doing online to counter the crisis and keep everyone engaged and giving.
“People who want to be engaged are engaged,” said Fr. Tom Holder of Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic Church in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. The key is to make it easy for parishioners and donors to stay involved, he said.
Fr. Tom talked about how his goal was to make the parish’s website user-friendly so parishioners can easily gain access to all online activities, including weekend Mass and daily reflection. The parish also complements the website by sending parish-wide emails through Constant Contact that promote these offerings.
Nic Prenger, CEO of Prenger Solutions Group, advised parishes to use Facebook for their live streaming. “It’s where your parishioners are.”
He advised parishes and congregations to include a live link for giving during the online Mass or worship service. The live link ensures immediacy, rather than hoping viewers will remember to go to a website to give. He also suggested a pinned post on Facebook that directs parishioners to an online giving portal will bring better results than a “Donate Now” button.
Prenger offered suggestions for schools that have their galas scheduled in the coming months. Those who decide to postpone should still provide great content. Make it lively, make it interesting. However, a better option may be to make the entire event digital. You will have an attentive audience, he said, because people have no where else to be. Virtual auctions can be just as rewarding as in-person events, he said, without the cost to host them.
During the pandemic, the Steier Group is hosting live brainstorming sessions each week on Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. CDT.
Major donors are the lifeblood of many nonprofit organizations. Will the pandemic and its economic fallout change their focus or level of support? Is it appropriate to ask them for support right now? The Steier Group will assemble a panel of major philanthropists and foundation leaders to answer your questions. Join us for next live forum – Donor Diagnosis. Sign up for our Steier Tips emails to receive your invitation to the next session.
