Alix answers a frequently asked question: “How do I know if my organization is ready to join GlobalGiving?”
As GlobalGiving’s Field Traveler in West Africa, I met with many nonprofits who are interested in joining GlobalGiving. One question that came up frequently was, “How do I know if I’m ready to join GlobalGiving?”
After five months of traveling in the field, I noticed that nonprofits that succeed in joining GlobalGiving often share a few common characteristics. These attributes were key to their success in the Accelerator, a free, online crowdfunding training program and challenge that sets organizations up to be permanent GlobalGiving partners.
Here are six signs that your nonprofit is ready to apply to GlobalGiving and graduate from the Accelerator:
GlobalGiving is an online platform, so our most successful partners already have a core group of donors with Internet access. Not only are these donors able to give to your project online, they’re also willing to act as your ambassadors and recruit new donors on your behalf. Still want to try with your donors who are more comfortable giving offline? Because it is an online platform, the majority of GlobalGiving donations are made with credit cards; however, gift cards are one giving alternative for unbanked donors. Throughout the Accelerator, GlobalGiving staff will be available to help you think through your unique fundraising challenges. They’ll work with you to map your networks and find your best donor ambassadors. Once you’ve completed the Accelerator, you’ll have the full benefits of a GlobalGIving partner, including access to new donors!
One requirement for the GlobalGiving application is that you demonstrate your social impact. We want to see that you have the skills to put your great ideas into practice. This means that if you’re a newer organization, get a project started in your community before you apply to GlobalGiving! Learn more about how to show your social impact in our PDF guide.
Crowdfunding is hard work! It takes time to run a successful fundraising campaign. Successful participants report spending an average of 5-15 staff hours a week on the Accelerator in the weeks leading up to and during the crowdfunding campaign. Make sure to pick the Accelerator that’s right for you! With multiple Accelerators each year, it’s easy to choose one that will fit into your schedule. The great thing about the Accelerator is that it gives you an excuse to prioritize fundraising for a time-bound period. GlobalGiving also has lots of tools to help you prepare. Check out GlobalGiving’s Crowdfunding Guide to start off your preparation for the Accelerator!
GlobalGiving is a great way to reach new donors. However, to succeed in the Accelerator, you’ll have to map your own networks and determine if you’ve got enough supporters to reach your fundraising goals. If you’re not sure, go ahead and give it a try!
No need to be fluent, but GlobalGiving is an English language website. This means that your application materials, project page, and project reports will all need to be in English. If English is not your first language, plan how you will address this issue. Will you use Google Translate or find a friend or supporter who can translate for you? You’re also always welcome to use any language on your own website, social media, and emails!
For most organizations participating in the Accelerator, it’s their first crowdfunding experience. You will not be alone! We lead a robust two-week training period to get you and your staff ready for the experience. And you’ll have the support of hundreds of other first-time crowdfunders like you. “The support in this Accelerator is unreal,” one Accelerator participant said. “I have gained friends.” If you are open to learning and being creative with your fundraising, the Accelerator is for you!
Ready to join GlobalGiving? Apply now to be part of our next Accelerator class.
Featured Photo: Lydia and her daughter, Nelly, in Ghana. Photo by Self-Help International.
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