It’s a time of great uncertainty, with everything happening everywhere at once. But here’s one thing that hasn’t changed. People want to feel connected to others and to their community. Believe it or not, there’s a way to increase nonprofit community engagement in a way that builds trust and doesn’t dilute it.
Most traditional fundraising focuses on dollars. The team at Funds2Orgs long ago changed the equation with shoe drive fundraisers. It’s the reason the for-profit social enterprise has been so well-reviewed and in the sector for more than a dozen years. This article tells you what it’s all about, and why Funds2Orgs has delivered on the following results:
- More than 25,000 partners across the U.S.
- Over $20 million in issued payments to fundraising partners.
- Partners rescued over 37 million pairs of gently worn, used and new shoes.
- All who participate help the planet and also 4,000+ micro-entrepreneurs worldwide.
Why Nonprofit Community Engagement Matters More Than the Ask
The strength of a nonprofit isn’t measured solely by what’s in the bank. Research published by Cambridge University Press explores the idea of a civic footprint. It’s the impact that an organization has on society. For nonprofits, about two-thirds of the factors that make for a well-regarded organization have to do with nonprofit engagement in the community.
In other words, while programs and services matter, that’s only a part of the whole. Nonprofits need to be a dynamic presence in their communities. This is especially true for fundraising. People give to organizations that show up and, most importantly, give people a reason to belong in the broader community. That’s nonprofit engagement in action!
What Nonprofit Community Engagement Actually Looks Like with Shoe Drive Fundraisers
Donors and volunteers want to belong to something. Great nonprofit engagement isn’t about one grand gesture. It’s about creating a web of small interactions that form strands that grow stronger over time. That’s something that a Funds2Orgs shoe drive fundraiser can do, because you’re not asking for money or selling merch. It allows for the following:
Community Members Who Feel Like Partners
One of the most challenging things for nonprofits is donor fatigue. There’s a pull-back in giving, despite more cumulative dollars being raised philanthropically. Major donors are concerned about where they’re giving, and general donors are worried about the price of milk and eggs. That said, most families have shoes they no longer wear, and that’s fundraising currency.
The People You Serve as Part of Nonprofit Engagement
The people you serve deserve a voice in shaping their future within your nonprofit. However, organizations tend to focus on donors and volunteers, which misses the point. Events, storytelling, and planning that bring your entire community together are truly what drive nonprofit community engagement. Shoe drive fundraisers support that effort.
The Ambassadors and the Wider Community
A shoe drive fundraiser is a chance to involve not only your board, key donors, and volunteers. When you collect gently worn, used and new shoes, it’s a chance for everyone to engage, neighbor to neighbor and friend to friend. A shoe drive fundraiser can also turn strangers into friends and supporters with no-pressure fundraising.
How a Shoe Drive Fundraiser Brings the Community Together
Why is a shoe drive fundraiser a program that supports increased donor engagement? Well, for one, the ask is almost effortless. Again, most people have at least a pair or two of gently worn shoes they no longer wear. Some families have as many as a dozen pairs. These shoes are fundraising currency for you, paid for by Funds2Orgs—not your community! Here’s how it works:
- All you have to do is get more information or get started. No pressure.
- Determine the goal for how many shoes you’ll collect for your fundraising goals.
- Funds2Orgs sends you everything you need to begin your fundraiser, which includes shoe collection and marketing materials.
- You always have a dedicated team of fundraising coaches at your disposal.
- Promote your fundraiser in your community and make new friends. All you do is ask for gently worn, used and new shoes. It’s a great way to drive nonprofit community engagement and get people to know you!
- When your fundraiser ends, Funds2Orgs issues you a payment for the shoes you collected.
Oh, and what’s the fundraising formula? Easy: More shoes = More money. And there’s no cap on what you can earn.
Make Community Engagement a Habit, Not a One-Off
A Funds2Orgs shoe drive fundraiser is an excellent way to get to know new people in your community. It’s also a great way to strengthen community and bring everyone together. But like most successful fundraisers, you want nonprofit engagement and not just a one-off event. So, the following tips will help you ensure it for this or any fundraiser.
Make It Easy
The easier it is to participate, the wider the door. For a shoe drive fundraiser, ask for a pair of shoes or a bag of shoes. And when you’re running a fundraiser, you want to keep friction to a minimum so as many people as possible can participate.
Make It Social
Your community is looking for meaning. They want to mingle with others and build relationships. So, for a shoe drive fundraiser (or any event), be the place where people come together—even if it’s in casual nonprofit community events.
Make It Recurring
One event or fundraiser raises awareness. But to build the rhythm for belonging, you need to keep your nonprofit community engagement going. So, run online and in-person events that are predictable, so people start looking forward to them. Also, ask them to bring a friend.
Close the Loop
Make it a point to thank people publicly, share your fundraising results, and share what the funds supported. Specific to shoe drive fundraisers, also share stats about the global impact that your community made for your nonprofit and the planet.
Shoe Drive Community Engagement FAQs
How does a shoe drive fundraiser support nonprofit community engagement?
It provides your community a chance to support your nonprofit without opening their wallets. Nearly everyone has a spare pair of gently worn shoes they can contribute to your fundraiser. A Funds2Orgs shoe drive fundraiser lowers the fundraising barrier.
Can community engagement actually reduce donor fatigue?
Yes. Donor fatigue sets in when your community feels they’re only ever asked for money and not engaged meaningfully. Nonprofit community engagement happens when you bring your community together in low-pressure and low-friction ways.
How often should a nonprofit host community engagement events?
There’s no single right number. However, consistency is important, as is variation. Consider a predictable cadence, such as quarterly or seasonal. Also, change up the types of fundraisers from time to time to keep things interesting.
Ready to give your community a reason to show up? Get started with a Funds2Orgs shoe drive fundraiser.
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