Derby Duck Fundraiser

It’s another quacky weekend of racing with a total of 45,000 rubber ducks racing this weekend.  Adopt your duck today, you don’t have to be present to win!

22nd Annual SERTOMA Great Topeka Duck Race
Great Topeka Duck Race

Who: Sertoma Clubs of Topeka

The Sertoma Clubs of Topeka support nonprofits such as the Capper Foundation, Lifehouse Advocacy Center, Big Brothers of Topeka, the Children’s Miracle Network, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Meals and Wheels, and Head Start.  They also provide hearing aids to the elderly and support hearing loss prevention programs to elementary school children.

Where:  Topeka, Kansas at Lake Shawnee

When: Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. CDT.  Ducks launch at 3:00 p.m.

Highlights:  Children’s activities including midway games, arts and crafts, face painting, clowns, petting zoo, food and entertainment.

Prizes:  Out of 10,000 ducks that are going to race, the first place prize is a Diamond Tennis Bracelet.  The second prize winner will go home with $1,500 cash.  Other prizes include a family adventure package, a Hyvee shopping spree, sporting events tickets and a one year family membership to the Topeka Zoo.

Racer Website: www.duckrace.com/topeka

14th Annual URS Rubber Duck Regatta

Rubber Duck Regatta

Who: United Rehabilitation Services

United Rehabilitation Services (URS) provides a safety net of support services for children and adult with disabilities, from infancy through the senior years. URS also offers Early Childhood Education and school programs for ages 7-17, a pediatric aquatic therapy program and other programs for adults and seniors with disabilities.

Where: Dayton, Ohio at Riverscape MetroPark during the Hispanic Heritage Festival.

When: Saturday, September 16, 2016 at 11:00 p.m. EDT. Ducks drop at 4:30 p.m.

Highlights: Food trucks, kids activities, and a Quacky Kids Parade.

Prizes: Out of the 25,000 ducks that will be launched into the Great Miami River, 8 prizes will be given out.  The Grand Prize is a 7-bedroom houseboat rental on Norris Lake.  Other prizes include a $1,000 gift card to Kroger, a $1,000 gift card to Watson’s, a $1,000 gift card to Buffalo Wild Wings, and burgers for a year from Bagger Dave’s.

Racer Website: www.daytonducks.com

2017 Grants Pass Rotary Duck Derby

Rotary Duck Race

The Grants Pass Rotary Club currently has about 160 members in the community.  The club has been a leader in community service projects as well as supporting the international aspects of Rotary through the Rotary Foundation.

Who: Grants Pass Rotary

Where: Grants Pass, Oregon at Riverside Park

When: Saturday, September 16, 2017 at noon PDT.

Highlights: Returning for its 15th year, a total of 10,000 rubber ducks will race to help raise funds to give back to the community. This year’s proceeds will go to buy livestock pens for 4-H at the Jo Co Fairgrounds and also to build a “sprayground” water feature in Riverside Park.

Prizes: Over 8 prizes will be awarded to the fastest ducks to cross the finish line. This year’s prizes include a $2,500 Live Well Gift Package, a $1,500 gift card to Diamond Home Improvement, a $1,000 one-year family membership to YMCA, and a beach house rental for one week. The grand prize winner will receive a $15,000 vehicle credit toward the purchase or lease of a new car or truck from a Grants Pass New Car Dealer!

Racer Website: www.grantspassrotary.org

The ducks are racing in Georgia this weekend for the 3rd Annual Gwinnett Duck Derby.  Some lucky duck will go home with $2500 cash!

Gwinnett Duck Derby

3rd Annual Gwinnett Duck Derby

Who: Rotary Club of South Gwinnett County

The Rotary Club of South Gwinnett County is made up of business owners and community leaders with a desire to help others in their community.  One hundred percent of proceeds from the duck race will provide Gwinnett’s children with such items as: Literacy programs, college scholarships, youth leadership camps, playground equipment and so much more!

Where:  Gwinnett, Georgia at the West Gwinnett Park Aquatic Center

When: Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. EDT.

Highlights: Come watch 5,000 yellow rubber ducks race down the water park slide and race to the finish line to raise funds for Gwinnett kids.  The Gwinnett Duck Derby is a family friendly event complete with food, youth activities and more.

Prizes:  The first 3 lucky ducks that cross the finish line will win quacktastic prizes including a grand prize of $2500, a second place prize of $1000 and a third place prize of $500. There will also be door prizes!

Racer Website:  www.gwinnettduckderby.com

We have a total of three duck races to kick off 2017 Labor Day weekend. Over 190,000 yellow rubber ducks will be racing this weekend!

12th Annual Antelope Valley Duck Race

Antelope Valley Duck Race

Who: Kiwanis Club of Palmdale West

The Kiwanis Club is part of a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.  Proceeds go directly back into the community including organizations such as the South Antelope Valley Education Association (SAVE Foundation).

Where: Dry Town Water Park in Palmdale, CA

When: Friday, September 1, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. PDT.  Ducks race at 8:30 p.m.

Highlights:  Fun activities will include a corporate duck decorating contest, photos with Quacky and duck fans can use the water park before the ducks race! The highlight will be watching 10,000 rubber ducks launch into the lazy river and race to win one of 12 prizes! Prizes include the first place prize of a $1,000 Sam’s Club Gift Card, a $700 Lowe’s Gift Card, and multiple gift cards to various local businesses.

Racer Website: www.duckrace.com/antelopevalley

 Southern Illinois Ducky Derby Dash

Southern Illinois Ducky Derby Dash

Who: Special Olympics Illinois

Special Olympics Illinois supports more than 22,000 athletes and nearly 20,000 young athletes to participate, at no cost, in Special Olympics Illinois programs.  These ambitious individuals train in one or more of the 17 Special Olympics sports, as well as compete at hundreds of events held in the state of Illinois each year.

Where: DuQuoin State Fairgrounds, IL

When: Sunday, September 3, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. CDT.  Ducks drop at 3:00 p.m.

Highlights: Race day kicks off with a parade followed by entertainment for the entire family. There will be live music, face painting, games and Splash the Duck will make an appearance. More than 5,000 ducks will launch later in the day and race in the lake behind the Exhibition Hall.   Prizes include a $1,000 cash and a one night stay at Blue Sky Vineyard that includes a trail ride, a zip line tour and one hour photography session. Some lucky adopter will win two tickets to the NASCAR XFINITY Series Race.

Racer Website: www.duckyderbydash.com

23rd Rubber Duck Regatta

Rubber Duck Regatta

Who: Freestore Food Bank

The Freestore Food Bank is one of Ohio’s largest food banks, distributing 23 million meals annually through a network of 350 community partner agencies serving 20 counties in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.

Where: Purple People Bridge on the Ohio River

When: Sunday, September 3, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. EDT.

Highlights: Our final race is the largest race of the entire year!  Fans can watch up to 200,000 Ducks swim down the Ohio River near the Serpentine Wall for a chance to win the grand prize of a 2017 Honda HR-V  LX. The second quickest duck will receive $100 in groceries from Kroger each week for a year. The next five lucky ducks will receive $500 cash! Later in the evening, fans can watch a fireworks show.  What are 200,00 ducks swimming for? To help the Freestore Foodbank solve hunger and ensure that children have the fuel they need to grow healthy and strong. 100% of duck purchases goes directly to providing meals for hungry children in the community.  Buy a Duck. Win a Car. Feed a Child.

Racer Website: www.rubberduckregatta.org

We have one duck and one turtle race at the end of August.  Check them out and support these quacktastic nonprofit organizations!

29th Annual Center for Prevention of Abuse Duck Race

One duck and one turtle race at the end of August - Peoria Duck Race

Who: Center for Prevention of Abuse

The Center for Prevention of Abuse provides safety and support to over 5,000 women, men and children of all ages who have been affected by domestic violence, sexual assault/abuse, elder abuse, and abuse of adults with disabilities.  In addition, the Center provides school based prevention education to 33,000 students each year, focusing on body safety, positive conflict resolution, anti-bulling and healthy relationships. Race and Duck and Stop Abuse!

Where: Eastside Centre in Peoria, IL

When: Saturday, August 26, 2017 at noon CDT.

Highlights: Activities will begin at noon and a total of 25,000 ducks will race at 2:00 p.m. This year’s them is Super Hero!  They are encouraging the community to dress up like their favorite heroes to come and join the fun.  There will be special appearances by some awesome heroes this year.

Prizes: The grand prize is $5,000 cash and other prizes include a $2,500 Sherman’s Gift Card, a $500 Kroger Gift Card, a Hotel Package, and other Gift Cards to local businesses.

Racer Website: www.duckrace.com/peoria

2nd Annual York Turtle Derby

One duck and one turtle race at the end of August - York turtle race

Who: Big Brothers and Big Sisters of York 

The Big Brothers Big Sisters of York and Adam Counties mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better.

Where:  Codorus Creek Basin

When: Sunday, August 27, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. EDT.

Highlights:  A total of 2,000 turtles will race down the Codorus Creek for their chance at a $500 grand prize!  The second place turtle will win an iPad Air and the 3rd place turtle will win $100 cash.

Racer Website: www.yorkturtlederby.com

August continues to stay busy with three rubber duck races this weekend. Over 40,000 ducks will take the plunge this weekend for three nonprofits. Check them out and Adopt a Duck today! Remember, you don’t need to be present to win!

The GREAT Texarkana Duck Race

Great Texarkana Duck Race

Who: CHRISTUS St. Michael Foundation

CHRISTUS St. Michael provides patient-centered quality care through the Center for Joint Replacement, the designated Primary Stroke Center, a Level III NICU, a Level III Trauma Center, as well as day surgery, open heart surgery, orthopedic surgery, vascular surgery, neurosurgery, cardiac/pulmonary rehabilitation, diagnostic radiology, therapeutic and wellness programs.

Where: Texarkana, TX at Holiday Springs Water Park

When: Saturday, August 19, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. CDT, Ducks Race at 10:00 a.m.

Highlights: Spend a day at the water park with children’s activities on Monkey Island and Splash Mountain Texarkana. At 10:00 a.m.  a total of 12,000 rubber ducks will take a dip in the lazy river for their shot at one of six prizes!

Prizes: These lucky ducks are racing for the top duck prize of a 2017 Kia Forte. The next five ducks to cross the finish line will also receive a prize including a $1,000 gift certificate to Holiday Cleaners, a $500 gift card to Super 1 Foods, a $500gift card to Classic Car Wash, a Tundra 75 Yeti Cooler, and a custom built fire pit.

Racer Website: https://www.christusstmichaelfoundation.org/?nd=ticket_list&fundraiser_id=29

Leadership of Tomorrow Duck Derby

Three rubber duck races this weekend - Grand Island

Who: Leadership Tomorrow

Leadership Tomorrow is a 9-month program that identifies adult men and women in Hall County with leadership talent and interest and prepares them to assume leadership responsibilities.

Where: Grand Island, NE at the Island Oasis Water Park

When: Saturday, August 19, 2017 beginning at 9:00 a.m. CDT. Ducks Swim at 10:00 a.m.

Highlights: Ducky fans will enjoy a morning of fun at the FREE Kids Festival! At 10:00 a.m. you can take a break and watch 5,000 ducks swim to the finish line in the lazy river! After the race guest can continue the excitement with an afternoon of water park fun!

Prizes: The top five ducks to cross the finish line will win cash prizes ranging from $250 to $5,000 for their adoptive owners! Other great prizes will be awarded to the next 13 ducks including gift certificates, kayak rentals,a shopping spree, a car wash membership, and more!

Racer Website: http://www.duckrace.com/gi

27th Annual Great Snake River Greenbelt Duck Race

Great Snake River Greenbelt Duck Race

Who: Idaho Falls Rotary Club

Since 1991, the Idaho Falls Rotary Club has been raising money to help improve and grow the Greenbelt, where the beautiful Snake River makes its way through the heart of Idaho Falls. Due to the Rotary Club’s fundraising efforts, there are now nearly six miles of paved trail, a replica of the Taylor Toll Bridge, and beautiful park amenities.

Where: Idaho Falls, ID at the Snake River Greenbelt Riverwalk

When: Saturday, August 19, 2017 starting at 9:00 a.m. MDT.  Ducks drop at 4:00 p.m.

Highlights: These ducks are no strangers to the Snake River. Returning for their 27th year, 23,000 ducks will swim to the finish line. But first, duck race fans can spend the day on the Riverwalk filled with entertainment and fun! Beginning at 9:00 a.m. fans can enjoy a car show and speedboat races all day. The Riverwalk will also feature food trucks, a Candy Bomb event, a Ping Pong Ball Drop, and a “Build It” project sponsored by Home Depot for the kids. There will also be multiple craft booths and family fun!

Prizes: A total of 8 prizes will be handed out at this year’s race including golf passes, gift certificates, dining experiences, and jewelry! The grand prize winner will drive home in a brand new 2017 Kawasaki Teryx!

Racer Website: http://www.duckrace.com/idahofalls

 

August is always a busy month and this weekend we have a total of five rubber duck races! Ducks will be racing in Atlanta, Tampa, Aspen, Blue Ridge and Kirkland.

Atlanta’s 12th Annual Duck Pluck

five rubber duck races - Atlanta

Who: Special Olympics Georgia

Special Olympics Georgia provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities with the goal to bring persons with intellectual disabilities into the larger society under conditions whereby they are accepted, respected, and given the chance to become useful and productive citizens. Special Olympics Georgia currently supports over 27,000 athletes.

Where: Atlanta, GA at Post Chastain Apartment Homes

When: Friday, August 12, 2017  at 1:00 p.m. EDT.

Highlights: Enjoy an afternoon by the pool with this lucky duck pluck! Each duck adoption will either provide a meal for an athlete at the games, provide funds for medals and ribbons, or housing for 2 nights for multiple athletes at the games. Every Duck Adoption counts.

Prizes: Out of 10,000 ducks to be plucked, six quacky prizes will be given out at this year’s pluck which include a $400 Visa Gift Card, a $250 Macy’s Gift Card, a YETI 35 Cooler and Tumbler, a Dell Laptop Computer,  a 2-night Stay at the King & Prince Beach and Golf Resort and 2 round trip tickets on Spirit Airlines!

Racer Website: www.atlantaduckpluck.com

The Incredible Duck Race

The Incredible Duck Race

Who: Kiwanis Club of Tampa

All duck sales will benefit the Tampa Kiwanis Foundation and go towards programs focused on children in the Tampa community.  The Kiwanis Club of Tampa has been helping children in the local community since 1919.  They build ramps for the disabled, hold immunization events, purchase holiday gifts for kids in need, provide scholarships and provide scholarships to local students.

Where: Curtis Hixon Park in Tampa, Florida

When: Saturday, August 12, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to noon EDT.

Highlights:  This is the first duck race for Tampa and the Kiwanis Club is excited to be launching 5,000 rubber ducks down the Hillsborough River! There will be family friendly music, food and activities for the children all leading up to the big race.  The first three ducks to cross the finish line will win $500, $1000 and the top duck wins $5000!

Racer Website: www.tampaduckrace.com

Blue Ridge Duck Race

Blue Ridge Duck Race

Who: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Blue Ridge

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Blue Ridge’s mission is to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens by providing a world-class Club Experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who walks through the doors.

Where: Martinsville, VA at the Smith River Sports Complex during the Smith River Fest

When: Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. EDT.

Highlights: Smith River Fest guests can enjoy a day of outdoor activities, vendors and family fun. At 1:00 p.m. guests can gather at the Smith River Sports complex to watch 10,000 rubber ducks race to the finish. Each Duck Adoption will go towards providing materials and supplies, field trips, and afterschool programming for members at the Boys & Girls Clubs!

The owners of the three fastest ducks will waddle home with either $1000; $2,000; or $3000!

Racer Website: www.blueridgeduckrace.com

The 2017 Great Puget Sound Duck Dash 

five rubber duck races - Kirkland

Who: Rotary Club of Kirkland

Proceeds will benefit the Kirkland community including high school scholarships, winter coats for children, the Boys & Girls Club, TeenCenter, Miracle League Baseball and many other important causes.

Where: Kirkland, WA on Lake Washington at Kirkland’s Marina Park

When: Saturday, August 12, 2017 during Kirkland Summerfest, Ducks Race at 2:00 p.m. PDT.

Highlights: Starting at 11:00 a.m.,  ducky fans can spend the day at Summerfest and listen to music, experience unique art, and have family fun at the waterfront and downtown. Summerfest will also feature a Kid’s Zone with inflatables and rides, yoga, a fitness and obstacle course, face painters, balloon artists, and more! At 2:00 p.m. a total of 8,000 rubber ducks will launch into the lake to swim to victory!

Racer Website: http://www.kirklandrotary.org/SitePage/the-great-puget-sound-duck-dash

Rotary Club of Aspen: 26th Annual Ducky Derby

Duck Derby in river

Who: Rotary Club of Aspen

Over the past 20 years, the Ducky Derby has raised $2.3 million for 65 nonprofit groups in the Rolling Fork Valley as well as charitable organizations around the world. The Ducky Derby is the only source of fundraising for the Rotary Club of Aspen.

Where: Aspen, CO at Rio Grande Park

When: Saturday, August 12, 2017 starting at 10:00 a.m. MDT. Ducks Race at 2:17 p.m.

Highlights: It’s a fun-filled day of ducks! From 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., duck fans can experience youth games and vendor booths. From 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. there will be a silent auction and live music. This quacky day will also feature an invitational and a food court and beer garden! At 2:17 p.m.,  a total of  30,000 ducks will launch bridge and race to the finish line.  One lucky duck will waddle home with the $10,000 grand prize but don’t worry, there will also be 10 more prizes handed out!

Racer Website:  www.duckyderby.com

August is always a busy month and we have two duck races and a turtle race to start off August.  There will be over 75,000 ducks racing and 2,000 turtles racing!

Windy City Ducky Derby

Chicago Duck Race  Chicago Duck Race

Who: Special Olympics Illinois

Special Olympics Illinois provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy.

Where: Chicago, Illinois

When: Thursday, August 3, 2017 starting at 10:00 a.m.  Ducks will race at 1:00 p.m. CDT.

Highlights: The first race of the weekend is no rookie to the duck racing world. The Windy City Ducky Derby returns for its 12th year to Chicago, IL! Rubber ducks will take over downtown Chicago at 400 North Michigan Avenue. Duck fans can enjoy entertainment and games that are fun for the entire family! At 1:00 p.m.,  60,000 ducks will take the plunge into the Chicago River and race to win one of five quacky prizes. This year’s prizes include tickets to the NASCAR Monster Energy Nascar Cup Series, a weekend staycation package,  a a two-night trip to Las Vegas and an all-inclusive vacation to Cancun! The fastest duck will waddle home in a 2017 Chevy Equinox! Proceeds from the duck race benefit over 22,000 Special Olympics athletes.

Racer Website: www.chicagoduckrace.com

Austin Duck Derby

Austin Duck Derby   Austin Duck Derby

Who: Austin Boys & Girls Club Foundation

The Austin Boys & Girls Club Foundation provides annual college scholarships for outstanding youth from the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area. Your Duck Adoption is an investment in the most vital natural resources: our children.

Where: Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas

When:  Saturday, August 5, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. CDT.  The ducks race at 11;30 a.m.

Highlights: The Austin Duck Derby will begin with the release of 17.000 rubber ducks into Lady Bird Lake from the Ann Richards Bridge.  The day will be filled with children’s activities, music, food and entertainment.  Prizes include gift cards, tickets to local events and more. The owner of the 1st place duck will win a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta S.

Racer Website: www.austinduckderby.com

Topsail Turtle Blast

  

Who: Share the Table

Share the Table is a faith based community Food Ministry supported by nine churches.  Through their free community meal, food pantry and school backpack programs, Share the Table helps feed over 500 residents per week in their community.

Where:  Soundside Park in Surf City, North Carolina

When: Thursday, August 3, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. EDT.  Turtles will race at 6:30 p.m.

Highlights:  Join 2,000 turtles at Soundside Park in Surf City, NC and enjoy an evening of music, food vendors, and kid’s activities. At approximately 6:30 p.m. the first heat of turtles will be launched and begin racing. Slow and steady may win most races but the fastest turtle of all the heats of the Turtle Blast will win $500!

Racer Website: www.topsailturtleblast.com

We have three duck races and a turtle race to finish up July.  Check out the information about each race and adopt a duck or turtle before they sell out!

The Snappin’ Chaplin Turtle Derby

Perryville turtle race

Who: Main Street Perryville

Main Street Perryville is a leader in developing the Perryville community as a regional center for better commerce, tourism, education, health, and historic preservation.

Where: Perryville, KY (Downtown)

When: Saturday, July 29, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EDT.  Turtles will race at 5:00 p.m. in the Chaplin River.

Highlights: The Turtles are coming back to Perryville! Throughout the day, fans can enjoy food trucks, A D.J. and family fun!  The event is free and open to the public! The top three turtles will take home wither $400, $600, or $1,000 cash!

Racer Website: www.snappinchaplinturtlederby.com

The Humane Society’s 2017 Duck Derby

Humane Society Duck Race

Who: The Humane Society

The Humane Society services the Broome County community and shelters animals, finds them homes, investigates reports of animal cruelty, and educates people of all ages and rescuing animals from life threatening situations.

Where: Binghamton, NY at the Holiday Inn Downtown Binghamton

When: Sunday, July 30, 2017 from noon to 4:00 p.m. EDT.

Highlights: Spend the afternoon with animals looking for forever homes and 10,000 rubber ducks! Duck race fans can enjoy a day full of vendors, games, music, animals, and more! Every animal deserves a home so don’t miss your chance to Adopt a Duck before they sell out! This year the owners of the quickest “quack” will take home with $700, $1,300, or $5,000!

Racer Website: www.binghamtonduckrace.com

Great Black Hills Duck Race

Rapid City duck race

Who: Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

Regional Health works wonders daily for children.  Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at Regional Health help to provide life-saving equipment for children so they can grow up strong and healthy.

Where: Rapid City, SD at Rapid Creek

When: Sunday, July 30, 2017 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. CDT.

Highlights: Duck spectators can enjoy a family-friendly afternoon of activities, food, music, and more! Don’t miss out on your chance to meet Quacky!
Nearly 16,000 rubber ducks are racing to win prizes!

Racer Website: https://regionalhealth.org/annual-fund-programs/childrens-miracle-network-regional-health

24th Annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race

Rotary Duck Race

Who: Silverdale Rotary Club

The Silverdale Rotary brings together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and to advance goodwill and peace throughout the community. This year’s duck race proceeds will benefit the lives of children through programs such as the Morrow Manor project, feeding homeless children, providing scholarships for high school seniors, and more!

Where: Silverdale, WA during Whaling Days

When: Sunday, July 30, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. PDT.

Highlights: All weekend duck fans can enjoy parades, food, music and LOTS of fun during the Whaling Days Festival. The duck race will conclude the weekend by launching 18,000 rubber ducks into the river to win prizes! The quickest duck of them all will go home in a brand new Nissan truck or $16,000!

Racer Website: http://silverdalerotaryduckrace.com/

If you have launched a nonprofit fundraising campaign, you know how difficult it can be to raise money.  Many nonprofits use social media influencer campaigns to extend the reach of their message to hundreds of new supporters.  What is a social media influencer?  A social media influencer is active on one or more social media networks and who has established credibility on a special industry.  They usually have a modest to large following. Most importantly,  all influencers have one thing in common.  They can persuade others by virtue of their authenticity and reach and drive action.

Why Your Nonprofit Needs Social Media Influencers
  • Organic reach is down and because of this, nonprofits are having to pay to be seen in the newsfeed.
  • A recent study by The Georgetown Digital Persuasion Study reports that 65% of people find out about a cause through friends and family. In addition, 68% are prompted to donate after engaging with a cause on social media.
  • It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to grow your supporter database and drive engagement.
How to Find Social Media Influencers
  • Segment your email list – Look at your organization’s email list and find out who has the largest social media presence. One way to do this is by looking at Twitter follower counts. Check to see if you can segment your email database by social influence.
  • Social listening – Monitor digital media channels to understand the conversation around relevant topics so you can better engage those people driving it. You can monitor the mention of the name of your organization and any campaigns you are running.
  • Google Trends – Google Trends allows you to see the popularity of a particular search term. When you submit a search term, you are provided with a chart that shows interest over time.
  • Review hashtags on Twitter and Instagram related to your focus and pay attention to posts that have lots of engagement.
Duck race_influencer
Chicago Cubs Catcher Wilson Contreras – celebrity ambassador for Special Olympics Illinois.
Types of Social Media Influencers
  • Everyday Influencer.  These people are on your email list who are extremely motivated by your cause.  For example, Kathy Green is a teacher who uses her Instagram account with over 2,000 followers. Kathy posts from time to time about your animal rescue. Ask her if she would spread the word about your fundraising campaigns or adoption events. Email Kathy and others like her with a call to action and a link to post.  Sample subject lines can be:  “Can you tweet this today or will you share this story on Facebook?” Always thank your influencers for their support and keep them updated on your campaigns.
  • Blogger Influencer.  Bloggers who have at least 500 to 5,000 followers and have the words media or blogger in their profile.  Contact can be as simple as emailing them and ask if they will share your campaign message on social networks.
  • Celebrity/VIP Influencers.  Look for supporters with more than 5,000 followers who post about issues that are similar to your cause. By using social media monitoring tools you can identify who these influencers are. You should also like, retweet and follow these celebrity influencers.  Tell tell them about your nonprofit in an email and ask if they would become a campaign ambassador.

A great example of a nonprofit using social media influencers is Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. First of all, they do a fantastic job of engaging with community member which has attracted the attention of influencers.  One supporter at Best Friends has an Instagram account for her dog.  Last year, in honor of his birthday, she posted about a small fundraising campaign that ended up making over $600 in one day.

Example of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary Influencer Campaigns

Nonprofits have an enormous opportunity to recruit passionate followers online who will extend their content reach. How are you using influencer driven campaigns to broaden your nonprofit’s message?

Source: Nonprofit Hub

A blog is a powerful tool for nonprofits to help them engage with and attracting new supporters.  Make creating content easier with this list of blogging tools for better writing.  Why should a nonprofit have a blog? Besides allowing you to engage with and attract new supporters, it will allow your nonprofit to publish a steady stream of relevant and updated content to your volunteers and the community.   And it can offer a fresh perspective on your organization and allow a way for staff and supporters to tell their own stories.  In addition, incorporating a blog into your website can also help boost your SEO.

Content Blogging Idea Tools

BuzzSumo – Enter a topic or an URL into the search box, and you will get feedback on what content performs best for social media sharing.

Hubspot’s Blog Topic Generator – Don’t know what to blog about? Let the topic generator think of ideas for you. Enter 3 nouns and the generator will come up with a week’s work of relevant blog posts titles in a matter of seconds.

Portent Title Maker – A fun tool that allows you to enter a subject and when you do, you will get a sample blogpost title.  You will also receive ideas for why the title might make for some good reading.

Google Trends – If you trying to figure out if your blog post is going to receiving some traffic, enter the topic into Google Trends to see the search volume for different keywords you are thinking about using.

Blogging Organization Tools

Trello – One of our favorite tools that we use.  It organizes your projects into boards (cards) that can be used you and your team.  Open up a card and you can add a blog post, file attachments, visual images, due dates and more.

Evernote – A note taking tool that helps you organize notes into notebooks.  It integrates with hundreds of apps and devices.  You don’t have to be online to access the tool.  You can make a note and it will automatically sync with your other devices once you have Internet access.

Write Easier Tools

1 Checker – A free comprehensive spelling and grammar checker that can be easily downloaded onto your desktop.  It helps you to avoid embarrassing mistakes.

After the Deadline – Great tool for proofreading.  Copy and paste your text into the box and you receive instant feedback.  Any errors will be underlined and you will receive some suggestions on how to correct them.

Spell Check Plus – Paste your blog and this tool will highlight all of the errors for you.  For example, it will also give you feedback as to why a word used incorrectly and how to fix it.

Have you tried any of these blogging tools? Or, is there a tool that you have used that isn’t on our list?  Let us know.

Sources:

Hubspot

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