Derby Duck Fundraiser

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

Post Planner

We have two quacky duck race on July 4th scheduled in the The Woodlands, Texas and Covington, Louisiana.   Adopt a duck today before they sell out!

10th Annual Crisis Assistance Center Duck Derby

Two quacky duck races on July 4th - The Woodlands, TX    Two quacky duck races on July 4th - The Woodlands, TX

Who: Crisis Assistance Center

The Crisis Assistance Center (CAC) is a source of hope for Montgomery County residents experiencing financial crisis in basic needs of housing, utilities, food and clothing.  Strengthened through collaboration with community and faith partners, we honor and restore the dignity of individuals and families to attain great levels of responsibility and financial independence, by delivering assistance and life lasting strategic solutions.

Where: Rob Fleming Aquatic Center

When: July 4, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. CDT.

Highlights:  Our first race of the weekend returns for their 10th year.  What could be more fun than watching 5,000 rubber ducks race down a water slide? The third place duck win a wine tasting for 20 people.  The second place duck wins a $1,000 gift card and the first place duck waddles home with a $2,500 gift card. Adopting a duck will help families in crisis.

Racer Website: www.cacduckderby.org

St. Tammany Humane Society Duck Derby and Festival

Two quacky duck races on July 4th - Covington, LA  Two quacky duck races on July 4th - Covington, LA

Who:  St. Tammany Humane Society

St. Tammany is the the largest nonprofit, no kill animal shelter in Louisiana.  Since 1953, they have been serving the homeless, neglected and abandoned animals of the Northshore region.  They are an independent, non-governmental rescue that offers veterinary care, fostering, adoption and more!

Where: Mandeville Beach

When: July 4, 2017 at 5:00 p.m.  CDT.

Highlights:  A minimum of 1,500 rubber ducks will race to the finish line to raise money and awareness for the cause of homeless pets and great prizes for their duck adoptive parents.  The third place duck wins $250 and the second place duck wins $500.  The first place duck goes home with $1,000!  Adopt a Duck, Save a Life!

Racer Website:  www.sttammanyduckderby.com

Our Rubber Duck Racer Spotlight on Bradenton, FL this month features our nonprofit partner, PACE Center for Girls of Manatee County.  Throughout the year, we will feature different nonprofit partners so our duck racer community can learn from each other.

Organization Name: Pace Center for Girls of Manatee County

Years Racing with GAME: 2017 will mark 8 years

Head Duck:  Heather Kortzendorf, Board Chair; Christi Haley, Staff Chair

Rubber Duck Race in Bradenton
Launching 20,000 ducks!

Tell us a little bit about your organization and why you are racing ducks:

PACE Center for Girls is a year-round, non-residential school, providing a safe environment where middle and high school aged girls can thrive in a small environment.  Our balanced emphasis on academics and social services is combined with our program model to produce an experience that is nationally recognized as one of the most effective programs for helping at-risk girls realize brighter and more productive futures.

We’re racing ducks to change the lives of girls in our community!

What is your favorite part of planning a Rubber Duck Race?

The best part of planning a duck race is meeting new people in the community.  Each person we meet wants to give of their personal time to help our girls.  We love the fact that anyone in the community can be involved a make a difference. Adoptions start at only $5.00, and volunteer opportunities are available for a variety of tasks, from  leading a team to tagging ducks.  It’s inspiring when the community comes together.

Duck race volunteers
Tagging the Ducks

Do you have any duck race tips you would share with a first time racer?

Take advantage of the training and expertise of the GAME staff, and attend the Racer Conference if at all possible.  Being able to brainstorm new ideas and spend time with other racers is so helpful.  I have learned something new to grow our race at each conference.  No one else truly understands the event like your fellow racers. Having a forum to share the struggles and celebrate success is invaluable.  As a first time racer, set realistic goals and keep your expectations low, knowing that slow and steady really does win the race and there is tremendous potential growth over time.

How do you keep your race fresh and new year after year?

We evaluate our race every year and limit changes in focus to only 3.  For example, this past year we made a commitment to increase our social media exposure, grow the number of “community led” teams, and develop a Very Important Duck program.  Our Very Important Duck Package includes 100 ducks in our race plus one corporate duck with a business logo that was entered into the Very Important Duck Race.  With these changes, we increased our duck sales by over 30%, from 15,000 to 20,000 ducks. We sold out just prior to the race!  Changes are made every year to keep the event fresh, but we limit the changes to three to grow our race steadily while maintaining a positive reputation in the community.

What is something some people might not know about your organization and/or Rubber Duck Race?  

We have a DDC!!!  Every racer needs one… our “Duck Deployment Crewe” takes care of all logistical issues regarding the race and takes tremendous strain off of our staff & volunteers.  Can you imagine not worrying about how the ducks will arrive at the race location, how they will get into the water, race to the finish, and be packed back up??  The DDC has its own logo and t-shirts, and are part of the “Hernando De Soto Historical Society,” a men’s volunteer organization.  They truly make a difference in our community in so many ways, and we couldn’t race without them!

Duck race raceway
Duck Deployment Crew

What are some organizational goals you are trying to achieve with your Rubber Duck Race?

The Lucky Ducky Race for PACE not only raises funds, but tremendous advocacy for our programs.  Before starting the race 8 years ago, not many people in the community knew we existed.  Now, “Quacky” is recognizable throughout the community and everyone wants a hug and picture when she makes appearances at community events!  Because of our teams and restaurant partners who give adoption certificates to each of their customers, our community understands a little more about the needs of girls and has a positive image of PACE and the girls we serve.

What is your favorite phrase or quote?

Adopt a Duck…Help a Girl!

Our favorite call to action phrase

What is your favorite ducktionary phrase?

We use specQUACKular, QUACKtastic, and QUACKtabulous on a regular basis… and “our feathers are ruffling with excitement” when we’re looking forward to a QUACK ATTACK or other event.

The ducks are making their way to Cedar Rapids, Iowa this weekend for the 9th Annual Great Eastern Iowa Duck Race on June 17, 2017.

9th Annual Great Eastern Iowa Duck Race

Eastern Iowa Duck Race  Eastern Iowa Duck Race

Who:  Cedar Rapids DayBreak Rotary

Over the last 8 years, through community involvement investment by sponsors and adopted ducks, the Cedar Rapids Daybreak Rotary has given more than $540,000 to local youth organizations.

Where: 420 6th Street SE – Cedar Rapids, Iowa

When:  Saturday, June 17, 2017 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. CDT.

Highlights:  Fans will enjoy a day  of fun, activities and watching a total of 15,000 rubber ducks race! Over 15 prizes will be offered at this year’s race including a $2600 Sports Fan Getaway Package, a $500 Mall Shopping Spree,  a $250 Spa Day Package, gift certificates to local businesses, and more! One lucky duck is going to win the $10,000 cash grand prize for its adoptive owner!

This year’s race will support the following organizations:

  • YouthPort at Polk Education Center (Boys & Girls Clubs of Cedar Rapids, Tanager Place and Young Parents Network)
  • Jon Cushing Sunshine Fund
  • Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids
  • Kid’s First Law Center
  • Daybreak Rotary’s ESNA Village Network Project

Help Daybreak Rotary make a difference in the world and Adopt a Duck today!

Racer Website: www.easterniowaduckrace.org

The ducks next stop this weekend is in Manhattan, Kansas on Saturday, June 10, 2017 for the Little Apple Duck Dash.  Have you adopted your duck yet so it can race? Remember,  you don’t have to be present to win.

Little Apple Duck Dash

Little Apple Duck Dash   Little Apple Duck Dash

The third annual Little Apple Duck Dash begins at 9:00 a.m. CDT at CiCo Park Sledding Hill.  The day will be filled with food, games and fun.  The highlight of the day will be watching a total of 5,000 yellow ducks race down the sledding hill for one of three top positions to win a prize. The ducks launch at 11:30 a.m.  The grand prize winner will win $1,000 cash and the 2nd place winner goes home with $750 cash.  The third place winner gets a $500 shopping spree at Manhattan Town Center.

All proceeds from the Little Apple Duck Dash benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Manhattan which operates nine Club locations in Manhattan and Wamego and serves over 2,500 children annually.  Their mission is to inspire and enable all young people to realize their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens through programs that focus on Academic Success, Good Character and Citizenship and Healthy Lifestyles.

What can one duck do? A single duck provides a week of after school snacks for a club member.  A quack pack adoption of 6 ducks provides an annual teen membership plus a field trip.  A Flock of Ducks adoption of 12 ducks will provide an after school semester scholarship for a club member.

Racer Website: www.littleappleduckdash.com

8 Interesting Stats on Nonprofit Online Fundraising and Social Media

We recently read 8 interesting stats on nonprofit online fundraising, social media and mobile technology that are taking place in the nonprofit world.  First of all, the good news is that online fundraising revenue is increasing worldwide!  And the even better news is that online fundraising revenue will continue to grow.  Read through these interesting statistics from Nonprofit Tech for Good and considering discussing them at your next staff meeting.

1. The percentage of total fundraising that came from online giving reached a record high in 2016.  Online donations accounted for 7.2% of all revenue raised in 2016.

Takeaway: If your nonprofit doesn’t have a mobile-friendly site, it’s time to make it a top priority.

2. The percentage of donors motivated to give online by an email has increased to 40% since 2015. In 2010, only 6% of donors said that an email motivated them to give.

Takeway: Convert as many of your supporters to email/social contacts as you can and save on mailings.

3. Donors that have an annual household income of $200,000 give an average of $2,252 yearly and 51% prefer to donate online.

Takeaway: Continue building the relationships with your large donors.  For example, ask them to be an advisor to help you solve challenges you may be facing.

4. For every 1,000 email subscribers, nonprofits have 428 Facebook followers, 141 Twitter followers and 39 Instagram followers.

 Takeaway: Identify the right online platforms for your organization and build and engage your community on these platforms.

5. A total of 21% of peer-to-peer fundraising dollars raised are the result of a direct click-through on social media.

Takeaway:  Tell stories on social media to maximize shareability of your posts.  Furthermore, brand your fundraising campaign by using hashtags and incorporating different multimedia such as images, video, and text.

6. A total of 46% of Americans say that they check their smartphones as soon as they wake up, even before they get out of bed. Email and social media are the first apps that are opened.

Takeaway: Go through your entire website, donation page, social media platforms and email newsletter to make sure they are easy to access on a mobile device.

7. A total of 28% of smartphone users worldwide have used a mobile payment service such as Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or WeChatPay.

Takeaway: Optimize your donation process for mobile.  These type of payment services have the potential to make collecting donations much more efficient since donors do not have to fill out a long form each time to enter their payment information.

8. Only 3% of charities rate their board and executive leadership team as being digitally savvy. As a result, 56% of charities are worried that they will miss out on digital fundraising opportunities.

Takeway: Digital skills training doesn’t have to be expensive.  There are many online resources and webinars nonprofits can utilize to sharpen their skills. Websites such as Nonprofit Hub offer free webinars on their site.

Derby Duck Fundraiser