Communications Timeline

Download the Comprehensive Communication Guide to Prepare for 35 Hours of Giving!

Encourage nonprofits to sign up for 35 Hours of Giving.
Network with and recruit local community nonprofit leaders to expand and amplify 35 Hours of Giving’s message to nonprofits, donors, and other general supporters.

Sign up for 35 Hours of Giving and customize your profile.
Assemble your 35 Hours of Giving team and involve them in planning how your 35 Hours of Giving campaign will complement your annual fundraising strategy.
Attend a webinar to learn about 35 Hours of Giving, how to promote your 35 Hours of Giving campaign, and how to recruit and utilize peer-to-peer fundraisers.
Discover all the resources available for you to use in your Nonprofit Toolkit (email marketing, social media posts, graphics, planning guide, and more!).

Work with local newspapers, radio stations, and other media outlets to continue spreading the word to a wider audience about 35 Hours of Giving.
Continue offering trainings to nonprofits participating in 35 Hours of Giving, and those interested in the opportunity, on giving day best practices.
Develop content for nonprofits participating in 35 Hours of Giving to use, and for use on #35HoursofGiving social media pages.

Craft your campaign story. How are you celebrating 35 Hours of Giving? How will you use the funds raised during 35 Hours of Giving? Why should donors give to you on 35 Hours of Giving? Watch our Storytelling Training Video to learn more!
Recruit fundraising champions for your campaign. You can use your Board, volunteers, or staff!
Let your volunteers know you’re participating in 35 Hours of Giving and you need their help in extra special ways! Give them meaningful assignments to fully engage them.
Develop your messaging plan for the next 2 months to ensure your donors know you are participating in 35 Hours of Giving on May 7 - 8. Review the email and social media resources in the Nonprofit Toolkit to get a head start!

Provide more resources to local community nonprofit leaders to expand and amplify 35 Hours of Giving’s message to nonprofits, donors, and other general supporters
Continue offering trainings to nonprofits participating in 35 Hours of Giving, and those interested in the opportunity, on giving day best practices.

Send out a save the date email and social media post to all of your supporters! Download the 35 Hours of Giving “Save the Date” graphic from the Nonprofit Toolkit to make sure your messages stand out!
Host a fundraising champion kick-off party to teach your fundraising champions best practices on fundraising!

Heavily promote 35 Hours of Giving to all media outlets across the region.
Continue supporting participating nonprofits as they prepare for 35 Hours of Giving.

Post on social media regularly about 35 Hours of Giving, using the hashtag #35HoursofGiving.
Email your supporters with additional details about 35 Hours of Giving. How do they give? Why should they give? When should they give?
Ensure your campaign story and messaging are ready to go. Make a test donation to make sure you understand the process.

Post on social media regularly about 35 Hours of Giving, using the hashtag #35HoursofGiving.
Email your supporters with updates and how they can help your 35 Hours of Giving campaign.
Thank your supporters in real-time on social media, in emails, or give them a call!
Celebrate!

Share statistics and nonprofit success stories to showcase the impact of 35 Hours of Giving.

Share the impact of your 35 Hours of Giving participation with your supporters.
Thank your donors and let them know exactly what their donations mean for your program.
Send handwritten notes to your fundraising champions and your Board for their assistance.
Engage with your donors outside of 35 Hours of Giving by posting volunteer opportunities, fundraising, and hosting events!