This guide will give you the tools to market your campaign on the world's first crowdfunding platform for nonprofit technology projects--the TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange.
2. Introduction------------------- 3
What is Crowdfunding? 3
TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange 4
TechBridge Guarantee 5
Chapter 1: Getting Started----- 7
Chapter 2: Campaigning Basics-- 11
Chapter 3: 45-Day Marketing Plan 14
Chapter 4: Post-Campaign------- 17
Chapter 5: Resources----------- 18
Email Templates 19
Press Release Templates 31
Social Media Update Samples 35
Chapter 6: FAQs---------------- 37
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
3. Crowdfunding is the collection of funds from a
large number of people, usually via a website, to
finance a new business venture, project or
initiative. It‘s origins can be traced to
crowdsourcing, a broader concept of an
individual reaching a goal by receiving and
leveraging small contributions from a large
number of people.
// Page 3
What is Crowdfunding?
Rewards-based
Campaigners in this category incentivize
potential backers with rewards that have clear
monetary value such as product or the first units
of the product for which the campaigner is
crowdfunding.
Donation-based
Donation-based campaigns are generally cause-
based and funders of these campaigns do so
because they back the cause. Backers are
rewarded by mentions, social recognition and in
some cases branded goods from the
campaigner.
The pedestal for
the famous StatueFACT
of Liberty was financed
through crowdfunding by
newspaper publisher Joseph
Pulitzer in 1884.
On his urging, 125,000+
readers of his newspaper New
York World donated more than
$100,000 in six months.
Types of Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding is broadly grouped into three
categories: donation-based, rewards-based and
equity-based depending on the kind of reward
the backer of a crowdfunding campaign agrees
to in exchange for his/her pledge.
Equity-based
Backers of equity-based campaigns pledge
funds in exchange for shares in the company.
This form of crowdfunding was made possible
with the introduction of the JOBS Act in 2012.
Introduction
4. Welcome to crowdfunding with the TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange, a curated
donation-based crowdfunding platform for your IT projects.
// Page 4
About
The Nonprofit Exchange is our easy
to use donation-based
crowdfunding portal bringing
together corporations, foundations
and individuals interested in
funding IT projects that will
increase nonprofits‘ capacity to
serve.
Nonprofits harness the power of
crowdfunding by launching
campaigns for IT projects on the
website to engage with existing
donors and corporate sponsors, and
connect with new ones through the
platform‘s built-in social sharing
features.
Benefits
• New funding mechanism for
your IT project
• Raise awareness for your
mission to your audience and
their social networks
• Reach a new audience
• Provide transparency to your
constituents: board
members, funders, corporate
sponsors and volunteers
• TechBridge provides support;
develops project scope and
implements project; assists
with campaign marketing
Volunteers
Individual
Donors
Corporate
Donors
TechBridge
Nonprofit
Exchange
TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange
5. // Page 5
The TechBridge Difference
TechBridge works with you to scope
your project, tell your story and craft
the impact your project will have on
your organization, those you serve and
the community. Posting your project on
the Nonprofit Exchange also guarantees
that the project will make an impact on
your organization‘s capacity by
ensuring that it aligns with your
organization‘s overarching technology
strategy and is appropriately budgeted.
A nonprofit, TechBridge has worked
exclusively with nonprofits for more than
13 years. We provide technology
tools, funding, discount programs and
connections nonprofits need to better
use technology that will further their
mission.
Through the Adopt-a-Nonprofit
program, we have successfully found
funding for 25 technology projects. The
Nonprofit Exchange leverages program
learnings to benefit additional
nonprofits.
TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
The TechBridge Guarantee
6. There are three distinct phases in any crowdfunding campaign and we will provide support
across all phases.
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TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
Phases of a Crowdfunding Campaign
Planning
Develop project
scope and budget
Set campaign pricing
levels/length
Gather/create
marketing assets
Identify
internal/external
champions
Prepare in-house
lists
Launch/
Promotion
Implement
promotional schedule
across
communication
channels
•Social media
accounts
•Email
•Media
Post-Campaign
Notify funders of
campaign outcome
Kick-off meeting to
initiate project
implementation
Provide funders with
periodic progress
updates
7. CHAPTER 1:
Getting Started
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TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
There are many advantages to crowdfunding but launching a successful campaign requires
planning and the strategic allocation of resources. We have developed a list of criteria based
on best practices that will help you determine if you are ready to become a Nonprofit
Exchange campaigner!
8. If the devil is in the details then the key to crowdfunding success is often
in the preparation. As crowdfunding becomes increasingly mainstream for
financing passion projects, humanitarian causes and new business
ventures, it can become a viable method for raising funding for your
nonprofit‘s IT projects. But there are steps that you must take to increase
the likelihood of reaching the campaign goal. While the information in this
document is not meant to be exhaustive, we will, however, touch upon the
factors that you will need to consider as you are planning for your
campaign.
A. Your Project
Being able to clearly define and communicate the ―what,‖ ―why,‖ ―when‖
and the ―how‖ of the project you want to crowdfund is central to
formulating a compelling pitch. We will help with the ―what,‖ ―when‖ and
―how‖ by defining the project scope, corresponding budget and
implementation plan but only you can articulate the ―why‖ or the impact
the project, once completed, will have on your nonprofit and clients.
// Page 8
TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
Planning
“He who is best
prepared can best
serve his moment of
inspiration.”
― Samuel Taylor Coleridge
9. // Page 9
TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
Planning cont’d
B. Communicating the ―Why‖
Images, testimonials and video, when used
strategically, fuel crowdfunding campaigns.
A poignant image accompanied by a quote
from a client or a staff member
communicates more than words alone. Not
only do they bring to life your nonprofit‘s
mission and impact, they also serve as
shareable media that funders can use to
promote your campaign to their social
networks.
A video that tells the story of your nonprofit‘s
mission and the impact the project, once
completed, will have on the organization‘s
capacity to serve will also capture the
imagination of potential funders.
C. Build & Leverage Your Email
List
If you aren‘t already doing the following, it is
worth putting them in place even if you aren‘t
planning on launching a crowdfunding
campaign.
Facebook. Encourage your Facebook
followers to subscribe to your email list and
reward them with valuable content at least on
a quarterly basis and ideally on a monthly
basis. If they are accustomed to receiving
relevant news from your organization, they
would be more inclined to read and click the
link when you issue a call to participate in a
crowdfunding campaign.
Blog. If you have a blog, the same rationale
applies.
D. Board Members & Volunteer
Leaders
Getting early pledgers is crucial for a
crowdfunding campaign. A campaign that has
funds pledged right from the beginning
carries more credibility among potential
pledgers who aren‘t familiar with your
organization. Members of your board
members and volunteer leaders can make
excellent early pledgers.
Inform them about your upcoming campaign
and project and why it is so important to your
nonprofit. Email them again once it goes
live, asking them to pledge.
It is also worthwhile emailing those that
hadn‘t pledged, either during the ‗natural
lull‘ in the middle or a few days before the
end so they help with the final surge.
10. // Page 10
TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
Planning cont’d
Planning Checklist [minimum requirements]
Hi-res logo – 300 dpi or better
Mission Statement
Active social media accounts:
Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram
Project overview – we‘ll help tell this story to show
the impact of your project
Video that is an overview of your organization and
its mission - ideally 2 minutes but must be shorter
than 3 minutes
One large banner/cover photo sized 1024x546 px
One smaller photo that will be a square shape
Statistics about the number of people you serve
Quote from an active volunteer
Quote from a sponsor/donor
Four category names or your giving levels.
Optional. Example: $10 = Fan, $25 = Big Fan, $50
= Biggest Fan , $100 = Fanatic
Contact list of reporters who have written about
your organization or who are supporters
Active email list of potential sponsors
11. The hallmarks of successful crowdfunding campaigns are good planning and sustained
execution during and after the campaign. Here are tips on what to do before, during and after
the campaign;
CHAPTER 2:
Campaigning Basics
// Page 11
Before
Make your entire staff aware of
the fundraising campaign and
be sure to communicate the
benefits of the IT project to
everyone.
Paint a picture of what your
organization will look like when
the IT project has been
implemented.
Be sure that your Executive
Director talks about the
campaign at his/her meetings
with the boards of advisors and
directors.
TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE
Identify a board member who is
willing to match donations during a
certain time period [e.g. mid-
campaign] to encourage more
pledges.
Make your asks personal. Use the
first person when drafting the copy
for emails in the email campaign
and updates and posts on social
media,
Write and send a press release to
media to kick-off the campaign. .
Work the campaign launch
announcement into your
organization‘s existing
communications channels such as
the newsletter, social media
calendar, etc.
12. Campaigning Basics cont’d
// Page 12
During
Deploy a 3 – 6 email campaign to
your email list; be sure to create a
suppression list of those who have
already pledged to discourage
unsubscribes.
Have your staff link to the
campaign in their email signatures.
Mention your campaign to all
volunteers who come onsite.
Have a flyer or postcard about the
campaign on your front desk.
Bring flyers/postcards of the
campaign to any trainings or
events you attend or host.
Ask local merchants and retailers
in your neighborhood if they will
allow you to make flyers/postcards
available at their store.
Give regular shout outs on Twitter
and other social media to
individual pledgers and sponsors
to give them recognition.
Say thank you via phone or a
personal email to pledgers whom
you know personally,
If you have a blog, write 1 post per
week with progress updates for the
duration of the campaign.
If you have the resources, work
with a local retailer to host a ‗live‘
crowdfunding at the retailer‘s
store.
After
Be sure to thank all your
funders via social media
and email.
Draft and send a press
release announcing the
successful completion of
the campaign.
Provide funders email
updates – short note and
photos work best – of your
project‘s progress. At least
3 emails are recommended:
1 at project kick-off, 1
midway through the project
and the last at the end of
the project.
TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
13. // Page 13
TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
Campaigning Basics cont’d
Choose a target. Not all media
outlets are a good fit for your story. For
example, the weekly business
newspaper focuses on business and
commerce and will not likely find your
story to be a good editorial fit.
Know your target writer. Read their
previous articles with an eye for their
interests, themes, and the way your
idea would help extend their subject
matter further. Be sure to let the writer
know how and where your idea might
fit. Develop your idea through the
reporter‘s eyes: how will this piece be of
interest the reader? How will it meet the
publication‘s criteria and the writer‘s
beat?
Pitch impact; not your
nonprofit. Is there an opportunity for
your nonprofit‘s crowdfunding
campaign to be part of a broader
industry trend or pervasive need?
Develop your pitch from what it would
look like from the reporter‘s point of
view. Make your pitch by email first.
Wait an afternoon, or preferably a day
to give the reporter to respond. If you
don‘t hear back, give him/her a call.
When you call, refer to the earlier
message. Regardless of whether the
reporter has seen it or not, re-forward
as a courtesy as you are talking to allow
the individual to scan the high points of
the message and preliminarily respond.
Respect the reporter‘s
decision. You will be more successful
by respecting the reporter‘s right to say
yes or no, while providing them with as
many meaningful reasons as possible to
have the desire to say yes. Can you
provide an exclusive on the story? Or
perhaps a slant that hasn‘t been offered
to anybody else? Will it have broad
Get straight to the
point. Reporters are time-
challenged. Be succinct when you
have them on the phone. Do not
engage in small talk. Let them know
why you are calling, and why it is
relevant.
Avoid calling repeatedly. Listen
to the reporter‘s voice mail—it will
often provide you with clues. For
example, the reporter may be on
vacation this week—out sick—
moved to another beat (or even
another publication) or may be so
adamantly opposed to voice
messages that you should be aware
the message will likely never be
heard (or may even offend them). If
you do leave a message, one
message in a day is ample. If the
reporter has left a cell number on
the message, refrain from using it
unless the matter is genuinely
urgent. They‘ll appreciate the
courtesy you use in reaching out in
the ways they most like to be
contacted.
Twitter intelligence. Twitter can
often give you a clue as to where the
reporter is and what they are doing
on that day. For example, if they
Tweet they just arrived at the NTEN
conference, they won‘t likely answer
the office phone. Some reporters
also respond to Twitter DMs faster
than other channels. Use this
channel sparingly.
Pitching to Media 101
14. CHAPTER 3:
45-Day Marketing Plan
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TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
Day Nonprofit Tasks TechBridge Tasks
- 14 • Begin drafting copy for the platform and collecting
images, video + statistic assets for the campaign
• Begin drafting press releases and copy for email
campaign
- 10 • Copy for platform completed
• Assets formatted and ready to go
• Schedule promo copy for
upcoming newsletter as
appropriate
-9 to -5 • Create an account in a social media management
platform [Tweetdeck, Hootsuite]
• TechBridge uploads copy
+ assets to platform
-7 • Press release announcing campaign draft completed
• Press release template for sponsor [that sponsor can
use to promote their involvement] completed
• Send personal email from ED to board members to
pre-announce the project
• Present planned tweet
schedule to client
-5 • Copy for email campaign completed
• Establish account on a free press release distribution
service
• Segment email list to volunteers, sponsors/donors and
past clients
• Send ambassadors list of
upcoming campaigns
-5 to 1 • Conduct outreach to local daily and alternative print
publications [Patch.com, Creative Loafing, Atlanta
Journal-Constitution‘s submit an announcement]
Day -5 • Begin daily meetings with TechBridge to prepare • Schedule check-in
meetings
Day -1 Enable home page of your website with link to the
Nonprofit Exchange
Following is a sample 45-day marketing plan. It can be adapted for longer
campaigns.
15. // Page 15
TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
Day Nonprofit Tasks TechBridge Tasks
1 – Go Live
for
Campaign
(Thu)
• Issue press release about campaign
• Send Email B to sponsors + Email C to donors and
volunteer distribution list about campaign [video]
• ED sends Email D reminder to board members +
staff to pledge [impt: project needs to have some
pledges committed in the first minutes of the
project going live
• Post on social media
• Update news on website
• Tweets [min of 3]
• Facebook update [either
summary of what‘s just gone
live or just the one]
• Send 1 sample
tweet/campaign to
ambassadors
2 • Social media posts • Send email to TB Board,
Advisory Board and staff
about campaign [bi-weekly
updates]
6 • Social media posts
• Status mtg w/TB
• Status mtg
• 2-3 tweets
8 • Email E update to sponsor/donor + volunteer
lists
• Email F call to existing pledgers to share with
their networks
• Incorporate post about
current projects on blog
[dependency: mthly
newsletter cycle]
8-11 • Social media posts with impact statistics and or
photo
15 • Social media posts
• Status mtg w/TB
• Phone check in
• Status mtg
17-21 • Daily social media posts [shout outs to donors
and running total]
22 • Email G update to all lists: Half-way point with
amount still to be funded + call to share network
+ update on sponsor(s) pledged as appropriate
23-30 • Social media posts (funding $ total)
25 • Status mtg w/TB
45-Day Marketing Plan cont’d
16. 45-Day Marketing Plan cont’d
// Page 16
TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
Day Nonprofit Tasks TechBridge
Tasks
28 • Social media posts (Funding $ total, donor quote)
• Status mtg w/TB
• Status mtg
37 • Email H One week to go message to existing donor list to
ask for additional pledges + to share their network
• Email I One week to go message to sponsor/donor +
volunteer list
• Social media posts (Funding $ total)
• Reminder
email to BOA
+ BOD +
Ambassadors
43 • Email J ―24 hours to go‖ email with amount still to be raised
and impact statistic
• Countdown
tweets [freq.
increased to
5/day]
45 • Campaign comes to an end
46 • Status mtg w/TB
• Email K OR L Wrap up email to all distribution about
campaign
• Status mtg
46 - 52 • Social media posts [Funding $ total, photo] • Social media
posts
47 - 52 • Issue press release about campaign
• Contact media
• Issue press
release if
campaign is
successful
• Contact media
(coordinated
effort)
END of Launch/Promotion Phase
17. // Page 17
TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
Day Nonprofit Tasks TechBridge Tasks
End + 7 • Project kick-off meeting • Kick-off meeting
End+8 • Email M to funders announcing kick-off of
implementation
• Schedule update in
newsletter
• Social media updates
Midway [if 60-
90 days]
• Email to funders with progress update • Social media updates
Completion [if
60-90 days]
• Email update with photos of team and tool or
clients/staff using tool if appropriate
• Schedule update in
newsletter
¼ way [if > 90
day
implementation]
• Email progress update • Social media updates
½ way [if > 90
day
implementation]
• Email progress update • Social media updates
¾ way [if >90
day
implementation]
• Email progress update • Social media updates
Completion • Completion email • Schedule update in
newsletter
• Social media updates
CHAPTER 4:
Post-Campaign
Keeping your funders informed, with the right level of frequency, of the
progress of the project once the campaign has come to a close will be
important in nurturing a loyal support base for future crowdfunding
campaigns.
We have provided a sample communication schedule once a campaign has
been successfully funded.
18. // Page 18
Email Platforms
MailChimp | list management list best practices:
http://kb.mailchimp.com/article/best-practices-for-lists/
Contant Contact
Vertical Response
Press Release Distribution Services
PRWeb - paid
PRNewswire – paid
Atlanta Day Book – local paid
PR Log - free
Newsvine – free
Atlanta Media Outlets
Patch.com
Creative Loafing
Reporter Newspapers
Atlanta Journal Constitution
TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
CHAPTER 5:
Resources
19. Email Templates
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TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
A. Email from ED to Board announcing
campaign - pre-launch
Subject Line: Upcoming ABC Nonprofit Crowdfunding
Campaign
Dear Board Members:
You may be aware that there has been a series of discussions around
crowdfunding and I am pleased to announce that we will be launching a
crowdfunding campaign on TechBridge‘s Nonprofit Exchange. We are
raising money for [technology project] that will enable us to [project
impact] and we will be collaborating with TechBridge on promotions for
the campaign so that both organizations can leverage their respective
audiences for support.
We are very excited about this opportunity to reach out to our supporters
with a very specific ask to build capacity so that we may serve more
people. We also anticipate reaching new audiences using the power of
social media.
The campaign will last approximately six weeks and we anticipate that
with our collective efforts, the funding goal can be achieved.
Funds raised will be used to implement the [technology project] with
services provided by TechBridge.
Be on the lookout for the official launch of our campaign in the next few
weeks.
Sincerely,
[E.D. Name]
20. Email Templates
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TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
B. Email to Sponsors announcing Go Live
Subject Line: Support ABC Nonprofit‘s 1st Crowdfunding
Campaign
Dear [Sponsor Name]
Thank you for [your company‘s] generous support of [ABC Nonprofit]
over the years. We could not serve as many people as we do each year
without your sponsorship.
We are about to embark on a new kind of fundraising campaign to raise
money for [technology project]. We are partnering with TechBridge to
launch a crowdfunding campaign on the TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange
that will raise [$YY] from companies and individuals to fund [technology
project]. This will enable us to [project impact]. We are collaborating with
TechBridge on promotions for the campaign so that both organizations
can leverage their respective audiences for support.
We greatly welcome your organization‘s sponsorship of this campaign.
Sponsorship levels begin at [$XX]. As a sponsor, your logo will be placed
on the campaign webpage throughout the duration of the campaign and
will remain after the campaign has successfully reached its funding goal.
We will also share your support through social media. A press release
template announcing your support of our campaign is also available.
Please visit our campaign the TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange today!
[bit.ly link to campaign].
21. Email Templates
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TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
C. Email to Individual Donors/Volunteers
announcing Go Live
Subject Line: Support ABC Nonprofit‘s 1st Crowdfunding
Campaign
It‘s an exciting time at [ABC Nonprofit]!
We are about to embark on a new kind of fundraising campaign to raise
money for [technology project]. We are partnering with TechBridge to
launch a crowdfunding campaign on the Nonprofit Exchange. We are
raising money for [technology project] that will enable us to [project
impact].
Please consider making a donation to our project. Your support means
more [type of clients] served. And once you‘ve made your pledge, please
tell your friends about it on social media and email.
Please visit our campaign the Nonprofit Exchange today! [bit.ly link to
campaign].
22. Email Templates
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TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
D. Email from ED to Board and Staff
announcing Go Live
Subject Line: The [name of campaign] is now live - Please Make
a Pledge
Dear [ABC Nonprofit] Board & Staff--
Our crowdfunding campaign to raise [$XX] funds to implement
[technology project] is now live on on the TechBridge Nonprofit
Exchange! Crowdfunding experts say it is important for there to be
pledges right in the first few hours of a campaign going live and
definitely on Day One. Please visit our campaign at [bit.ly link to
campaign] today to make a personal pledge and be sure to use the
Nonprofit Exchange‘s social sharing features to share your support with
friends.
This technology project will enable us to [project impact]. And to ensure
that the project is implemented on schedule and on budget, we will be
working with TechBridge on the implementation once the campaign
funding goals are reached.
Please share this email with your friends and colleagues.
Sincerely,
[E.D. Name]
23. Email Templates
// Page 23
TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
E. Day 8 Update Email to Sponsors, Individual
Donors & Volunteers
Subject Line: Your Support Needed: ABC Nonprofit‘s Crowdfunding
Campaign
Hello!
It has been eight days since the campaign for [project name] went live. We
have raised [$XX] of our [$YY goal] so far and need your support to reach our
goal. Your pledge will help us make an impact on more clients like [names of
client in the quote/photo]
―[client testimonial]‖
[client first + last name]
[Include photo of your work in action or even better, the client in action.]
F. Day 8 Email to Pledgers to Spread the Word
Subject Line: Share Your Support of ABC Nonprofit‘s Crowdfunding
Campaign
Hello!
Thank you again for supporting our campaign. We have raised of [$XX] of our
[$YY goal] in the last eight days but still have a ways to go.
Would you share news of your pledge with your social networks and
encourage them to pledge as well? Your collective contributions enable us to
make an impact on more clients like [names of client in the quote/photo]
―[client testimonial]‖
[client first + last name]
[Include photo of your work in action or even better, the client in action.]
24. Email Templates
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TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
G. Day 22 Update Email to Sponsors,
Individual Donors & Volunteers: Halfway
Point
Subject Line: Half-Way Through ABC Nonprofit Campaign -
Your Support Needed
―Did you know that [ABC Nonprofit] served more than [XX] clients last
year?‖
Greetings!
We are halfway through our fundraising campaign for [project name] and
need your support and the support of your friends to help us reach our
goal of [$XX].
We‘d like to thank our sponsors to date:
ABC Company
DEF Company
GHI Company
We would also like to thank all the individual donors who have
collectively pledged [$DD].
[Include photo of your work in action.]
25. Email Templates
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TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
H. Day 37 Update to Current Donors: One
Week to Go
Subject Line: 1 Week Left Before ABC Nonprofit Crowdfunding
Campaign Closes
Hello!
There is just one week left in our [project name] campaign and we are at
[X%] of our fundraising goal of [$XX].
Please consider making another pledge and spread the word to your
friends on Facebook, Twitter, Linked In or Instagram! The momentum
you give us through your social networks will help us reach our goal!
Thank you for your continued support of our campaign!
[bit.ly link to project page]
I. Day 29 Update to Sponsors, Individual
Donors & Volunteers: One Week to Go
Subject Line: 1 Week Left to Support ABC Nonprofit
Crowdfunding Campaign
Hello!
There is just one week left in our [project name] campaign and we are at
[X%] of our fundraising goal of [$XX]!
If you haven‘t done so already, please make a pledge to support our
fundraising campaign. With your help we‘ll be able to get [technology
solution] that will enable us to [impact of technology].
Thank you!
[bit.ly link to project page]
26. Email Templates
// Page 25
TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
J. Day 43 Update to Sponsors, Individual
Donors & Volunteers: 24 Hours to Go
Subject Line: Last Chance to Support ABC Nonprofit
Crowdfunding Campaign - Closes at [date/time]
Hello, friends!
Last chance to make a pledge for our [project name]. We are at [X%] of
our fundraising goal of [$XX]. With just 24 hours to go, please help us
make our goal by making a pledge.
With your help we‘ll be able to get [technology solution] that will enable
us to [impact of technology].
Thank you!
[bit.ly link to project page]
27. Email Templates
// Page 26
TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
K. Day 46 Email Update: Campaign was
successful!
Subject Line: Thank you for Supporting ABC Nonprofit‘s 1st
Crowdfunding Campaign
Thank you so much for helping us meet our fundraising goal of [$XX]. We
could not have done it without you!
But the work is just beginning. We will now be gearing up to work with
TechBridge to implement [technology project] and will provide you with
project updates periodically so that you may keep up on our progress.
You made a difference for [ABC Nonprofit] and all the wonderful people we
serve in this community!!
Thank you!
[E.D. Name, address, phone number]
L. Day 46 Email Update: Campaign goal not met
Subject Line: Thank you for Supporting ABC Nonprofit‘s 1st
Crowdfunding Campaign
Dear friends,
Thanks to all of you who supported our fundraising campaign on the
TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange. We did not make our goal but we are not
discouraged--we got to know many of you better during the campaign and
even made some new friends.
If you know of friends who would like to be added to our mailing list for
news, updates, volunteer and other opportunities, please share this email
with them.
[link with text:Add me to email list]
For all of those who did make a pledge, your credit card will not be charged.
If you have any questions, please contact us at:
[E.D. Name, address, phone number]
28. Email Templates
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TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
M. End+8 Email Update: TechBridge project
has begun [Funders/Sponsors]
Subject Line: The ABC project has begun
Thanks to you, work on the [technology project] has begun! We kicked off
the project with TechBridge on [date of meeting] and project completion is
scheduled for [end date.]
[Photo of project kick-off meeting]
We are so excited to embark on this journey that will build more capacity
to serve more people.
The scope of our project includes: [scope details]. Stay tuned for updates
as we hit key project milestones. .
Sincerely,
[E.D. Name, address, phone number]
Na. Midway through project and on schedule
[Funders/Sponsors]
Subject Line: ABC project update
Greetings!
We are at the half-way point and have [1-2 highlights of what has been
completed].
[2 photos of project activity]
We are on schedule and can‘t wait to be able to [project purpose/value
proposition]. Thank you again for your support and do visit
[website.com/volunteer page] if you are interested in other opportunities
to participate.
Sincerely,
[E.D. Name, address, phone number]
29. Email Templates
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TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
Na. Midway through project and on schedule
[Funders/Sponsors]
Subject Line: ABC project update
Greetings!
We are at the half-way point and have [1-2 highlights of what has been
completed].
[2 photos of project activity]
We are on schedule and can‘t wait to be able to [project purpose/value
proposition]. Thank you again for your support and do visit
[website.com/volunteer page] if you are interested in other
opportunities to participate.
Sincerely,
[E.D. Name, address, phone number]
Nb. Day+Midway through project and not on
schedule [Funders/Sponsors]
Subject Line: ABC project update
Greetings!
It‘s been [weeks/months] since we kicked off the project and much
progress has been made. The [description of project phase or key
activities] have been completed but, unfortunately, due to several
unexpected delays, progress has slowed. We, remain, however optimistic
that the project will be completed on schedule.
Thank you again for your continued support of [mission] and please
visit [website.com/volunteer page] if you are interested in other
opportunities to participate.
Sincerely,
[E.D. Name, address, phone number]
30. Email Templates
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TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
Na. Midway through project and on schedule
[Funders/Sponsors]
Subject Line: ABC project update
Greetings!
We are at the half-way point and have [1-2 highlights of what has been
completed].
[2 photos of project activity]
We are on schedule and can‘t wait to be able to [project purpose/value
proposition]. Thank you again for your support and do visit
[website.com/volunteer page] if you are interested in other opportunities
to participate.
Sincerely,
[E.D. Name, address, phone number]
O. Project Completion [funders/sponsors]
Subject Line: ABC project complete!
Greetings!
We are so pleased to announce that the [project name] has successfully
been completed as scheduled [alt copy: AA days ahead of schedule]!
Your support has made [reason for project] a reality for our organization
and will enable us to better serve clients like [client name] more
effectively.
[client quote of the nonprofit‘s impact on their life/condition]
[image of client(s) in action shot]
Sincerely,
[E.D. Name, address, phone number]
31. Press Release Templates
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TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
1. Press Release announcing that campaign is
planned
ABC Nonprofit to Launch Crowdfunding Campaign for
[Technology Initiative]
[Benefit of Technology Initiative]
ATLANTA – Date Here. [ABC Nonprofit, brief mission/location description], seeks to [reason
for technology initiative] by implementing [name of technology initiative]. It will be
launching a crowdfunding campaign on the newly minted TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange
website to raise funds for the project from corporations and private individuals.
"Crowdfunding is becoming increasingly mainstream in the commercial sector and we at
ABC Nonprofit are thrilled to leverage the TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange to fundraise for
[technology initiative,]‖ said Executive Name at ABC Nonprofit. ―I believe this project is
essential to increasing our capacity to serve more [nonprofit clients],‖ he added.
The campaign will feature the scope of the technology project as well as expected
outcomes once completed. [ABC Nonprofit] and TechBridge will collaborate on a joint
marketing campaign to spread the word in the community.
The TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange provides a unique opportunity for local companies and
individuals to positively impact nonprofits in a way that targets the bottom line.
TechBridge, a nonprofit helping other nonprofits by leveraging affordable technology and
business solutions, manages due diligence prior to campaign launch and project
implementation on successfully funded campaigns.
Quote from donor/Board member:
[ABC Nonprofit‘s] Nonprofit Exchange campaign is scheduled to launch on [XX date] and will
last approximately five weeks. The goal is to raise [XX dollars] for [technology initiative]. To
pledge to the campaign, visit https://nonprofit-exchange.techbridge.org
About ABC Nonprofit
Long company description and include web address.
About TechBridge
Founded in 2000, TechBridge is a nonprofit that provides other nonprofits with the
tools, resources and relationships they need to apply business strategies and technology to
further their missions. This is made possible by support from the TechBridge network of
corporations, individuals and foundations. The TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange provides
nonprofits with a funding vehicle for their technology needs while TechBridge‘s fundraising
efforts, including its signature gala, the Digital Ball, unite the technology community to
celebrate the impact technology can have in strengthening our community. For more
information about TechBridge, visit www.techbridge.org.
# # #
32. Press Release Templates
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TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
2. Sponsor Press Release to be used by sponsor
announcing their support of ABC Nonprofit’s
campaign
XYZ Corporation Participates in Nonprofit Crowdfunding; Funds ABC
Nonprofit [Technology Project] through TechBridge Nonprofit
Exchange
Atlanta – Date Here. [XYZ Corporation, brief mission/location description], is proud to announce
its support of the [Campaign Title] for [ABC Nonprofit] on the TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange
with its sponsorship of [dollar amount]. The campaign seeks to raise [$XX dollars] by [campaign
end date] to fund the implementation of [technology description] that will [impact of
technology].
―We are so pleased to sponsor a technology project that will help [ABC Nonprofit] get to the next
level by [impact of technology],‖ said Executive, title at XYZ Corporation.
[Paragraph on XYZ Corporation‘s legacy of supporting nonprofits [or this particular nonprofit].]
―The operational efficiencies we achieve with [Campaign Title] will allow us to serve more
people,‖ said [ABC Nonprofit Executive Director [E.D. Name].
According to [CIO Name], [XYZ Corporation], ―We are thrilled to sponsor [ABC Nonprofit] on this
campaign and look forward to seeing the results of the work.‖
The TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange provides a unique opportunity for local companies and
individuals to positively impact nonprofits in a way that targets the bottom line. TechBridge, a
nonprofit helping other nonprofits by leveraging affordable technology and business solutions,
manages due diligence prior to campaign launch and project implementation on successfully
funded campaigns.
Visit the campaign page on the TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange at https://nonprofit-
exchange.techbridge.org to learn more about [ABC Nonprofit] campaign.
About ABC Nonprofit
Long company description and include web address.
About XYZ Corporation
Long company description and include web address.
About TechBridge
Founded in 2000, TechBridge is a nonprofit that provides other nonprofits with the tools,
resources and relationships they need to apply business strategies and technology to further
their missions. This is made possible by support from the TechBridge network of corporations,
individuals and foundations. The TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange provides nonprofits with a
funding vehicle for their technology needs while TechBridge‘s fundraising efforts, including its
signature gala, the Digital Ball, unite the technology community to celebrate the impact
technology can have in strengthening our community. For more information about TechBridge,
visit www.techbridge.org.
# # #
33. Press Release Templates
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TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
3. Campaign Kickoff Press Release
ABC Nonprofit Kicks-off Crowdfunding Campaign for
[technology initiative]
Atlanta – Date Here. [ABC Nonprofit, brief mission/location description], is proud to
announce the launch of its crowdfunding campaign on the TechBridge Nonprofit
Exchange. The campaign aims to raise [$XX dollars] to [impact of technology]. [ABC
Nonprofit] and TechBridge will jointly promote the campaign to their respective
audiences. Individuals and companies that recognize the value of technology and the
impact it will have on [ABC Nonprofit] are encouraged to contribute to the campaign.
―We think our organization is at a crossroads where technology is the key to helping us
get to the next level. The operational efficiencies we achieve with [XYZ project] will
allow us to serve more people,‖ said [ABC Nonprofit Executive Director [E.D. Name]
"Increasing a nonprofit‘s capacity is the ultimate goal at TechBridge,‖ said James
Franklin, CEO of TechBridge. ―The TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange offers nonprofits an
efficient way to garner financial support from current supporters and their peers
through social networking features. We are thrilled to partner with [ABC Nonprofit] on
this campaign and look forward to implementing their project as soon as the funding
goal is reached.‖
Visit the campaign page at https://nonprofit-exchange.techbridge.org to learn more
about [ABC Nonprofit] and contribute to their campaign.
About ABC Nonprofit
Long company description and include web address.
About TechBridge
Founded in 2000, TechBridge is a nonprofit that provides other nonprofits with the
tools, resources and relationships they need to apply business strategies and
technology to further their missions. This is made possible by support from the
TechBridge network of corporations, individuals and foundations. The TechBridge
Nonprofit Exchange provides nonprofits with a funding vehicle for their technology
needs while TechBridge‘s fundraising efforts, including its signature gala, the Digital
Ball, unite the technology community to celebrate the impact technology can have in
strengthening our community. For more information about TechBridge, visit
www.techbridge.org.
# # #
34. Press Release Templates
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TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
4. Campaign Success Press Release
ABC Nonprofit‘s First Crowdfunding Campaign on the
TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange A Success
Atlanta – Date Here. [ABC Nonprofit, brief mission/location description], is proud to
announce the successful completion of their crowdfunding campaign [Campaign Title]
on the TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange. The campaign raised [$XX dollars] , YY percent
over the original goal amount of [$ZZ]. Funds raised will be used to implement
[technology description] to [impact of technology]. TechBridge will provide project
management and services to ensure that the project is completed on schedule. Excess
funds will be applied to…..
―We are overwhelmed by the support the campaign received. The funds raised will allow
us to get to the next level by [impact of technology] and the operational efficiencies we
achieve with [XYZ project] will allow us to serve more people,‖ said [ABC Nonprofit
Executive Director [E.D. Name]
"Increasing the reach of [ABC Nonprofit] is the ultimate goal,‖ said James Franklin,
TechBridge CEO. ―We are thrilled to partner with [ABC Nonprofit] on this campaign and
look forward to implementing their project as soon as possible so they can start
reaping the benefits.‖
The TechBridge Nonprofit Exchange provides a unique opportunity for local companies
and individuals to positively impact nonprofits in a way that targets the bottom line.
TechBridge, a nonprofit helping other nonprofits by leveraging affordable technology
and business solutions, manages due diligence prior to campaign launch and project
implementation on successfully funded campaigns.
Visit the campaign page on the Nonprofit Exchange at https://nonprofit-
exchange.techbridge.org to learn more about [ABC Nonprofit] and TechBridge.
About ABC Nonprofit
Long company description and include web address.
About TechBridge
Founded in 2000, TechBridge is a nonprofit that provides other nonprofits with the
tools, resources and relationships they need to apply business strategies and
technology to further their missions. This is made possible by support from the
TechBridge network of corporations, individuals and foundations. The TechBridge
Nonprofit Exchange provides nonprofits with a funding vehicle for their technology
needs while TechBridge‘s fundraising efforts, including its signature gala, the Digital
Ball, unite the technology community to celebrate the impact technology can have in
strengthening our community. For more information about TechBridge, visit
www.techbridge.org.
# # #
35. Sample Social Media Updates
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TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
Sample Facebook Posts &
Tweets
Post #1 – Check out ABC #nonprofit ‗s campaign to fund
XYZ Project on @IamNPExchange Give generously!
www.projectlink.org #fundchange
Post #2 – Spread the word on our campaign to raise
$XXk for ABC Project Pls RT www.projectlink.org.
#fundchange #nonprofit
Post #3 – We embarking on our 1st #crowdfunding
campaign for ABC Project. Details at
www.projectlink.org! #fundchange #nonprofit
Post #4 – We are on Day 8 of our 45 day campaign to
raise funds for ABC Project. Help us reach our goal at
www.projectlink.org. #fundchange #nonprofit
Post #5 – (Photo post) Check out the kids/dogs/seniors
we serve. The ABC Project will help us serve even more
like them. #Fund now www.projectlink.org.‖
Post #6 - (Video post) ―Want to learn more what we do
in the community? Check out www.projectlink.org.
#fundchange #nonprofit
36. Sample Social Media Updates cont’d
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TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE QUICKSTART GUIDE
Sample Facebook Posts &
Tweets
Post #7 – Huge thanx to pledgers Kathy Jones, Steve
Earl, James King, Kelly Mitchell, etc. The IT project will
help us <insert impact>. Pls spread the word and share
www.projectlink.org #fundchange
Post #8 – ―We are now on Day 21 of XX to raise $XYZ
dollars for Project ABC. Shout outs to our most recent
donors: Steve Wills, Betty Smith, Julie Armstrong, Sonali
Mathew and David Hutchins. Join them at
www.projectlink.org.‖
Post #9 - $XX raised and $YY to go. Help us <insert
project> to <insert impact> www.projectlink.org
#fundchange
Post #10 – Last chance to fund <insert impact> Need
your help to get us to $XX. www.projectlink.org Please
RT
Post #11 – (Photo post) #Fund the ABC Project to help us
serve even more <animal, child, seniors, etc.>
www.projectlink.org. #nonprofit
Post #12 – (Photo post) Stop <cause> #Fund the ABC
Project to help us serve even more <animal, child,
seniors, etc.> www.projectlink.org. #nonprofit
37. CHAPTER 6:
FAQ
// Page 36
TECHBRIDGE NONPROFIT EXCHANGE
Is there a cost to post
a project on the
Nonprofit Exchange?
There is an administrative
platform fee of the larger of
$500 or 5% of the total
campaign goal. This fee can be
rolled into the total campaign
funding goal or can be paid
separately by the nonprofit
organization.
What happens if my
project is not fully
funded?
If your project is not fully funded
on the Nonprofit Exchange, your
organization will have the option
of making up the difference of
the funds needed to begin your
project.
If your target is not met and
your organization is not able to
make up the difference in
funding, your donors will not be
charged for their pledges.
What happens if we raise
more than the campaign
goal?
The Nonprofit Exchange allows
campaigns to receive pledges
over and above the stated
campaign goal. Any additional
funds that are collected will be
put toward a pre-determined
stretch goal project that is
scoped at the time of the
original project.
This information is also clearly
outlined in the campaign page
to encourage more pledges.