Communications Timeline


Download the Comprehensive Communication Guide to Prepare for Avenues for Hope!



Major Milestones

Month 1

The Avenues for Hope Team will:

  • Encourage nonprofits to sign up for Avenues for Hope
  • Network with and recruit local community nonprofit leaders to expand and amplify Avenues for Hope’s message to nonprofits, donors, and other general supporters

You should:

  • Sign up for Avenues for Hope and customize your profile
  • Assemble your Avenues for Hope team and involve them in planning how your Avenues for Hope campaign will complement your annual fundraising strategy
  • Attend a webinar to learn about Avenues for Hope, how to promote your Avenues for Hope 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!)

Month 2

The Avenues for Hope Team will:

  • Work with local newspapers, radio stations, and other media outlets to continue spreading the word to a wider audience about Avenues for Hope
  • Continue offering trainings to nonprofits participating in Avenues for Hope, and those interested in the opportunity, on giving day best practices.
  • Develop content for nonprofits participating in Avenues for Hope to use, and for use on AvenuesForHope social media pages, Facebook and Twitter.

You should:

  • Craft your campaign story. How are you celebrating Avenues for Hope? How will you use the funds raised during Avenues for Hope? Why should donors give to you on Avenues for Hope? 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 Avenues for Hope 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 Avenues for Hope on Dec 12-31. Download the email and social media timelines in the Nonprofit Toolkit to get a head start!

Month 3

The Avenues for Hope Team will:

  • Provide more resources to local community nonprofit leaders to expand and amplify Avenues for Hope’s message to nonprofits, donors, and other general supporters
  • Continue promoting Avenues for Hope to nonprofits across the region

You should:

  • Send out a save the date email and social media post to all of your supporters! Download the Avenues for Hope “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!

Month 4

The Avenues for Hope Team will:

  • Heavily promote Avenues for Hope to all media outlets across the region
  • Finalize partnerships with local businesses to benefit every nonprofit participating in Avenues for Hope

You should:

  • Post on social media regularly about Avenues for Hope, using the hashtag AvenuesForHope
  • Email your supporters with additional details about Avenues for Hope. 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.

Day of

The Avenues for Hope Team will:

  • Heavily promote Avenues for Hope to all media outlets across the region
  • Provide 24-hour support to all nonprofits and their supporters

You should:

  • Post on social media regularly about Avenues for Hope, using the hashtag AvenuesForHope
  • Email your supporters with updates and how they can help your Avenues for Hope campaign
  • Thank your supporters in real-time on social media, in emails, or give them a call!
  • Celebrate!

Beyond

The Avenues for Hope Team will:

  • Share statistics from Avenues for Hope, including nonprofit success stories, and describe the powerful change that will happen as a result of the generous donations to local nonprofits.

You should:

  • Share the results from your Avenues for Hope participation and what those results mean.
  • 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.
  • Send periodic updates on how the donations you received are being used. Keep your donors engaged by letting them know how their money is benefiting your organization and your cause.
  • Engage with your donors on GiveGab after Avenues for Hope by posting volunteer opportunities, fundraising, and hosting events!