Communications Timeline


Download a Comprehensive Communication Guide to Prepare for Iowa 4-H Giving Day!



Major Milestones

Month 1

The Iowa 4-H Giving Day Team will:

  • Encourage nonprofits to sign up for Iowa 4-H Giving Day
  • Network with and recruit local community nonprofit leaders to expand and amplify Iowa 4-H Giving Day’s message to nonprofits, donors, and other general supporters

You should:

  • Sign up for Iowa 4-H Giving Day and customize your profile
  • Assemble your Iowa 4-H Giving Day team and involve them in planning how your Iowa 4-H Giving Day campaign will complement your annual fundraising strategy
  • Attend a webinar to learn about Iowa 4-H Giving Day, how to promote your Iowa 4-H Giving Day 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 Iowa 4-H Giving Day Team will:

  • Work with local newspapers, radio stations, and other media outlets to continue spreading the word to a wider audience about Iowa 4-H Giving Day
  • Continue offering trainings to nonprofits participating in Iowa 4-H Giving Day, and those interested in the opportunity, on giving day best practices.
  • Develop content for nonprofits participating in Iowa 4-H Giving Day to use, and for use on #GrowIowa4H social media pages, Facebook and Twitter.

You should:

  • Craft your campaign story. How are you celebrating Iowa 4-H Giving Day? How will you use the funds raised during Iowa 4-H Giving Day? Why should donors give to you on Iowa 4-H Giving Day? 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 Iowa 4-H Giving Day 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 Iowa 4-H Giving Day on October 3-4. Download the email and social media timelines in the Nonprofit Toolkit to get a head start!

Month 3

The Iowa 4-H Giving Day Team will:

  • Provide more resources to local community nonprofit leaders to expand and amplify Iowa 4-H Giving Day’s message to nonprofits, donors, and other general supporters
  • Continue promoting Iowa 4-H Giving Day 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 Iowa 4-H Giving Day “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 Iowa 4-H Giving Day Team will:

  • Heavily promote Iowa 4-H Giving Day to all media outlets across the region
  • Finalize partnerships with local businesses to benefit every nonprofit participating in Iowa 4-H Giving Day

You should:

  • Post on social media regularly about Iowa 4-H Giving Day, using the hashtag #GrowIowa4H
  • Email your supporters with additional details about Iowa 4-H Giving Day. 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 Iowa 4-H Giving Day Team will:

  • Heavily promote Iowa 4-H Giving Day 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 Iowa 4-H Giving Day, using the hashtag #GrowIowa4H
  • Email your supporters with updates and how they can help your Iowa 4-H Giving Day campaign
  • Thank your supporters in real-time on social media, in emails, or give them a call!
  • Celebrate!

Beyond

The Iowa 4-H Giving Day Team will:

  • Share statistics from Iowa 4-H Giving Day, 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 Iowa 4-H Giving Day 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 Iowa 4-H Giving Day by posting volunteer opportunities, fundraising, and hosting events!