Nonprofit Champion: Michele from Wisconsin Literacy, Inc.
Wisconsin Literacy, Inc. (WLI) is a coalition of 75 community-based literacy programs throughout the state of Wisconsin, providing support to nonprofit literacy programs with capacity-building services, funding, advocacy, and professional development since 1985.
On March 7, 2017, WLI, along with 65 other organizations, participated in the annual Giving Day celebration for members of Community Shares of Wisconsin, The Big Share 2017.
Michele Erikson, Executive Director for WLI, shared some background on her organization:
“For over 32 years, Wisconsin Literacy, Inc. (WLI) has been providing services to its coalition of literacy agencies, now numbering 75 and representing over 13,000 adult learners and over 3,600 professionally trained volunteer tutors and paid teachers. Our mission is to change lives by strengthening literacy statewide. In 2010, Wisconsin Health Literacy (WHL), was created as a division of WLI with its own director, website, and social media presence.
Its vision that all people understand health information and services is fulfilled by promoting clear communication between people who give and receive health care. The WHL division manages the national health literacy summits, trains health care professionals, facilitates presentations and directs programs for adult learners from member agencies and vulnerable populations.”
“We are passionate about the work we do because literacy skills are the fundamental ingredient for improving people’s lives.”
Giving Day Strategy
The Wisconsin Literacy team engaged in the following promotional efforts leading up to their participation in The Big Share:
- Social media promotions
- Email campaigns
- Targeted campaign to previous Big Share donors
- Board discussion and thoughtful strategizing
Michele attributed their success primarily to the matching gifts they received from board members and their companies.
For this year’s event, WLI fully customized their giving profile with a background story, compelling photos, giving levels, and a video.
Watch WLI’s video for The Big Share:
Giving Day Results
WLI ranked number five on The Big Share 2017 Leaderboards for Amount Raised for the day with over $16,000 donated by 98 donors.
“We have a high unrestricted donor goal that this event helped us reach.”
Michele shared why she would recommend GiveGab to other nonprofits:
“GiveGab provided training and support in critical moments on the day of the event. And the staff far exceeded our expectations in numerous ways.”
Congratulations to Wisconsin Literacy on Your Success!
You are truly Nonprofit Champions
