Dutchess Outreach is a nonprofit organization in Poughkeepsie, NY, with the mission to “act as a catalyst for community revitalization and exists in Dutchess County as an advocate and provider of hunger and relief services in order to ensure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to fresh, healthy food, and the support they need.”

Sarah Salem, Development Associate for Dutchess Outreach, shared her success story participating in New York’s first statewide Day of Giving, #NYGivesDay 2016, that occurred in tandem with the #GivingTuesday movement.

“This past #GivingTuesday via #NYGivesDay was a HUGE success for us as we blew our fundraising goal out of the water!”

With much time and effort, Dutchess Outreach raised over $5,000 from 40 donors in a single Day of Giving!

Campaign Strategy

Participating in a Giving Day often requires a lot of preparation and garnered support in order for it to be successful.  Sarah listed out some of the things her team did

• Planned and prepared for the big day one month in advance
• Gained support from their board of directors and staff
• Utilized a Facebook Call to Action
• Sent email blasts leading up to and on the Giving Day

Supporter Engagement

According to Sarah, 90% of their donors for this Giving Day were brand new!  Their engagement strategy was highly successful, utilizing their email server, Facebook, and Instagram to keep everyone informed.  They also utilized Facebook to recruit their fundraising champions (AKA fundraisers).

The Takeaway

The time restraints that come with participating in a 24-hour giving event like #NYGivesDay, along with the specific monetary goal set by Dutchess Outreach, created a sense of urgency that Sarah believed helped with their fundraising outcomes.

When asked what single piece of advice she would give to others for running a great campaign, Sarah told us:

“Get excited and communicate that to your supporters!”

Congratulations, Dutchess Outreach, on Your Success!

 You are truly Nonprofit Champions 

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