Do you want to help those capable of making the switch from one-time volunteers to advocates and active donors? You’re not alone!
Non-profits rely on the contributions from those who can. While you might have some reservations, you shouldn’t. You don’t want to make people give time and money they don’t have, but you do want to bring in as much fundraising from your cause.
Volunteers have already showed you they care, but with so much happening in day-to-day life, people need to be nudged in the right direction if they are going to continue to volunteer, or the ultimate goal, become a donor and advocate.
In this use case, we’ll follow Mark along his journey from Volunteer to Donor and Advocate, as well as, show you how email marketing, and which features, are your best friend along the journey.
Introducing Mark – Our Fictitious Volunteer Turned Donor
Imagine Mark, who volunteered once at a local charity and felt good about helping out. But that could have been the end of his involvement—until he started receiving personalized emails that kept him connected, inspired, and motivated.
Over time, Mark became a passionate advocate for the cause, attending events, donating, and bringing his friends along. How can you do the same with your volunteers?
Don’t have a lot of hands to help you with constant communication? Well, despite what you might think, your small team has the power!
Tips for Making it Possible No Matter Your Team Size
Using tools like email marketing automation and templates will decrease the time spent turning your volunteers into advocates.
This transformation from one-time volunteer to dedicated advocate might seem too good to be true, but it is possible through strategic email marketing.
Let’s explain.
Improving Success, Every Step of the Way with Email Marketing
In this section, we’ll go through the various stages of volunteer’s lifecycle, from onboarding to converting them to advocate and donor.
Onboarding and Engaging New Supporters
The journey from volunteer to advocate begins with an impactful onboarding experience. A well-crafted welcome series sets the stage for long-term involvement by educating new supporters about the organization’s mission, impact, and how they can contribute.
Mark’s Onboarding
Mark receives a warm welcome email with a heartfelt thank you and a short video showcasing the impact of his volunteer work.
The follow-up emails provide information on upcoming events, ways to get more involved, and stories of other volunteers who made a difference.
This thoughtful onboarding process makes him feel valued and excited to continue his journey with the organization.
Key Takeaway
Craft a welcoming and educational onboarding series to engage new supporters and set the stage for long-term involvement.
Keeping Volunteers Connected and Motivated
Consistent communication is essential for keeping volunteers engaged and motivated. Regular updates, recognition, and impactful stories maintain momentum and strengthen connections.
Keeping Mark Connected and Motivated
Mark regularly receives newsletters highlighting the nonprofit’s achievements, volunteer spotlights, and behind-the-scenes stories. He also receives personalized thank you emails, recognizing his contributions and showing how his efforts are making a difference.
This consistent engagement makes him feel valued and keeps him connected to the cause. Recognizing volunteers’ efforts and sharing impactful stories not only motivates them but also fosters a sense of community and belonging.
Key Takeaway
Keep volunteers engaged and motivated with regular updates, recognition, and impactful stories, fostering a sense of community and purpose.
Converting Supporters into Advocates and Donors
Storytelling is a powerful tool for converting volunteers into advocates and donors. By sharing educational content, brand stories, and testimonials, nonprofits can inspire deeper involvement and advocacy.
Converting Mark to an Advocate and Donor
Mark receives emails that go beyond event updates. He learns about the nonprofit’s mission through powerful stories of beneficiaries and testimonials from other advocates. This educational content deepens his emotional connection, inspiring him to not only volunteer more but also donate and advocate for the cause within his community.
Storytelling turns passive supporters into passionate advocates who feel personally connected to the mission.
Key Takeaway
Use storytelling to convert supporters into advocates and donors, deepening their emotional connection and inspiring ongoing involvement.
Also consider including links to donate or host their own events in the emails.
How to Promote a Non Profit’s Community (Beyond Just Fundraising)
Building a passionate community isn’t just about gaining volunteers—it’s about nurturing their journey from supporters to advocates. By crafting an impactful onboarding experience, keeping volunteers motivated with consistent communication, and inspiring advocacy through storytelling, nonprofits can build strong, loyal communities.
Get the Email Marketing Automation and Templates you Need to be Successful
Ready to nurture a passionate community? Discover how Cyberimpact’s email marketing platform can help you engage volunteers and turn them into loyal advocates with our email automation and templates. Get started today!