Dynamic Content Creation: Enhancing Advocate Fundraising’s Digital Presence

Project Goal: The main objective of this project is to enhance the online presence and engagement of Advocate Fundraising through strategic content creation. This aims to attract more supporters, raise awareness about their initiatives, and ultimately amplify fundraising efforts. Tasks and Activities: 1. Research and Analysis (5%)   - Conduct an analysis of Advocate Fundraising’s current digital presence, including their website and social media channels.   - Research best practices in content creation for nonprofit organizations, focusing on fundraising and advocacy. 2. Content Strategy Development (5%)   - Develop a comprehensive content strategy outlining target audience personas, key messaging, and content distribution channels.   - Identify content themes and topics relevant to Advocate Fundraising’s mission and goals. 3. Content Creation (75%)   - Create various types of content, including:    - Social media posts (graphics and text) designed for engagement and sharing.    - Informational videos or infographics explaining Advocate Fundraising's impact and objectives.    - Revamped website page content to improve clarity, engagement, and effectiveness. 4. Content Calendar Production (10%)   - Develop a content calendar detailing the schedule for content creation and posting, ensuring a consistent flow of materials across all platforms. 5. Feedback and Iteration (5%)   - Present content drafts to Advocate Fundraising for feedback and make necessary revisions based on input received. 6. Collaboration (ongoing)   - Collaborate with other Riipen groups. One group is working on website structure, and another is focusing on social media strategy development.

Streamlined CRM Development: Data Entry and Collection for Enhanced Grant Management

10%: Data/CRM Research Understand Advocate Fundraising Needs: Familiarize yourself with the mission and objectives of Advocate Fundraising to grasp the specific information required for managing client and grantor relationships. Identify key data fields needed for the CRM, including: Organization Contact Person Contact Email Contact Phone Organization Address Funding Interests Eligibility Requirements for Applicants Website Other Notes or Important Information Application Deadline(s) (if applicable) Maximum Funding Ask (Amount) Find a Suitable CRM System: Conduct online research to identify free CRM systems that align with the needs of Advocate Fundraising. Evaluate options, considering features relevant to tracking communications and managing contacts. Create a comparison table summarizing the pros and cons of each CRM option to facilitate informed decision-making. 40%: Data Collection Utilize Existing Lists: Leverage the multiple lists already created by Advocate Fundraising, reviewing them for completeness and relevance. Collect any additional information as needed, ensuring that all relevant fields are populated. Data Gathering Methods: Supplement existing information by collecting data on potential funders and clients through online sources, including organizational websites, LinkedIn profiles, and other credible databases. Use a standardized template (spreadsheet format) to capture all relevant information consistently, including columns for: Organization Contact Person Contact Email Contact Phone Organization Address Funding Interests Eligibility Requirements for Applicants Website Other Notes or Important Information Application Deadline(s) Maximum Funding Ask (Amount) Ensure the integrity of the collected data by following consistent formatting and organization. 50%: Data Entry Enter Data into CRM: After completing the data collection phase, carefully review the standardized template to ensure all information is accurate and comprehensive. Input the collected data into the selected CRM system, ensuring alignment with the predefined data structure. Maintain consistent formatting during data entry (e.g., standardizing phone number formats and accurately entering email addresses). Communication Tracking: Implement a system within the CRM to track past, present, and future communications that Advocate Fundraising has with funders/clients, as well as report application submission details. Documentation and Best Practices: Keep a journal or log to document the data entry process, noting any challenges faced and solutions implemented for reference in future projects. If necessary, create guidelines or best practices to assist future users in managing the CRM system effectively.

Advocate Fundraising Marketing Strategy Development

The main objective of this project is to develop a comprehensive marketing strategy for Advocate Fundraising while simultaneously creating targeted content that resonates with NPOs and charities, ultimately enhancing their engagement and support. Tasks and Activities for Learners: Strategy Development (50% of Project) 1.Assessment of Current Strategy: Review Advocate Fundraising’s existing marketing efforts to identify strengths and weaknesses. 2.Measurable Goals: Set specific, measurable goals aimed at increasing client engagement (NPOs/Charities), such as: Increasing the number of participating charities in campaigns by a specific percentage within a set timeframe. Enhancing awareness of services offered to NPOs by achieving a target number of inquiries or sign-ups for resources. 3.Channel Identification: Identify and evaluate various marketing channels (e.g., email newsletters, social media, webinars, and networking events) that can effectively reach and engage NPOs and charities. 4.Cyclical Trends Analysis: Map out important fundraising days and cyclical trends (e.g., Giving Tuesday, year-end giving periods) that insights can be drawn from, to tailor engagement strategies accordingly. Content Creation (50% of Project) 1.Content Planning: Develop a calendar that outlines key cyclical fundraising dates and events relevant to NPOs/Charities, ensuring that content is aligned with these moments. 2.Engagement Materials: Create specific promotional and engagement materials tailored for NPOs. These may include: Email Campaigns:  Draft email templates focusing on upcoming fundraising days, offering tips or resources. Informative Flyers/Brochures:  Design materials that outline advocacy strategies, key statistics about fundraising days, and how Advocate Fundraising can assist NPOs. 3.Visual Content: Develop engaging visuals such as infographics or charts that illustrate the cyclical trends and relevant fundraising days, making it easier for NPOs/Charities to understand and utilize this information. 4.Feedback and Iteration: Gather feedback on created content from focus groups or stakeholders to ensure the materials resonate with the target audience (NPOs/Charities), making necessary adjustments before finalizing.

Transforming Advocate Fundraising: A Strategic Website Revamp

Project Goal: "Advocate Fundraising seeks to enhance its online presence by revitalizing its website to be more compelling, engaging, and user-friendly. Currently, the Advocate Fundraising website is inactive and outdated, and we aim to collaborate with students to create a platform that effectively addresses client needs, promotes our services, and inspires engagement with our mission. Through this project, we hope to establish a modern and dynamic website that not only informs visitors but also encourages them to take action." Context for Professors: As digital engagement becomes increasingly important, the current website does not effectively reflect the organization's mission or engage potential donors and supporters. By partnering with students, Advocate Fundraising aims to leverage their creativity and fresh perspectives to transform its online presence. This project not only serves as a meaningful learning experience for students but also benefits a vital community organization in need of revitalization. Tasks and Activities Learners Will Engage In: 1. Research and Analysis:  - Conduct research on effective nonprofit and fundraising websites to identify best practices in design, user experience, and content that resonates with potential clients and supporters.   - Analyze the existing Advocate Fundraising website to pinpoint areas needing improvement and gather data on the target audience's preferences. 2. Content Development:   - Collaborate to create compelling content for new and existing web pages, ensuring it is engaging, informative, and aligned with the Advocate Fundraising brand voice and messaging.   - Develop tailored calls to action that direct users toward services and important initiatives. 3. Website Structure and Navigation:   - Assist in restructuring the website layout to improve user navigation, ensuring that information is easily accessible and intuitive.   - Design wireframes or mockups reflecting the proposed layout and features of the new website. 4. Web Page Creation:   - Use Squarespace to create new web pages, including sections for services, causes supported, and a revamped home page.   - Ensure that all new pages are visually appealing and consistent with the Advocate Fundraising branding color palette and logo. 5. Review and Editing:   - Review and update existing web pages to ensure the information is accurate, relevant, and aligns with the new content strategy.   - Edit content collaboratively to maintain consistency in tone and formatting. 6. Feature Recommendations:   - Propose potential upgrades, features, or interactive elements (such as donation buttons, volunteer sign-up forms, etc.) that could enhance user engagement and functionality.   - Discuss and brainstorm ways to incorporate multimedia elements (photos, videos, graphics) into the website for better storytelling. By engaging in these tasks, students will gain hands-on experience in web design, content creation, and digital marketing while contributing significantly to the revitalization of the Advocate Fundraising website. This collaboration will provide students with insights into real-world applications of their skills and help Advocate Fundraising connect more effectively with its stakeholders and the community.