Communications Timeline


Download the Comprehensive Communication Guide to Prepare for The Big Share!



Major Milestones

Month 1

The The Big Share Team will:

  • Encourage nonprofits to sign up for The Big Share
  • Network with and recruit local community nonprofit leaders to expand and amplify The Big Share’s message to nonprofits, donors, and other general supporters

You should:

  • Sign up for The Big Share and customize your profile
  • Assemble your The Big Share team and involve them in planning how your The Big Share campaign will complement your annual fundraising strategy
  • Attend a webinar to learn about The Big Share, how to promote your The Big Share 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 The Big Share Team will:

  • Work with local newspapers, radio stations, and other media outlets to continue spreading the word to a wider audience about The Big Share
  • Continue offering trainings to nonprofits participating in The Big Share, and those interested in the opportunity, on giving day best practices.
  • Develop content for nonprofits participating in The Big Share to use, and for use on CSWBigShare social media pages, Facebook and Twitter.

You should:

  • Craft your campaign story. How are you celebrating The Big Share? How will you use the funds raised during The Big Share? Why should donors give to you on The Big Share? 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 The Big Share 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 The Big Share on March 5th. Download the email and social media timelines in the Nonprofit Toolkit to get a head start!

Month 3

The The Big Share Team will:

  • Provide more resources to local community nonprofit leaders to expand and amplify The Big Share’s message to nonprofits, donors, and other general supporters
  • Continue promoting The Big Share 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 The Big Share “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 The Big Share Team will:

  • Heavily promote The Big Share to all media outlets across the region
  • Finalize partnerships with local businesses to benefit every nonprofit participating in The Big Share

You should:

  • Post on social media regularly about The Big Share, using the hashtag CSWBigShare
  • Email your supporters with additional details about The Big Share. 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 The Big Share Team will:

  • Heavily promote The Big Share 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 The Big Share, using the hashtag CSWBigShare
  • Email your supporters with updates and how they can help your The Big Share campaign
  • Thank your supporters in real-time on social media, in emails, or give them a call!
  • Celebrate!

Beyond

The The Big Share Team will:

  • Share statistics from The Big Share, 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 The Big Share 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 The Big Share by posting volunteer opportunities, fundraising, and hosting events!