Most of us are familiar with the Humane Society of Boulder Valley – indeed, many of us may have adopted a pet here!
This year – thanks in part to a Colorado Gives Day master class sponsored by The Community Foundation Serving Boulder County – the Humane Society anticipates a boost in support of its mission to protect and enhance the lives of companion animals.
“The master class was really helpful, especially because we’ve experienced some staff changeover,” says Lisa Borgmann, Development Manager. “It’s been really beneficial in building out our Gives Day campaign, getting questions answered, weeding out ideas and exchanging feedback. It helped us understand trends and common struggles that nonprofits face…and it helped us be much more strategic in our planning.”
Borgmann also appreciates the opportunity to brainstorm with other master class participants. “Someone introduced the idea of a call center day, to be really timely in thanking Colorado Gives Day donors,” she says. “I’m really excited about that.
“As far as our online presence goes, we’ve always focused a lot of energy on that – this year, we’re almost replicating last year’s email schedule, but we’re tweaking it to make sure we align our email blast with what’s happening on social media. We’re aiming for a kind of domino effect – our audiences receive an email, and then they’ll see reminders of those messages on Facebook and Twitter.”
Also new this year, the Humane Society set up tables in various locations throughout the community. “We had an iPad with us so people could make donations in the moment,” Borgmann explains. “Our new day-of, pounding-the-pavement format will, I think, help us attract new donors. Being out in the community allows us to be face-to-face with donors and potential new donors in a more direct and personal way.”
The Humane Society also focuses its efforts on Colorado Gives Day by selecting a compelling theme across communications channels, including its Life is Better video.
“Overall, we’re moving toward a much more active ‘ask,’” concludes Borgmann. “We’re reminding people that an increase in philanthropy, in general, is a good thing. And that life with animals, in particular, is better.”
