Whenever I talk about next generation issues in the philanthropic field, someone in the audience usually asks how to engage the next generation of donors in their nonprofit organization. People seem to think that there is some magic password or special program that will make younger donors interested in their organization. There isn't. Younger donors require the same relationship building and interest in your organization that any other donor requires. The key to engaging donors is a personal invitation to a relevant event that will help that potential donor learn more about your work. That invitation coming from a trusted source makes all the difference in the world. I recently received an invitation to a nonprofit fundraiser from one of my most well-connected friends, Lars. The part that most impressed me about the invitation that he asked me to share the invitation with my networks and those individuals would receive a discount to the event. The invitation that Lars sent me is below (feel free to contact him if you are interested in tickets to the event in Minneapolis:
I'm writing with a special invitation for you and your broader networks on behalf of Faith's Lodge to join me in attending their first annual Hope Rocks! gala the evening of Saturday, September 20th; an event that will bring together hundreds of leaders, catalysts, and connectors from across the Twin Cities to join in supporting this great organization with an incredible party - a philanthropic model you all know well from your leadership within this community to engage next generation donors.
What is Faith's Lodge? It is a unique retreat in northern WI for families who currently have a seriously ill child or have suffered the loss of a child.You can view the very innovative and unique flash event invite here.There will be a private performance by Soul Asylum and a killer silent auction and raffle including a concert package for the Coldplay show in St. Paul in November that includes attending the soundcheck, backstage access, and time with the band.You can get an advance glimpse of what that would entail here. (password is "bestbuypics")Faith's Lodge board has set aside a batch of individual tickets at a 30% discounted rate of $100 per ticket that will be made specially available to you and your respective networks on a first respond, first served basis as a special effort to engage next generation leaders in our community.If you, or anyone in your network, is interested in attending through this special offer, please email me back directly at larsl (at) keystonesearch (dot) com asap so that we can get your tickets reserved.You can see who else is serving as sponsors and members of the event host committee member here.
We hope you and others from your network will join us on the 20th. Thanks very much for your time and help spreading the word.