How To Appeal To Millennials And Get The Best Results

Millennials seem to be the “hot topic” for many of today’s conversations. Society is constantly trying to figure us out and come up with a way to connect with us. As a millennial who is involved in the nonprofit sector, I have noticed that many organizations struggle to attract and maintain millennials on a long-term basis for donating their time and/or money.

Since we aim to help organizations like yours, today we will learn how to appeal to millennials and get the best results.

How To Appeal To Millennials And Get The Best Results

Build Trust...Then Make The Impact

Trust is a MAJOR thing when it comes to millennials! If we don’t trust you, forget about us donating to your cause.

We don’t care for fake news. 👀 It is best, to be honest with us and state the facts because we tend to do our research. Before we donate to an organization, we will run it by our family and friends, see what others have to say about it, and then give our support. Focus your marketing efforts on building trust and use conversational language so we can connect with you.

Tip: Show examples of the awesome work your organization does for the community and/or around the world, so we know where and what the money we donate go towards.

Maintain a Relationship Through Social Media

The social media trend is still alive and well. Millions of millennials stay connected and become aware of organizations through social media outlets. Once you’ve gained our trust, maintain a relationship with us (outside of the typical monthly newsletter or annual report). Make it possible for us to stay up to date with your organization’s social media pages or through your weekly blog(s).

Tip: Focus on only one or two social channels and two to four blog posts per month. It’s better to do less and do it well than to spread yourself too thin.

Update Your Website

Let’s admit it; there is nothing worse than clicking on a website that takes forever to load or looks like it hasn’t been touched since millennials were born. *laughing emoji* Invest in a modern and reliable website and update it frequently with news about to your organization. Also, include an online giving tab that allows potential donors to donate to your cause conveniently.

Tip:  Check out The Best Way To Encourage Online Giving to learn more about attracting more online givers.

Take advantage of simple, yet impactful tips and receive a fresh wind of new volunteers and donors that will help support the great cause your organization makes each day/week/year. As you make a difference in the lives of those you touch, don’t forget to file your annual Form 990 with ExpressTaxExempt and stay compliant with the IRS.

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How To Gain Effective Communication For Non-Profit Organizations

ATTENTION! ATTENTION!

If you’re a leader with a big voice like I am, getting everyone’s attention is easy; it’s keeping their attention and communicating effectively that can become the problem. Whether you have a loud or soft, sweet voice, the way you communicate as a leader for your organization can affect the outcome of your nonprofit.

Our aim at ExpressTaxExempt is to help you and your nonprofit organization grow so that you can continue making a positive difference in your community. Here are a few keys to effective communication that will benefit your non-profit organization:

How To Gain Effective Communication For Non-Profit Organizations

1) Inform, Explain, Clarify

As a leader have you ever felt misunderstood by those, you work with or lead? When you make an announcement, everyone seems to be on the same page but two days later (or even sooner) you are confronted with 5000 questions? 

If this scenario often occurs you may need to rethink your communication skills and adjust them to best suit those that you lead. What makes sense to you might not “click” with them. This three-step process has helped me tremendously throughout the years;

1. Inform - Always inform your team promptly. Communicating information at the last minute opens the door for confusion and a lack of understanding among individual members of your team. 
2. Explain - Depending on your leadership style you may or may not be the type to share all of the details; which is fine. Whatever information you do decide to share, be prepared to explain it in detail to your team. The more they know in [certain] situations, the better. 
3. Clarify - It never hurts to clarify information that you have shared with your team. At the end of the day, you are human just like they are. Mistakes happen! If you misspeak or failed to make something clear, simply clarify it and move forward. 

2) Servant Leadership: Become More "Hands-ON" 

To lead others well, you must serve first.

Of course, we are not referring to serving your team a meal (although treating your volunteers to a meal is always a kind gesture). Servant leadership is a timeless concept that helps with effective communication skills, by focusing on the growth and well-being of individuals and communities to which they belong.

Take time to labor among those you volunteer with. Talk to your team. Help volunteers with tasks you have assigned. Go where the work is happening. Being present and active will show your team, as well as potential donors, the amount of passion you have towards your organization’s mission and want to help others. 

3) Maintain Open Dialogue With Your Team

Keeping an open line of communication is vital to building and sustaining an active relationship with your team, volunteers, donors, and community. Exceptional communication is achieved in various ways and can be accomplished easily. Here are some options that you can implement with your non-profit organization: 

• Team - Schedule weekly or bi-weekly meetings with your team and volunteers to discuss any upcoming projects or initiatives of your nonprofit organization and brainstorm new ideas. Meetings are also a great time to spark conversations and have dialogue that will strengthen your team. Allow your team and volunteers to share their opinion and feedback; take what is shared and use it to better the organization.

• Donors - Donors want to know where their donations are used. Based on the relationship with your donors you should determine how often you correspond with them to provide updates regarding your organization. This correspondence can be as simple as an email or creative as a monthly or quarterly newsletter. Staying in touch with your donors will considerably affect your nonprofit organization and the donations it receives.

• Community - Just like donors, the community wants to know about your efforts as well. Word of mouth is still one of the best marketing tools! Residents of your community will inform others about your nonprofit organization, volunteer to help, and lead individuals that could need your services in your direction so they can receive the help that they need.

TIP: The more you inform your audience, the more support you will receive!

Use these three keys to achieve and maintain effective communication skills within your nonprofit organization. If you have any tips to share, ExpressTaxExempt would love to include them. Comment below and let’s all grow together! 

Don’t forget to communicate with your team the importance of filing a 990 Form annually to keep the organization’s tax-exempt status intact. ExpressTaxExempt will help you remain tax exempt and free from IRS penalties. 

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Let ExpressTaxExempt handle your nonprofit organization’s tax filing needs.

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Turn Your Nonprofit Obstacles Into Opportunities

Nonprofit organizations serve a great purpose and make a significant difference in the community daily. Although the mission of nonprofits is positive, they are faced with various challenges along the way. Each challenge presents it own obstacles but can turn into opportunities for growth and overall victory. Here are some challenges that nonprofit organizations face and how to turn them around to make it work for your organization:

POLITICAL LEADERSHIP CHANGES

Regardless of the political party that you or your team may side with, a level of uncertainty comes with a new direction of local, state, and national governmental leadership. Groups such as nonprofits can be impacted by these changes due to the difficulty in being able to adequately conduct any long-term planning for their organization.

The best way to face this challenge is to sketch out annual objectives and goals for the upcoming year while also including backup plans that will allow you and your group to have another option to fall back on in case you have to derive from your original plan.

ADEQUATE FUNDING

Along with new technology comes new ways that donors can give donations. A way to increase donations for your organization is by having an online portal that accepts donations. By accepting financial donations online, donors will feel that they can give in a more convenient way through their tablet or mobile devices. Also invent in a Square Chip Card Reader, a device which will allow your organization to receive payments through your mobile device or iPad.

LACK OF VOLUNTEERS

In order to reach the goal that your non-profit organization has set, a few extra helping hands may be needed. An easy way to gain these helpers is by reaching out to college clubs and organizations to receive some young, vibrant volunteers. Many college students are interested in lending a helping hand and gaining some community service at the same time. Also, a good bit of college organizations have a community service initiative that they strive to complete each semester. When it comes to community service, “the more, the merrier” is sometimes best.  

It is also important to keep record of any individual or group that volunteers with you, as most will need a signature or some form of verification from a designated leader within your organization validating the time they volunteered.

RETAINING/ENGAGING DONORS

Without donors, nonprofits cannot survive. The organization-to-supporter relationship is very important. Today’s donors do not want to think that all you want from them is their money. Rather than asking for money right away, find ways to engage conversations with supporters and give them an opportunity to get to know your organization and build an emotional attachment to your work and mission. These are some good ways to keep donors invested:

• Keep them engaged and let them know that they are an integral part to the organization.
• Let donors know where their money is going and what it is supporting. Give monthly or quarterly updates via email or newsletter.

INNOVATIVE & EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Many aspects of today’s communication are focused on digital outlets like social media, text messaging, and mobile app usage. Although the ways of communication have changed, that doesn’t mean that your donors have adapted or changed their preferred type of communication.

Due to this dilemma, organization leaders are having to find new ways to communicate their needs and announcements to various demographics. The best way to tackle this issue is by sending one message but taking an omni-channel approach.

Messages sent through social media would use a more “trendy” approach with non-extensive writing vs. a professional email or phone call that would be more conversational. It is also suggested and very important to survey the key constituents of your organization to see which method they prefer.

FINAL STEPS

By facing these challenges and turning them into opportunities, your organization can have an awesome year of philanthropy and service! As a nonprofit organization, it is crucial that you maintain your tax-exempt status with the IRS. ExpressTaxExempt, the #1 IRS-authorized tax e-filing solution for tax-exempt organizations, allows you to do just that. Providing security, ease, and peace of mind to organizations and its leaders, we respect the services that nonprofit organizations give to communities and are motivated to help with e-filing so you can get back to proudly making a difference in your community. With newly reduced rates, organizations can now save funds annually when e-filing. Pay us a visit at www.expresstaxexempt.com today and begin your e-filing process.

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Rebuilding After Hurricane Harvey: How Your Nonprofit Can Help

On Friday, August 25th, the catastrophic storm, Hurricane Harvey, slammed onto the shore of southeastern Texas as a Category 4 hurricane and has since weakened to a tropical storm as of Saturday. Many of us have seen the heartbreaking effects that Hurricane Harvey has had and wonder how we can be of assistance to help those that were affected, recover from the disaster. 

Our ultimate goal and aim at ExpressTaxExempt is to be a resource to all nonprofits and support the enrichment of communities worldwide. With respect to those affected by Hurricane Harvey, we have provided a listing of philanthropic opportunities for both nonprofits and individuals to donate/give to. We encourage you to browse through the various causes listed below and help our brothers and sisters in Texas. 

Monetary Donations

Red Cross - The American Red Cross is working around the clock to help those whose lives have been devastated by Tropical Storm Harvey. Donations can be made online or by phone at 1-800-RED-CROSS. You can also text “HARVEY” to 90999 and make a $10 donation through your mobile device.

The Salvation Army - The Salvation Army provides physical, emotional and spiritual care to the survivors and relief workers of Hurricane Harvey. They currently have disaster teams from across the country working in the treacherous waters and have response efforts in place for long-term disaster recovery efforts. Visit their website to make an online donation of $25.00 or more. Donations can also be made by mail or phone.

City of Houston Relief Fund - The Mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner has established a relief fund administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation that will accept tax deductible flood relief donations. For more information on how to donate by credit card, check/money order, or transfer cash by wire, click here.

Save the Children - This organization focuses on the most vulnerable by providing items such as cribs and shelter to displaced children. For ways to support the Hurricane Harvey Children’s Relief Fund, visit the Save The Children website.

Volunteer Opportunities

Samaritan’s Purse - The Samaritan’s Purse currently has 2 disaster relief units in Texas helping residents through the rain, flooding, and destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey. They will soon have a total of 5 tractor trailers in the state to assist those affected. Click here to donate. Volunteers are also needed...thousands to be exact. Visit their Volunteer Network to sign up and receive updates on details and needs.

Heart to Heart - Heart to Heart International deploys a team of highly qualified responders equipped to rapidly respond as a self-contained mobile medical team. Volunteers are being recruited in the following fields: nurses, physicians/midlevel providers (Emergency Medicine, General Practitioner, Family Medicine, Pediatrics), EMT/Paramedics, Physical Therapists, Mental Health, Logistics, Administration, and Security. Find out more information here.

Share This Post

Please help us help others by sharing this post with at least 2 people to increase the support that Hurricane Harvey victims will receive. Recovery from a disaster is never easy, so the more help they receive, the better! Also, if you know of other donation opportunities, comment below and we can add them to the list! 

Other Ways to Donate:

Feeding Texas - Feeding Texas serves alongside state and federal relief efforts when disasters strike the state of Texas. If you or someone you know is in the state of Texas, they can donate food items such as pop-top meat/fish, powdered milk, cereal, canned fruit, fruit cups, peanut butter and jelly as well as cleaning supplies to a local food bank in Houston, Galveston, and other areas. Monetary donations are always welcomed also. Visit the Feeding Texas website for a list of local food banks and contact information.

United Airlines - Airplane carrier United Airlines is offering up to 1,000 bonus miles to MileagePlus members who donate to relief efforts on its fundraising page. They will also match the first $100,000 donated. If you donate $50-$99 you will earn 250 bonus miles and $100-$249 will get you 500 bonus miles. Visit United Airlines Fundraising Page to donate.

Shelter

Airbnb - Airbnb has created an Urgent Accommodations site where evacuees from the storm can find shelter and all service fees are waived for those affected by the disaster that check in between August 23, 2017 and September 25, 2017. If you need a place to stay or have a home in that area that you would like to add to their database, click here.

Animal Relief

SPCA of Texas - The SPCA of Texas is providing disaster relief to pets affected by Hurricane Harvey. A large team of their staff and volunteers have already set up a temporary animal shelter near the mega shelter in Downtown Dallas and are working in conjunction with city and county disaster officials. Click here to support their efforts.

About ExpressTaxExempt

ExpressTaxExempt respects the services that exempt organizations provide to communities and serves as the premier hub for everything tax exempt. Our service is dedicated to providing the best and most efficient e-filing experience for tax-exempt organizations, no matter how big or small. For more information about ExpressTaxExempt, visit our website. If you need help with tax exempt e-filing, contact us Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST at (704) 839-2321 and through live chat on our site. We also offer 24/7 email assistance at support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

View our most recent blogs here.
 

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Give Now, Receive Later: Donate & Get Money Back

At ExpressTaxExempt we respect the services that nonprofits, charities, and exempt organizations provide to their community. These groups help so many from day to day, so “now let us help you!”

As expected, most nonprofit organizations and charities aim to receive donations and contributions from generous givers to support their philanthropic endeavors. One may ask, “Why would a tax company be concerned with donations?” To answer that question, all contributions and donations to an organization qualified by the IRS can be deducted from your tax return when filing. For those that are in charge of collecting donations for your organization(s), this is a great interesting fact to share with your potential donors.

We’ve listed some tips here for you and your donors to utilize to ensure that your contributions  will positively pay off during tax filing and tax return season.  

TIP #1: Make donations to a qualified organization. Deductions on your tax return cannot be made to specific individuals, political organizations and candidates.

(Exempt Organizations Select Check Tool)

TIP #2: Must file Form 1040 and itemize deductions on Schedule A. (Extension Form Available).

TIP #3: Benefits received from contributions, such as merchandise or tickets to a game, can only deduct the amount which exceeds the market value of the received benefit.

TIP #4: Non-cash property or stock donations are usually valued at fair market value. Clothing and household items should be in good used condition or better in order to be deducted.

• Fair Market Value: The agreed price at which property would change hands between a willing buyer and seller.

TIP #5: Regardless the amount, a bank record or payroll deduction record must be maintained for a contribution of cash, check, or other monetary gift. Written communication from the organization [that received the donation] with the name of the organization stated along with the date and amount of the contribution will also suffice for verification purposes.

TIP #6: For contributions of cash or property equaling $250 or more the following must be provided to claim a deduction:

• Bank record
• Payroll deduction record
• Written acknowledgement from organization
• **One document may satisfy these requirements**

TIP #7: If the total deduction for all non-cash contributions for the year is over $500, an

IRS Form 8283 must be completed and attached to your return.

TIP #8: Donating items or a group of similar items valued at more than $5,000 must also complete Section B of Form 8283, which will more than likely require an appraisal by a qualified appraiser.

Whether you are responsible for collecting donations for your charitable or nonprofit organization or considering to make a donation, ExpressTaxExempt is here to help you each step of the way and provide beneficial content for you and your organization. Also, be sure to visit ExpressTaxFilings for your personal e-filing needs as well as ExpressExtension to be granted extra time to gather all necessary information. If you need any help at all with the filing process, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST, at (704) 839-2321 and through live chat on our site. We also offer 24/7 email assistance at support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

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5 Summer Fundraising Tips for Nonprofits

We’re right in the middle of these long days of summer, and with the weather being warm, exempt organizations are becoming warmer as this season is one of the most excellent time of the year to bring in contributions for your nonprofit or charity cause.

Break from the monotony of traditional fundraising tactics and take full advantage of these summer days with even more interaction with your community. Here are five simple strategies to earn more donations by using Summer to its full potential!

Embrace the Outdoors
When you think of Summer, you think of being outside - literally; people spend a great deal of their leisure time outside during the Summer. For you, this is a perfect opportunity to construct an outdoor activity as a fundraising campaign. You can set up a lemonade or ice cream stand for donations. A more simple and quick idea could be handing out bottles of ice-cold water on a hot day at the park for a small monetary gift towards your cause.

Make a Specific Request
If you need volunteers, contributions, or whatever is necessary, make sure your “call-to-action” is clear like blue summer skies. You want to be as transparent as possible with those who are getting involved with your organization. Be open with your mission goals, the use of donations, and how people can volunteer if they want.

Work with the Community
To be for the people, it makes sense to be with the people. With the summer season, there comes summer gatherings like pool parties, sporting events, and barbecues. How about hosting a summer festival with the proceeds going towards your exempt organization? If you happen to find any other city-sponsored activities in your area, see how your organization can become a part of it and use that platform to inform people about giving towards your leading cause.

Use your Creativity
There are no limits with whatever you can come up with - you can reshape a summer chore into an opportunity to fundraise. You could organize a small group of volunteers to mow lawns or wash cars for donations. With the proper resources, you could even put together an afternoon program for children where parents can contribute for how long their child is there. The possibilities are nearly endless for those serious enough.

Enjoy Yourselves
Though the point of these suggestions is to bring in money to your exempt organization, the primary goal should always be to have fun outside and be among those within the community. Just one fun summer activity can accomplish so much and bring positive recognition to your mission - ever thought about how a water balloon fight could be a fundraiser?

Once you've gathered all your donations, be sure to visit us at ExpressTaxExempt.com so you can quickly and easily bulk upload your contributors and amounts from fundraising events - these are figures required on your IRS Form 990/990-EZ. And if you need more time file, we also offer IRS Form 8868 for automatic tax extensions.

Contact our live, US-based customer support in Rock Hill, South Carolina, for any questions or assistance with e-file your exempt organization’s tax return. We’re available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST at 704.839.2321 - email us 24/7 with support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

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