Mobilizing your board with matching funds, even during a pandemic
Joseph Lichterman, Lenfest Institute,Have assumptions to test about reader revenue, individual philanthropic support, and quick campaigns? Steal this idea: set up a short effort with a match from key high-power stakeholders. San Diego-based inewsource diversified its revenue streams and activated its board with a three-day-sprint matching campaign.
The effort was initially designed to test audiences’ willingness to financially support news in uncertain economic times. The board development committee layered in an $18,000 match as an added enticement for readers to give.
One of the underlying motivators was the organization’s consolidated revenue mix. “[T]he bulk of inewsource’s revenue comes from philanthropic support — both from foundations and individuals — and Lorie Hearn, the site’s executive director and founder, was worried about the impact of the pandemic on the inewsource’s fundraising prospects. ”
Audience donations exceeded the total match, and inewsource raised $1.1 million by the conclusion of its fiscal year.
There’s plenty of tactical details to adapt. The Solution Set case includes links to the 5 emails the organization sent, the underlying dynamics of turning your board into ambassadors, and the mechanics of a sprint-style fundraise.