Communications Timeline


Download the Comprehensive Communication Guide to Prepare for Give Big Pittsburgh!



Major Milestones

Month 1

The Give Big Pittsburgh Team will:

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

You should:

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

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

You should:

  • Craft your campaign story. How are you celebrating Give Big Pittsburgh? How will you use the funds raised during Give Big Pittsburgh? Why should donors give to you on Give Big Pittsburgh? 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 Give Big Pittsburgh 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 Give Big Pittsburgh on November 28th. Download the email and social media timelines in the Nonprofit Toolkit to get a head start!

Month 3

The Give Big Pittsburgh Team will:

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

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

You should:

  • Post on social media regularly about Give Big Pittsburgh, using the hashtag GiveBigPittsburgh
  • Email your supporters with additional details about Give Big Pittsburgh. 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 Give Big Pittsburgh Team will:

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

Beyond

The Give Big Pittsburgh Team will:

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