Five Ways to Bring Innovation to Your Annual Campaign

Third, keep your campaign mission driven. Tell your clients' stories. Relate the before-and-after tale. Use testimonials, use pictures, use video. Describe the impact your program is making on clients' lives and in your community.

Fourth, use your fundraising appeals to educate the community about your programs and build awareness about the social issues you address. Aside from raising much-needed funds for general operations, the annual campaign is a wonderful opportunity to connect to your greater community and re-connect with donors and volunteers. Write letters to the editor, be a guest on a local radio or cable show, send out PSAs, make presentations at local service clubs and the chamber of commerce. Nurture your donors and volunteers with compelling updates and announce your accomplishments and successes. Make them be proud to be involved with you.