Lets assume that Y's are good story tellers...now what?  How do we convert the casual consumer to donor?

One strategy that works: The 'Giving Catalog' approach.  A giving page that makes it easy for web donors to equate mission needs to their transaction.  Think about offering lots of giving options (a la wal mart).  As example:

 -Malaria No More: 30.00 buys 3 Bed Nets; Heifer: 150.00 buys a llama for a village.

Consumers are tuned into this approach (and expect a tangible product/return for thier investment).  YMCA's have a producr to offer...consider....

-camp sponsorship for 1 child = xx.00 dollars

-camp sponsorship for 2 children = xx.00 dollars

-greening the facility; 1 new tree = x.00 dollars

-feed one kid = x.00 dollars

 -provide one adult membership = x.00 dollars

Molaria No More: https://give.malarianomore.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=356

Heifer.org: http://www.heifer.org/site/c.edJRKQNiFiG/b.2664289/

Great success story worth sharing:  Denise, Christa & Michele at the Twin Cities Y just raised $46K with a single email appeal.  I've attached the email for review.  A few of the keys to this appeal's success include:

• A very specific ask: 120 kids need our help to get to camp (as opposed to a general 'strong kids' ask)
• A very specific & attainable goal: Camp costs $240.00;  
• A sense of urgency: matching grant has a deadline and the immediacy of summer camp
• Use of authentic graphics: the bus was actually drawn by a camp kid

In just 7 days, they had $46K (including the 15K match).  Another nice touch was the 'We Did It' email follow up letting the community know that with their support, 120 kids would now be able to go to camp.

Nice work!!

Hi Denise,

I am from Volusia Flagler Family YMCA. We are set to go live (Raiser's Edge) in just a few weeks. I was wondering if you could share your Policy and Procedure manual. I'd appreciate it very much.

Kathy Shaeffer

KShaeffer@vfymca.org