I attended an incredible performance at NYC’s Dixon Place a few weeks ago, along with my husband and some friends. This is a venue I’ve known forever, and have seen grow from a tiny spot in the founder’s living room to its latest incarnation in its own beautiful building. But I haven’t been there much lately and was incredibly impressed by its magical fundraising.
Here’s how Dixon Place worked it:
- The minute the lights flickered and the audience was seated, a staffer thanked us for being so central to the theater’s success, thoroughly reviewing its growth from step one to the new building (this was one of the first performances there).
- That worked to engage an already excited audience, making us feel proud of ourselves even if the only support we provided to date was buying the tickets for that day.
- The magic hat was passed, with a request to keep it coming. Passing the hat made it all tangible, and the fact that it was a bicycle helmet, rather than the common cap, emphasized the originality of Dixon Place’s agenda. Who could resist? And giving further engaged us.
- Next, the staffer suggested we visit the theater’s’s Web site to get more involved , capitalizing on the here-and-now of our attention. On to the show…
- And a big final thanks after the compelling show.
My personal poll of our group of five showed a deep feeling of engagement, interest and openness to more Dixon Place. 5 steps to magical fundraising!
P.S. Magical fundraising requires effective messaging. Download the free Nonprofit Tagline Report for must-dos, don’t dos, case studies and 1,000+ nonprofit tagline examples!
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My hope is that more and more nonprofit organizations start engaging their audiences through social media to the same end.