Giving Tuesday 2020 (#GivingTuesday) is on December 1, 2020. So now may be your best time to really prepare for Giving Tuesday… you know, before crunch time comes.

From free stock images that will blow your mind, to no-fee video editing app. Here’s the 2019 list of free website tools for nonprofits.

Google Has Marked All HTTP websites as “not secure” in their Chrome Browsers this Month

According to Google, staring in July 2018, in their next browser release (Chrome 68), a website that is not secure–does not have an SSL certificate integrated into it (thus producing the prefix “HTTPS” instead of the usual “HTTP”), will get a “not secure” message at the lead of the URL. In other words, they will be warning your website visitors that your website is not secure. That is, if you have not already taken the corrective measures.

The obvious main 2 questions on website owners’ mind are: “What’s HTTPS”? And, “My site does not collect user information or conducts financial transactions. Why should I care?”

HTTPS simply tells the user that your website is secured via an encryption that protects the channel between your website and their browser. It assures them that a middle entity can’t tamper with the traffic or spy on your activity. As The Verge interprets this: “Without that encryption, someone with access to your router or ISP could intercept information sent to websites or inject malware into otherwise legitimate pages.”

And you should care because with recent website privacy concerns spreading across the globe like virtual black plague (think: Facebook), people are a little timid these days. And for a default notice to appear on their browser that the nonprofit website they are visiting is “not secure” may give them pause to continue—especially to the online donations page, even though the form and entered data on that page is secured via the portal’s service provider. Basically, folks are a bit jittery and they need to feel reassured.

So, what does it take to make one’s website a “secured website”?

It’s rather easy these days to add an SSL certificate to your site. You just need to purchase one from your hosting service (some plans will provide it for free) and then have your webmaster configure it to your site. You can also choose to do it yourself. Just check out this step-by-step tutorial from wpbeginner.com.

Are you ready for #GivingTuesday 2018?

Giving Tuesday 2018 (#GivingTuesday) is on November 27, 2018. So why give it any thought now when June is just around the corner?

If your organization has participated in Giving Tuesday in the past, then indeed this call to action may be a bit early. But, if you haven’t participated in the past, now may be the best time to chart your path and get a jump on the competition.

First Step: Join

The good people at Giving Tuesday have made it easy for organizations to get registered and started. Simply go to https://www.givingtuesday.org/organizations and sign-up via their online form. (Note: you must be a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization to qualify for the Giving Tuesday program.)

Second Step: Set Goals and Timeline

• How much do you hope to raise?
• How will those funds be used?
• What might be the giver-experience? (E.g.: “You’ll feel proud to have helped dozen’s of hungry people have groceries in winter.”)
• The Giving Tuesday Tool Kit provides a handy timeline for you to adapt for your needs.

Third Step: Begin your Outreach

Just download GivingTuesday’s Tool Kit  for ideas, messaging and media tips. Suggestions include:

• Setting creative call-to-actions for your supporters and community.
• That you promote early so that everyone who wishes to participate has adequate time to do so: on your website, your social network channels, place of worship, and even flyers for local business to pin up.
  • Collaborate/network with other groups in your community.
  • Send out press releases (a sample is provided).
  • Email blast your supporters (a sample email is provided).
  • Request a “Mayoral Proclamation” for GT.

Giving Tuesday 2018 also offers the following resources:

• How to Donate Unused Rewards Miles, Points [new!]
• 50 Day Campaign Timeline
• Social Media Kit
• Planned Giving Toolkit
• Press Release Kit
• Mayoral Proclamation Toolkit

 

About Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving Day (which is a U.S. holiday) as a sort of balance (or, perhaps, balm) to the manic (if not materialistic) “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” which precedes Giving Tuesday.

Right after Thanksgiving, and well before Christmas, is considered the best time of year for fundraising. It’s a small window actually, but with the power of Giving Tuesday, your donation opportunity will certainly rise. It’s just a great way of celebrating the true spirit of the Holidays: philanthropy through community.

2017 Numbers to Note:

• 150+ countries
• More than $300 million raised online
• More than 2.5 million online gifts
• $120.40 mean online gift

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Learn more about Giving Tuesday by visiting: www.givingtuesday.org