A perfect match

Heard of matched funding? It’s when an organisation or person offers to match gifts that donors make with their own donations. When we give £10 to a cause they also give £10 to the cause.
A number of non-profit organisations have made use of matched funding, for example:

• UK universities
• Action Aid
• Water Aid

I have a digital fundraising idea that puts a twist on matched funding. I want to focus on a perspective that we rarely hear about: the view of the matcher. They gain satisfaction from inspiring others in philanthropy and from seeing their resources multiplied.
But why do we only offer this opportunity to a few? What if we could all lead others in giving?
That’s the core of my idea. I see four stages to it:

Stage 1 - a need arises

Imagine we work for a charity with a focus on global poverty. Zimbabwe is suffering in drought. Farmers are struggling to grow crops for food. Our charity has enough irrigation expertise to help, but needs financial resources to act.

Stage 2  - a donor becomes a leader

Karim has been a donor to our organisation for many years. He gives £50 per month via direct debit. We email Karim, and many others like him, with a question - will they make a donation? Their gift will help these farmers, and provide matched funds that inspire others to give.
It’s March -  one of the months when council tax isn’t due. Karim has some spare money. He is inspired by the need and makes a donation of £300 to our fund for matching gifts.

Stage 3 - a leader inspires others

In October we run a major campaign highlighting the drought and subsequent food shortages in Zimbabwe. We articulate a key message: matched funding is available, so every donation you make is doubled.
Rissa is touched by what she sees. She’s also impressed by how far her money will stretch. She makes a donation of £50, which she sees become £100 thanks to Karim.

Stage 4 - a leader rewarded

We send Karim an automated update about Rissa’s gift. It uses striking graphics to illustrate the impact of his donation. So far £250 of his gift has been used, inspiring gifts of £250 more from nine other people. He’s found this immensely rewarding - he never realised he could lead others in generosity.

That’s the idea: a group of regular donors who discover another dimension to giving, and a group of new supporters who follow their example.

Adopting this approach to matched funding clearly requires more administrative effort than the established model. However, this work can be avoided by building a reusable engine to track the funds and automate the donor updates.

What do you think? Leave a comment below or tweet me.

10 Twitter/Facebook ideas for Coffee Shops

Facebook and Twitter are great ways to connect with your customers. Here are ten ideas that you could use.
1. Tweet your opening
How many people know when you open for the day? How many could do with a reminder when they’re tired in the morning?
Example: ‘We’re up and running for the day. Need something to wake you up before work?’
2. Ask your friends what they think of your latest innovation
Don’t panic If you get negative comments. But do look for a grain of truth in them.
Example: ‘Last month we switched our milkshake recipe. Do you love it or loath it?’
3. Tweet a fresh pot of coffee
People know if they hurry along, they’ll get a better-tasting brew. Or when your pastries are fresh from the oven. Or when your chips are freshly fried. Yum.
Example: ‘New coffee pot’s brewed. Roll up, roll up.’

Image: Yagan Kiely

4. Post your music options. Ask customers which they’d like to hear.
Example: ‘Counting Crows, Coldplay or Adele? Which would you like to hear in Ethical Cafe today?’
5. Announce a happy hour when your prices are vastly reduced
Do this when you have produce you’d otherwise throw away. Followers are rewarded with the possibility of a bargain.
Example: ‘Until 5pm pastries are half-price. There’s only 3 left, so move fast.’
6. Ask for customer comments via Facebook/Twitter
People are more likely to be honest when they’re out of the shop. Do highlight the option on the suggestion box.
Example: ‘Tweet your suggestions to @ethicalcafe or send us a Facebook message’
7. Allow regulars to order via social media (or even - gasp - email)
This saves customers time if they’re in a hurry, and grows your relationship with them. Here’s a story of the guy who pioneered this.
They might say: '@ethicalcafe Tall skinny latte to takeaway for 5 mins time please.'
8. Share your bestsellers
If people made the same purchase they’ll feel more connected with you.
Example: ‘This week our customers are lapping up the new Gingerbread latte. Are you a fan?’
9. Post when a regular arrives
They’ll feel valued, and their friends may decide to drop in. Example:
‘It’s early afternoon, and @barnstormed has rolled up. He’s looking productive in the corner’
10. Tweet a 30 minute warning before closing time
It’s your version of the ‘last orders’ bell. Gives people the chance to grab a coffee/cake on their way home.
Example: ‘We close up in 30mins. Fancy a takeaway expresso to aid your journey home?’

And 3 things to remember

Don’t sell
This is about informing, reminding, and interacting with your customers. A sales pitch will jar amongst the updates of their other friends.
We all need friends
It’s all about followers. If no one follows or 'friends you', then you’re talking to an empty room. So, put your Facebook/Twitter details on signs in the coffee shop, on napkins, coasters, etc. Add a plug to your receipts. Whatever you like.
Example: Do you like the coffee? Please like us on Facebook.
How often do I update?
Anything is better then nothing. And nothing is better than spamming.
Do bear in mind the conventions of the channel. Twitter moves a lot faster than Facebook, so you can get away with greater frequency without bugging people. As a general rule I’d say no more than:

• Twitter - every 1-2 hours
• Facebook - every couple of days

To go

That's it, go forth and be social. And try to keep the nutmeg away from the IPad.