Build a Successful Long-Term Fundraising Strategy with TapKat Sweepstakes

For nonprofits, crafting a long-term strategy for fundraising and building a reliable donor base is a mission-critical goal. Understandably so! Maintaining a list of dedicated supporters over a long period of time is a huge key to success (just watch the video above to see how one nonprofit, the Shelby American Collection, was able to grow their donor list from 800 names to nearly 60,000 names!)

TapKat is proud to be able to offer nonprofits the tools they need to activate lapsed donors, attract new donors, and keep them interested for years to come. Let’s dig in to see exactly how this can work.

Why TapKat Sweepstakes Work So Well

First, let’s explore the big question in the room: why do sweepstakes work so well for so many nonprofits (even small organizations)? There are a number of factors that go into this, including the fact that:

• Sweepstakes are inclusive. Unlike auctions, the person with the most money doesn’t automatically win a sweepstakes. In fact, we often see $25 donors win big prizes like cars! The fact that anyone can win a TapKat sweepstakes is very exciting to donors of all levels, and encourages individual donors to get involved and stay interested.

• Sweepstakes incentivize giving. We like to say that sweepstakes are a win-win-win: The nonprofit wins because the sweepstakes brings in donations, donors win because they’re contributing to a great cause in a fun way, and of course, the winner takes home the big prize!

• Sweepstakes build buzz. Donors love the idea of sweepstakes because of the chance to win something extra special that they probably wouldn’t get to experience otherwise. This comes down to choosing a great prize (learn more about choosing the right prize here). In fact, we have found that around 25% of donors will enter a sweepstakes multiple times because they are so interested in winning.

Sweepstakes are newer to the nonprofit fundraising world, and although they may sound similar to a raffle, they are not — sweepstakes offer some incredible logistical advantages where raffles fall short. Learn more about that here.

Choose a TapKat Sweepstakes Prize that Appeals to Your Current Donor Base, and the Donor Base You Want to Attract

If you watched the video above, you know that the Shelby American Collection was able to raise over $1 million in each of their last four sweepstakes. How’d they do that!? One key to their success was in choosing a prize that called out to the hearts of their donors. For them, it was a Shelby Mustang.

Each year, they run a sweepstakes for a Shelby Mustang. They change up the exact model and color to keep things fun, but the museum knows that their biggest supporters are life-long fans of Shelby and of Ford, so they appeal to their donor base’s interest by finding prizes (Shelby Mustangs) that deeply connect with that interest. Curious to see what the Shelby American Collection is up to in 2024? Check out their current sweepstakes here.

Think about what kind of prize your current donor base would really love and pursue it. Here are some examples of nonprofits that did a great job finding a prize that was right on target for their audience:

• The American Mountain Guides Association did a sweepstakes for a Grand Teton Climbing trip and raised over $25,000.

• The New Jersey Audubon does multiple yearly sweepstakes for a getaway to Cape May, New Jersey, a great place for bird watching. They typically raise between $5,000 and $10,000.

• The Colorado Music Festival is running a sweepstakes for Taylor Swift concert tickets in 2024, and as of this writing is on track to raise over $80,000.

These are just a few examples of nonprofits thinking strategically about what their donor base would really love. If you need some ideas for prizes, check out our handy downloadable guide here.

Run a TapKat Sweepstakes for a Similar Prize Every Year

Now this is really key: Once you’ve begun to build a donor base that is specifically interested in a particular prize, you must keep your prizes consistent to keep the donor base engaged. In the video, you may have noticed that the Shelby American Collection runs an annual sweepstakes for a Shelby Mustang. They don’t switch to Corvettes, or Porsches, or any other kind of car because they know that their donor base is exclusively interested in Shelby Mustangs.

If you’ve built a base around a specific kind of prize, be mindful that you stay consistent to keep your donors engaged.

Find Ways to Connect with Donors that Share an Interest in Your Prize

Once you’ve decided on the best prize for your TapKat sweepstakes, it’s time to share your fundraiser with the world.

The Shelby American Collection does an excellent job connecting with their donor base by promoting the sweepstakes through several channels:

1. They send at least one email per month to their current donor base,

2. They include news of the sweepstakes on their nonprofit website,

3. They work with sponsors and partners to share information about their sweepstakes,

4. They explore advertising opportunities when appropriate,

5. They use their social media channels to spread the word,

6. And they take advantage of their live events to promote the sweepstakes.

Consistent messaging and promotion, plus having fun while you do it, are all keys to running a successful sweepstakes!

Get Started with Your TapKat Sweepstakes Today

Are you ready to dive in with your TapKat sweepstakes? It’s easy! Apply for an account today to get started.