One of the biggest challenges a non-profit faces is raising sufficient funds to sustain initiatives and create a lasting impact. We’ve all heard of the 80/20 rule, right?
20% of the people do 80% of the work.
The reason that this is true is because most organizations do not take the time to build their impact army. Training and leadership are the top two responsibilities of non-profit leaders. Sadly, most think it’s fundraising.
IT’S NOT!
If you train and lead your team to fundraise, they will be able to bring in more funding than you can do alone! Instead of solely relying on your own efforts, an effective approach to growth is to invest time and resources into building fundraising ambassadors who can rally support on your behalf.
Let’s explores first explore the main reasons your non-profit needs an ambassador program then we’ll talk a bit about how to develop an ambassador program.
#1: Expanded Reach and Network
An ambassador program allows a non-profit to tap into the networks and connections of dedicated individuals who believe in the organization’s mission. Ambassadors can leverage their personal relationships, social circles, and professional networks to spread awareness about the non-profit’s cause, generate support, and attract new donors. This expanded reach helps the organization connect with diverse communities and individuals who may not have otherwise been exposed to its mission.
#2: Increased Fundraising Potential
Ambassadors serve as passionate advocates for the non-profit, actively engaging in fundraising efforts on its behalf. They can organize events, initiate online campaigns, and tap into their personal resources to raise funds for the organization. By enlisting a team of dedicated ambassadors, a non-profit can significantly boost its fundraising potential. The collective efforts of ambassadors, along with their ability to tap into their networks, can lead to increased donations and sustainable financial support for the organization.
#3: Authentic and Personal Connections
Ambassadors bring authenticity and a personal touch to the non-profit’s outreach efforts. As passionate supporters, they can share their personal stories and experiences related to the organization’s cause, connecting with potential donors on an emotional level. This authentic connection helps build trust and credibility, as donors are more likely to be inspired and motivated by the genuine passion and commitment of ambassadors. Through their personal connections, ambassadors can also provide valuable insights and feedback to the non-profit, helping to shape and improve its programs and initiatives.
An ambassador program provides a non-profit organization with an extended reach, increased fundraising potential, and an authentic connection with its supporters. By leveraging the dedication and networks of ambassadors, non-profits can amplify their impact, attract new supporters, and build a strong community around their cause. Doesn’t that sound amazing?
5 Essential Tips for Creating an Ambassador Program
1. Define Clear Expectations and Roles for Ambassadors:
Clearly outline the responsibilities and expectations for your ambassadors. Provide them with a comprehensive understanding of what their role entails, including specific fundraising goals, communication requirements, and engagement activities. This clarity will help ambassadors understand their purpose and perform their duties effectively.
You can use Our Volunteer Technical Training Template to establish the roles and responsibilities of an ambassador.
2. Foster Strong Relationships with Ambassadors:
Building strong relationships with your ambassadors is crucial. Regularly communicate with them, offer support, and provide resources to assist them in their fundraising efforts. Encourage open dialogue, listen to their feedback, and address any concerns promptly. By fostering a sense of belonging and partnership, you’ll strengthen their commitment to your organization.
3. Provide Training and Resources for Ambassadors:
Equip your ambassadors with the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed. Offer comprehensive training sessions that cover your organization’s mission, values, and fundraising strategies. Provide them with fundraising materials, including sample scripts, visuals, and donor communication templates. Ongoing support and guidance will boost their confidence and ensure they represent your organization effectively.
Use our Volunteer Orientation Manual Template to help your new ambassadors understand your organization better.
4. Encourage Peer-to-Peer Engagement with Ambassadors:
Empower your ambassadors to engage their personal networks in fundraising activities. Encourage them to host events, initiate online fundraising campaigns, and utilize social media platforms to spread the word about your cause. Foster a sense of friendly competition among ambassadors, recognizing and celebrating their achievements, which will inspire others to step up their efforts.
5. Recognize and Appreciate Your Ambassadors:
Show genuine appreciation for your ambassadors’ contributions. Regularly acknowledge their efforts publicly through social media shout-outs, newsletters, or website features. Consider hosting exclusive events or providing special incentives for top-performing ambassadors. Recognizing their hard work and dedication will reinforce their commitment and inspire them to continue making a difference.
10X Your Potential
If you build an Ambassador Program with 10 Ambassadors, you’re essentially expanding your reach and fundraising potential by 10X. Spend the time today to develop the structure to create a robust and wildly successful Ambassador Program that will amplify your non-profit’s impact.
Need More?
We’re just beginning to scratch the surface on how to build an ambassador program and effectively manage your volunteers. If you’d like to learn more about how to train and retain volunteers, I encourage to get started building your Volunteer Management System today. If you need a little help getting started, try downloading our Volunteer Training Templates.
These Canva templatesare plug and play. That means we guide you through creating your volunteer success training. Click the graphic above and get immediate access to the training templates you need to create your Volunteer Impact Army.
Why Use Our Templates?
Efficiency: Our templates are meticulously designed to save you time and effort. With ready-to-use modules, you can quickly create engaging training materials tailored to your organization’s unique needs.
Effectiveness: Our templates are crafted by experts in volunteer management. They incorporate best practices and proven strategies to ensure that your volunteers receive high-quality training, empowering them to make a meaningful impact.
Customizability: We understand that every organization is different. That’s why our templates are fully customizable. You can easily modify and personalize them to align with your organization’s values, goals, and specific training requirements.
Comprehensive Content: Our training templates cover a wide range of essential topics, including volunteer orientation, role-specific training, communication strategies, and more. You’ll have everything you need to equip your volunteers with the knowledge and skills they need to excel.
User-Friendly Format: The templates are Canva files, making it easy for you to navigate, edit, and share with your team. You can easily download into a printable PDF and share with your new volunteers.
There’s no need to try to create your Training Program on your own. We’ve already done the heavy lifting for you. All you have to do is download the Volunteer Training Templates.
