Showing posts with label explains. Show all posts
Showing posts with label explains. Show all posts

Saturday, August 22, 2015

How to Design an NGO Website (4 Steps)


Ask the NGO's representative how the group intends to host the website: It might be on its own server, a paid hosting service or a hosting company donating free service space. If the hosting is free, it may be bare-bones to the point it won't support CGI and other special features, so take that into account in your design.
Identify the audience the NGO wants to reach. If the organization's online goal is to attract donations, it needs a website that explains why it needs money and what the donations will be spent on. If the website's purpose is to connect with people who need help -- families who can't afford food, for instance -- it's more important to post a map showing local food banks, or instructions on applying for federal food aid.
Build the website to suit the NGO's goals. A good website focused on fund-raising, for instance, looks serious and professional, provides enough history, testimonials and information about the organization to show that donations are well-spent and should provide a link for easy donations by PayPal or credit card. A website for abused spouses makes vital information, such as shelter locations or a contact number for help, easily available and minimizes flashy, distracting elements.
Design the site so that it's easy for the NGO to make changes and updates. Unless you're a member or a volunteer for the group, the NGO staff will have to keep it running after you finish the job. The easier it is to post new information to the site, the better for the NGO and the people it helps.
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Thursday, August 20, 2015

How to Host a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser (6 Steps)


Find a low-cost venue. Community centers, school gyms or church halls work well for a spaghetti dinner fundraiser because they provide a lot of space at little (or no) cost. Ask around the community for available venues and set a date once you identify your location.
Find sponsors. Getting the food you need for your spaghetti dinner menu donated will cut down on costs and increase profits. Talk to local grocery stores or Italian restaurants about donating food and offer them advertising space at the event in exchange for their donation. As Step by Step Fundraising explains, 'obtaining sponsorship may help you offer a fancier or more generous meal to your attendees.' At a minimum, you will need donations of pasta, salads, garlic bread and desserts.
Publicize your spaghetti dinner. Post fliers on community bulletin boards and advertisements in church bulletins and in school or neighborhood newsletters. Use word-of-mouth advertising as well---ask friends and family to attend and bring a guest. Post notices about the event on social networking sites.
Set a ticket price and sell tickets. The main fundraising tool at the spaghetti dinner is profits from ticket sales. Guests pay to get into the dinner, essentially paying for their meal, and the organization takes home the ticket sales. Fundraiser Help recommends setting ticket prices 'fairly low' and offering discounts for families and senior citizens. A $5 to $10 ticket price is reasonable and will attract donors.
Decorate the venue. An attractive setup will help set the mood for a successful spaghetti dinner fundraiser. Top tables in white or red-and-white-checked linens to set an Italian mood. Top the table with votive candles and play Italian music in the background. Guests will appreciate your effort and perhaps show their appreciation with additional donations.
Enlist a team of volunteers to execute the fundraiser. First NEMO recommends serving the pasta family-style to cut down on waste. Have volunteers serve as wait staff and bring large, family-style plates to each table for guests to share.
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