Email Marketing
Using email to start and grow relationships is easy. It is an inexpensive way to reach out to supporters on a regular basis with informative and inspiring messages. Doing this can help your organization build an engaged community that helps to promote your mission, fundraising, and special events.
Download instructions to create a custom #iGiveCatholic email banner through Canva!
Sample Emails
Subject: Be a Part of Something BIG | #iGiveCatholic
[Salutation],
So often in our busy lives, our focus is limited to just the people and organizations we see on a daily basis. But every now and then, it's inspiring and gratifying to take a look up and out to see that we are a part of something BIGGER than ourselves and our narrow view.
As Christians, we know that we are each members of the Body of Christ called to live as disciples of Jesus. As a member of [organization]'s community, you are spiritually connected to every Catholic disciple and organization serving our nation and the world. Just pause to think about all of the good and holy work that is happening RIGHT NOW through our beloved Church...
We invite you join us in #iGiveCatholic on GivingTuesday as an opportunity to celebrate our Catholic connection while supporting the hardworking ministries doing the Lord's work each day.
And we won't be alone. #iGiveCatholic is the U.S. Catholic Church's annual giving day, so we'll be participating along with thousands of other Catholic churches, schools and ministries across the country -- all celebrating the impact of Catholic organizations serving our diverse communities!
But we need your help! Please join our campaign to help us reach our goal of [$xxxx] and [xxx] donors! Tell your friends and family members about the important work we do and ask them to join us in helping to make a difference. This year, we'll be dedicating our #iGiveCatholic campaign towards funding [add a short project description here].
Advanced Giving starts on November 18. Visit www.iGiveCatholic.org anytime between then and GivingTuesday on December 3, to make a donation to us and any of the other participating parishes, schools, & ministries you support. All online giving will end at 11:59PM on December 3, so make sure to get your gift in on time!
Prefer to make your gift by check or cash? No problem! We'll be happy to accept it by mail or in person. We will add it to our #iGiveCatholic totals manually so your gift still counts towards our goal!
Thank you for being a faithful steward of the blessings God has bestowed upon you. Your generosity will inspire others to also "Give Back and Give Catholic."
If you have any questions or would like more information, let us know.
[Add your contact information].
Subject: Ready to Give Back and Give Catholic? | #iGiveCatholic
[Salutation],
We’re counting down the days to #iGiveCatholic on December 3 -- and announcing the start of Advanced Giving TODAY, November 18!
We need your help to make our campaign a success! Below you will find a few easy ways that you can support us:
Be a trendsetter. Make your #iGiveCatholic gift to [organization's name with hyperlink to profile page] NOW to start the celebration of Catholic generosity!
Share and share alike. Online giving days are successful because of our own networks. Help us grow our network by sending this email to your network and ask your friends and family to do the same.
Be social. Use your social media networks: post on Facebook, Instagram, or tweet about #iGiveCatholic. Share why you "Give Back and Give Catholic," perhaps starting with "#iGiveCatholic Because..." Go the extra mile by posting a photo or video selfie! Tag us with [insert social tags] and @iGiveCatholic. You can start a ripple effect of stimulating and celebrating generosity across our U.S. Catholic Church!
Become a fundraising champion. Everyone loves a champion, including us! We really need fundraising champions to help drive more people to our #iGiveCatholic profile November 18 - December 3 to make a donation. Contact us for more information on how to become a fundraising champion!
Thank you in advance for your support!
[Add your contact information].
Subject: Today’s the Day | Give Back and Give Catholic!
[Salutation],
GivingTuesday is TODAY, and we are asking you to join us in our efforts to make this the most inspiring and joy-filled day of giving our Catholic community has ever seen!
If you have already participated inn #iGiveCatholic during the Advanced Giving phase, THANK YOU! Your generosity is creating a ripple effect of generosity around the country RIGHT NOW! And now we get to watch the tides swell!
If you haven't made your gift yet, we are inviting you to take five minutes to give to [name of organization - hyperlinked to your #iGiveCatholic page]. After that, give to other ministries you care about and witness the joy of generosity through #iGiveCatholic!
Pope Francis encourages us that "It is not necessary to be wealthy to do good. Rather, it is almost always common people who devote their time, skills and heart to caring for others." Your donation of any amount will help to [give specific examples, or insert a sliding scale of what $25, $50, $100, etc. can do].
Here’s how you can make a HUGE difference today:
- Make a donation of $10 or more online HERE [hyperlink to your #iGiveCatholic page]
- Bring a cash or check donation of any amount to our office.
- Spread the word. Text a friend. Forward this email. Post on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram tagging us @[insert social tags] and @iGiveCatholic -- or just use the hashtag #iGiveCatholic! Oh, and you can also just tell someone in person – that works, too.
Thank you for your support!
[Your contact info]
Subject: You’ve helped us get closer to our goal for #iGiveCatholic!
[Salutation],
Thanks to your generous donation, we are [$ amount] closer to reaching our goal of [$ amount] raised through #iGiveCatholic! To help us cross the finish line, please share the attached ‘I Gave’ graphic [available in the Downloads section of the Resources page] across your social media accounts directing your peers to our campaign page [Link to Campaign].
We appreciate your support! We will be providing updates on all the great things we’ll be able to accomplish because of your generosity.
Subject: We can’t thank you enough for your generosity!
[Salutation],
We are still in awe of the generosity shown to [Organization Name] during #iGiveCatholic on GivingTuesday -- the U.S. Catholic Church's annual day of giving.
Because of donors like you, we were able to raise [Dollars Raised] to further our mission of [Organization’s Mission]. Each gift made today will play a critical role in allowing us to serve our community and create a larger impact.
We look forward to the future of [Organization Name] with great anticipation as we use funds raised during #iGiveCatholic to [Include a quick message including any upcoming projects or how your organization plans to use funds that were raised during the giving day.]
“[Include a quote from a leader at your organization about your experience taking part in #iGiveCatholic]"
Your relationship with [Organization Name] is important to us and we want to share news and updates with you. We look forward to engaging with you throughout the year and offering ways for you to stay involved with our cause.
Stay connected by [subscribing to our newsletter and] following us on our social media channels.
Facebook -
Twitter/X-
Instagram -
With Gratitude,
[Name]
P.S. Your gift receipt was automatically sent to your email from questions@igivecatholic.org. If you need a copy of your receipt please reach out to [Insert your organization’s support email] for assistance.
Communications Timeline
Major Milestones
Month 1
The #iGiveCatholic Team will:
- Encourage parishes, schools, and nonprofits to sign up for #iGiveCatholic
- Network with and recruit local community nonprofit leaders to expand and amplify #iGiveCatholic’s message to nonprofits, donors, and other general supporters
You should:
- Sign up for #iGiveCatholic and customize your profile
- Assemble your #iGiveCatholic team and involve them in planning how your #iGiveCatholic campaign will complement your annual fundraising strategy
- Attend a webinar to learn about #iGiveCatholic, how to promote your #iGiveCatholic campaign, and how to recruit and utilize peer-to-peer fundraisers
- Discover all the resources available for you to use in your nonprofit toolkit (email marketing, social media posts, graphics, planning guide, and more!)
Month 2
The #iGiveCatholic Team will:
- Continue offering trainings to nonprofits participating in #iGiveCatholic, and those interested in the opportunity, on giving day best practices.
- Develop content for nonprofits participating in #iGiveCatholic to use, and for use on #iGiveCatholic social media pages, Facebook and Twitter.
You should:
- Craft your campaign story. How are you celebrating #iGiveCatholic? How will you use the funds raised during #iGiveCatholic? Why should donors give to you on #iGiveCatholic? Is your campaign specific, visible, and achievable? Watch our Storytelling Training Video to learn more!
- Recruit fundraising champions for your campaign. You can use your board, volunteers, or staff!
- Let your volunteers know you’re participating in #iGiveCatholic and you need their help in extra special ways! Engage your volunteers by giving them meaningful assignments.
- Develop your messaging plan for the next 2 months to ensure your donors know you are participating in #iGiveCatholic on Dec 3. Download the communication timeline in the Nonprofit Toolkit to get a head start!
Month 3
The #iGiveCatholic Team will:
- Provide more resources to local community nonprofit leaders to expand and amplify #iGiveCatholic’s message to nonprofits, donors, and other general supporters
- Continue promoting #iGiveCatholic to nonprofits across the region
You should:
- Send out a save the date email and social media post to all of your supporters! Download the #iGiveCatholic “Save the Date” graphic from the Nonprofit Toolkit to make sure your messages stand out!
- Host a fundraising champion kick-off party to teach your fundraising champions best practices on fundraising!
Month 4
The #iGiveCatholic Team will:
- Heavily promote #iGiveCatholic to all media outlets across the region
- Finalize partnerships with local businesses to benefit every nonprofit participating in #iGiveCatholic
You should:
- Post on social media regularly about #iGiveCatholic, using the hashtag #iGiveCatholic
- Email your supporters with additional details about #iGiveCatholic. How do they give? Why should they give? When should they give?
- Ensure your campaign story and messaging are ready to go. Make a test donation to make sure you understand the process.
Day of
The #iGiveCatholic Team will:
- Heavily promote #iGiveCatholic to all media outlets across the region
- Provide 24-hour support to all nonprofits and their supporters
You should:
- Post on social media regularly about #iGiveCatholic, using the hashtag #iGiveCatholic
- Email your supporters with updates and how they can help your #iGiveCatholic campaign
- Thank your supporters in real-time on social media, in emails, or give them a call!
- Celebrate!
Beyond
The #iGiveCatholic Team will:
- Share statistics from #iGiveCatholic, including nonprofit success stories, and describe the powerful change that will happen as a result of the generous donations to local nonprofits.
You should:
- Share the results from your #iGiveCatholic participation and what those results mean.
- Thank your donors and let them know exactly what their donations mean for your program.
- Send handwritten notes to your fundraising champions and your Board for their assistance.
- Send periodic updates on how the donations you received are being used. Keep your donors engaged by letting them know how their money is benefiting your organization and your cause.
- Engage with your donors on GiveGab after #iGiveCatholic by posting volunteer opportunities, fundraising, and hosting events!