With 11 years of Women Build experience, Liz Qua, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Boone County, has refined a checklist that has driven impressive results. Most recently, Habitat for Humanity Boone County exceeded its Women Build fundraising target by an incredible 114%, a testament to the effectiveness of her strategies. This success wasn’t by chance; it’s the result of thoughtful planning, community engagement, and efficient management.
For Habitat affiliates looking to boost their Women Build campaigns, here’s a breakdown of Liz’s essential checklist for creating a successful, impactful event shared during a recent Speed Learning Session.
1. Timing is Key
- Choose the Right Season: Liz’s team moved their build to the fall, finding that participation was higher when children were back in school. This timing also worked well with local weather conditions, avoiding Indiana’s wet spring.
- Start Early: Begin securing teams as early as June for a fall build. Liz recommends having sign-ups ready by July, so teams have ample time to prepare and plan their fundraising strategies.
2. Set Clear, Achievable Fundraising Goals
- Team Fundraising Goals: The sweet spot for Habitat Boone County’s Women Build teams was a target of $2,500 per team, with individual fundraising goals set at $250 per person.
- Offer Alternatives for Smaller Teams: Some teams might struggle to meet the 10-member goal, so allow flexibility with smaller team sizes while keeping individual fundraising expectations intact.
3. Engage Community Leaders and Influencers
- Tap into Local Networks: Recruit prominent community members and women leaders through local organizations, churches, schools, and women-owned businesses. This will help spread the word and garner support.
- Build Connections Across Groups: From mother-daughter teams to local fire and police departments, cultivating a diverse participant base brings energy and increases reach.
4. Streamline the Sign-Up Process
- Use a Simple Sign-Up System: Implement software that allows team members to easily pick dates, sign waivers, and confirm their spots for build day. Automation and convenience are key to reducing administrative load and boosting participation. Liz and her team have streamlined these processes with Giveffect—explore how it can simplify your Women Build event →here.
5. Offer Incentives and Rewards
- Provide Motivational Rewards: Small but meaningful rewards, such as custom t-shirts, “Top Fundraiser” awards, or even specialty items like tool belts or pink hammers, add fun competition and motivate participants.
- Celebrate Milestones: Recognize top fundraisers with special incentives, like a team dinner, to foster friendly competition and maintain momentum.
6. Promote the Event Strategically
- Create a Private Group: Use a private Women Build Facebook group to share updates, post photos, and maintain engagement with participants. This space can also be used to celebrate team achievements and share photos.
- Leverage Social Media and Local Media: Reach out to local publications and create engaging social media content to raise awareness and attract community support.
7. Ensure On-Site Success with an Organized Committee
- Structure Your Support Team: Habitat Boone County relies on a three-person committee coordinating communications, t-shirts, and lunches. These roles filled by committed volunteers or staff can make a significant difference.
- Prepare for On-Site Training: Volunteers on Liz’s team called “Hammers,” help train participants in specific tasks, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the build while learning new skills.
With Liz’s checklist as your guide, you can launch a Women Build campaign that not only raises funds but also empowers women in your community. Implementing these steps will help ensure your build runs smoothly, creating a lasting impact while inspiring continued support for Habitat for Humanity’s mission.
Many Habitat for Humanity affiliates, big and small, leverage Giveffect as their nonprofit technology of choice. To learn more about how to support your next Women Build with the right tools, schedule your Giveffect demo.