As spring arrives in St. Louis, so does the spirit of giving with the upcoming Give STL Day on May 9. This important day of giving, organized by the St. Louis Community Foundation, invites residents to support a wide range of local nonprofits that strengthen our community’s health and happiness. Known for its charitable nature, St. Louis is ready to uphold its reputation as one of the top giving cities in the country.

Kickstart Your Contributions with Early Donations

The St. Louis Community Foundation allows for early donations, offering a great chance for those ready to help before the actual day. Early donations provide an initial boost to charities and also spread-out assistance over time, allowing for better management of received funds.

Maximizing Impact, A Guide to Participating in Give STL Day

1. Engage Early in the Festivities

The celebrations start on May 8 at the Armory with an exciting kickoff party for Give STL Day. A trivia game centered around St. Louis begins at 6,30 p.m., where participants can compete to win a share of a $10,000 prize pool for their chosen nonprofit.

2. Choose a Cause Close to Your Heart

Visit the St. Louis Community Foundation website to look through participating nonprofits and pick one that matches your beliefs. There are many different causes available, ensuring there is something for everyone.

3. Amplify Your Impact Through Fundraising

Creating personal fundraising campaigns is an effective method to boost your influence. These efforts help gather funds and spread awareness about the causes. Think about creating a fundraising page to engage your friends and family in your charitable endeavors.

4. Leverage Matching Funds

Many groups and donors provide matching funds during Give STL Day, which can double the donations you make. Look for these chances to increase the financial effect of your contributions.

5.Promote Through Social Media

Use the #STLDay hashtag to spread your message on social media platforms. This online interaction is vital for getting the word out and motivating others to join in. Producing appealing content and using this hashtag wisely can greatly increase awareness and support for your chosen cause.

Strategic Steps for Success on Give STL Day

Comprehensive Preparation Training Sessions, provided by the St. Louis Community Foundation, these sessions occur from January to March. They equip organizations with key abilities like social media tactics, fundraising strategies during an election year, and how to effectively connect with donors.

Effective Team Coordination

• Assemble a Dedicated Team, build a committed group focused specifically on making Give STL Day a success through organized efforts and shared objectives.
• Identify Key Roles, Pinpoint essential positions like social media manager, fundraisers, and donor relationship coordinators to help organize your efforts.
• Develop a Social Media Strategy, plan a posting schedule for before and on Give STL Day to keep your followers active and well-informed.

Innovative Marketing

• Utilize a Marketing Toolkit, improve your campaign with attractive visuals from the nonprofit marketing toolkit or create custom graphics that show your organization’s identity and mission.
• Active Hashtag Usage, consistently use the #GiveSTLDay hashtag in your posts to enhance visibility and findability during the event.

Goal Setting and Fundraising

• Set Realistic Fundraising Targets, choose achievable fundraising goals that attract potential donors and explicitly show how their donations will make a difference.
• Encourage Community Fundraising, inspire your supporters to engage in fundraising activities. This includes sharing personal stories about the impact of your organization, showing their support online, and reaching out within their communities.

Start your own fundraising initiatives to grow your reach and resources.

Day of Execution

Keep an Active Online Presence, use tools like Hootsuite to schedule and manage social media posts all day during Give STL Day, ensuring continuous interaction.

Appreciation and Stewardship

Thank Donors Personally, sending a personalized message of thanks can make donors feel appreciated and likely to continue their support.

Highlighting Local Champions, LitShop’s Mission to Empower Future Leaders

This Give STL Day, LitShop is recognized for its unique mission to empower young girls and gender expansive youth by combining literacy with practical building skills. Founded in 2019 by Kelli Best Oliver, LitShop extends beyond typical afterschool programs by merging hands on activities with educational growth, building confidence and creativity.

On Give STL Day, donations to LitShop will support their summer programs. These are important for maintaining the special learning opportunities they provide. By supporting LitShop, you help prepare young women in St. Louis for success in areas where they are often not well represented.

As May 9 nears, every St. Louis resident can create significant positive effects. You can contribute by donating money, volunteering your time, or advocating for the cause. Get involved on May 9 to bring about positive change.