No Risk Fundraising Equals Great Reward!

by JenSeaLLC | | 0 comments



So many non-profit organizations are currently experiencing a shortage of donations and an increase in demand. With having to cut corners to make ends meet, non-profits are stretched thin. Why outlay thousands of dollars for a fundraising program that you are not even sure will bring a return on your investment? With a recession, your non-profit has to find unique ways to meet your goals, preferably with little to no cost involved.  We, at JenSea Solutions, have addressed this issue and provided you with a solution!
JenSea Solutions created the gift 2 go™ program with you, the non-profit, in mind. We wanted to provide you with a turn key system that allows your organization and your volunteers to succeed in the area of fundraising. Whether you currently use online, direct mail campaigns, special events, or social media to raise donations and awareness, the gift 2 go™ program will be a perfect fit!
Best of all there is NO out of pocket cost to you, the non-profit! Your organization will be able to utilize the tools and resources to run your campaign for free.  The exciting and distinctive gifts that you will use to reward your volunteers and thank your donors will be ordered at the conclusion of your fundraising drive. In other words, we do not get paid for our time and effort unless your organization is successful using our system!
Has your organization had to cutback on staffing? JenSea Solutions will become an extension of your staff by collaborating with them on marketing and promotional material. Our motto:  we will take care of your fundraising so that you can focus on what you do best, helping others!
To learn more about our risk free, no out of pocket cost gift 2 go™ program, please visit www.JenSeaSolutions.com !

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Arrested for A Good Cause

by JenSeaLLC | | 0 comments


On December 10th, Angela Magee is being arrested for a good cause and heading to jail. She needs to raise $3,000 for her bail in the next month to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Lockup and to do this, she needs help!

Please go ONLINE to make a donation or you can send donations directly to Angela via check at 8912 Parkcrest Street, Huntersville, NC 28078 by printing the online donation form HERE. All donations will go directly back into the Charlotte/Lake Norman community to benefit children with MD.

Angela has incorporated, JenSea Solutions gift 2 go ™ Tier Program, to help her raise the $3000. To say “Thank You” for making a contribution to the MDA, you will not only receive a tax write-off, but you will also receive little extra incentive to sweeten the pot with a gift 2 go ™ thank you gift.

Choose a donation level from below to beneift the MDA and help Angela Magee post bail and receive the corresponding gift!

• Donate $30.00 - You will receive a pewter pocket token with inspiration message
• Donate $80.00 - You will receive a pewter pocket token and three inspiration bracelets
• Donate $100.00 -You will receive a pewter pocket token, inspiration bracelets and a complimentary 2
   night hotel stay voucher.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association's programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors. What does your MDA donation dollars buy?

• $30 - Flu Shot
• $80 -1 Minute of Research
• $100 - Support Group Session
• $800 - Child to MDA Summer Camp
• $2,000 - Assist with Wheelchair or Leg Braces
• $4,000 - Cabin of 5 friends at MDA Summer Camp

Can you find it in your heart to bail Angela out of jail for a good cause???

Stacey A Benson is Co-Founder and CFO for JenSea Solutions, a Strategic Fundraising Firm. She can be reached at Solutions@JenSeaSolutions.com.com and for more information visit http://www.jenseasolutions.com/.

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Creating Hope In A Struggling Economy

by JenSeaLLC | | 0 comments



Every day when we watch or read the news, there is story upon story regarding our struggling economy and how it is negatively impacting the lives of thousands. So it’s nice when you come across something positive in the midst of all the turmoil. I came across an amazing development thanks to United Way and their StarkPoint Centers.
 In the Bay Area in California, there is a 12.2% unemployment rate and 64% of non-profit organizations reported an increase in demand for services. With the overwhelming need of people in the community, United Way decided to take action. They, with the help of several local non-profits, came up with the idea to have a place where people who are in need can come and not only receive financial support, but be empowered as well!
At StarkPoint, people will have access to free income tax assistance, job training, academic counseling, small business training, matched savings accounts, mainstream banking options, financial education and coaching, credit counseling and foreclosure assistance. Charise Fong, Director of Neighborhood Economic Development, stated  “they are not going to be treated in the way that so many of them are used to – as case numbers, clients or even customers.  Instead they will enter SparkPoint as members who are empowered to set and achieve their own financial goals.”
Scott Whitney is a perfect example of how the StarkPoint Center can have a positive impact on someone facing tough times. Scott, a state-employed worker who is providing for a wife and 2 children, felt the sting of the recession personally when California state ordered furloughs to keep the government afloat. Even taking on a weekend job did not help with meeting his household bills. Scott turned to StarkPoint Center and since then has seen an improvement in his circumstances.
“I drop by SparkPoint every week, but it's not just for the classes. The credit counseling and resume classes have helped me a lot, but the thing that's benefited me the most is the friendship and encouragement I get at the center," Whitney said.
I feel that the most amazing part of what StarkPoint has achieved is they have addressed the whole person and not just the issues they face with the recession. The training and education they receive now will have a lasting impact on people’s lives for years to come, helping them build a strong financial foundation.
Jenny Winchell is CEO and Co-Founder of JenSea Solutions, a strategic fundraising firm. She can be reached at Jenny@JenSeaSolutions.com and for more information visit www.JenSeaSolutions.com

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The Time is NOW to give our Thanks

by JenSeaLLC | | 0 comments



Thanksgiving is fast approaching and it is a perfect time to appreciate all that we have. Important things like our health, family, friends, and the roof over our heads. Unfortunately a lot of people in our country are struggling to find the good in their lives. With the unemployment rate rising to 10.2% in October and the number of people unemployed rising to 15.7 million (the highest rate since 1983), many people are finding it hard to keep that roof over their heads.
Normally, the holiday is the season where people are most likely to give, but non-profit organizations are bracing for a decrease in the normal donations they would usually see during this time of year. The Chronicle of Philanthropy has reported that the top 400 charities in the US are expecting a 9% decrease in donations. Even though donations are decreasing, non-profits are seeing an increase in the number of people requesting aid.
So what is the solution? In a Southern Colorado, non-profits are joining forces to share each others information on who they are giving toys and food to, making sure that every child below poverty level will have a happy holiday. This is just one way we are seeing non-profits coming together to find unique solutions to the overwhelming demand for help.
Organizations like the Salvation Army, will be putting their volunteers out early in front of stores to help meet the increased need. “We're hoping at the very least to stay flat. But even if we stay flat, we're not going to be able to take care of the increasing needs," said Major Raphael Jackson, general secretary of the Massachusetts Division of the Salvation Army.
Here are some ideas for those of us who still have a roof over our head:
·         Ask family and friends to donate to your favorite cause instead of exchanging gifts.
·         Drop your spare change in the cup or bucket of the bell ringing volunteer.
·         Volunteer your time at the local food pantry.
·         Ask your child’s school who is in need in your community and grab a group of friends to each cook a dish for Thanksgiving for a family in need.
We can all do our part, even if it’s something small like donating loose change, to make a difference in someone’s life this holiday season. What a wonderful way to show our thanks this Thanksgiving!
Jenny Winchell is CEO and Co-Founder for JenSea Solutions, a strategic fundraising firm. She can be reached at Jenny@JenSeaSolutions.com and for more information visit www.JenSeaSolutions.com.

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Non-Profits Persevere through Tough Times

by JenSeaLLC | | 0 comments






The current state of our shaky economy has touched all of our lives in some form or another. Some of us have been laid off or have a family member or friend who has suffered a loss of their job. Small business owners are struggling to hang in while the community cuts back on non-necessity spending. The non-profit organizations who rely on government grants, corporate funding, and donations from fundraisers are being hit hard by our countries recession in not one, but two different ways.
Non-profits are not only experiencing the loss of revenue essential to running their programs and services, they are also seeing an increase in requests for help. With the recession, organizations are receiving more requests from people who are struggling to make ends meet and provide basic needs for their family. With a decrease in donations, non-profits have to turn people away.
An example of this situation is being felt at the Desi Geestman Foundation in La Cresta, CA; whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children suffering from cancer and their families. The foundation provides environments of support that alleviate emotional and economic trauma. Illeana Geestman stated in an article in the Glendale News Press “Our donations have decreased, but yet, the needs went in the opposite direction.” This organization has experienced a drop in donations of 60-70% compared to 2008.
So the question is how do we keep Non-Profits afloat during this recession? One way is to spread awareness. In Washington State on November 13th, they are promoting a Philanthropy Day. They are calling attention to the 1,250 non-profit organizations in Whatcom community alone, which rely on donations from individuals and companies to help them provide for those in need. Stephanie Bower made the following point in an article in the Bellingham Herald “Now is the time for individuals to engage mentally, physically and financially. Who will step in to help when no one else can? These local non-profits pick up the slack. If they can't support people in these difficult times, who will?”
There are also seminars, online classes, and conference calls that are being held nationwide to help non-profits find a solution to help them bring in donations during this tough economy. One example is the seminar called “Secrets to Success” being held in Wichita Falls on November 18, 2009. This seminar will provide non-profit organizations useful tools in management and fundraising.
At the end of the day, it is the little things that can add up. Next time you go to the store, stop and give your spare change to the volunteer collecting donations at the front door. In this economy every penny counts and we can all do our part to help those who are in dire need.
Jenny Winchell is Co-Founder and CEO for JenSea Solutions, a strategic fundraising firm. She can be reached at Jenny@JenSeaSolutions.com and for more information visit www.JenSeaSolutions.com

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The Complete Package for NPO's

by JenSeaLLC | | 0 comments


g2g Program, also known as gift 2 go™ Program, is a turn key fundraising system that motivates volunteers and donors with innovative reward programs, combined with tools and support that ensures optimum success. The g2g Program gives the non-profit three different options to choose from. 

First is the g2g Lasting Impression Box which gives the non-profit a complete package of thank you gifts prepackaged in the g2g pillow box to give to donors in appreciation for their contribution or to volunteers in appreciation for their hard work. The next option in the g2g fundraising system is the g2g Tiered Programs. This program allows the organization to give a reward to every donor, no matter what the donation level is. The last option in our gift 2 go™ is the g2g Direct Program, which allows an organization to reward contributors who donate through a direct mail campaign. 

Each program will allow the organization full access to our Volunteer and Organization Resource Center, easily accessed off of the JenSea Solutions website. The resource centers are filled with tools such as a volunteer guidebook, a chat room for volunteers to connect, marketing materials, flyers, postcards, letters, to help the volunteer reach their donation goal and to help the organization market the program effectively. 

One of the g2g Program incentivizing tools is the 3 Day 2 Night Getaway for Two mini vacation, also known as a travel certificate. Travel certificates are currently creating a buzz throughout the Non-Profit world. One organization increased donations by 20 percent and had a 10 percent jump in event attendance because of travel certificates! Non-profits who use one of the g2g programs will see first hand how travel certificates create excitement among donors and staff. 

In November 2009, JenSea Solutions will be releasing the new 2010 g2g Lasting Impression Box, which will be featuring green products. 

What are some ways you’ve motivated your volunteers? Let us know.

Stacey A Benson is Co-Founder and CFO for JenSea Solutions, a Strategic Fundraising Firm. She can be reached at Solutions@JenSeaSolutions.com and for more information visit www.JenSeaSolutions.com

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