Email Marketing for Nonprofits


Using email to start and grow relationships is easy for nonprofits. 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.



Sample Press Release

[Coalition Name] joins NNEDV in #Every1KnowsSome1 Month-Long National Campaign to Raise Awareness About Domestic Violence

[CITY, State/Territory (Date)] — Each year, in October, advocates, survivors and supporters recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM).

This fall our coalition/network is joining the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) and the Pennsylvania coalition (PCADV) in their national combined campaign for Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) and GiveForDV.  

 

The goal of these two joint initiatives is to start a coordinated national conversation about domestic violence and how we can all contribute to changing the narrative on this overshadowed, but fundamental topic, then build on that conversation to raise awareness, increase donations and volunteer efforts, and deepen community engagement by connecting our work nationwide. 

More prevalent than most realize, one in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes. Anyone, regardless of gender, race, sexual identity or orientation, or socio-economic status, can become a victim of domestic violence. This year’s campaign theme, #Every1KnowsSome1, strives to highlight how common domestic violence is and that it is more than physical violence.

 [If available, personalize, by inserting a paragraph with info, service stats, etc. about your coalition and domestic violence in your state or territory.]

Throughout October and November, [Coalition name] and NNEDV will be sharing content on their social media channels to help raise awareness and educate the public on the complex dynamics of domestic violence. A week of action is planned for October 17-23, 2022 designed to engage advocates, partners, and the public in starting a national conversation. 

There will also be two official GiveForDV Giving Days—one during the DVAM week of action on October 19, and one on GivingTuesday, November 29. Supporters can get involved by finding their state coalition and local program at https://givefordv.nnedv.org/ 

Free and confidential help is available 24/7 for individuals experiencing domestic violence. Those seeking help may contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at thehotline.org or 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or [insert any state or territory DV hotline/website info].


[Boilerplate text]

Sample Email from Coalitions to Member Programs

Email Subject: Be the Change, Join the National Campaign this DVAM 

This fall our coalition/network is joining the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) and the Pennsylvania coalition (PCADV) in their national combined campaign for Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) and GiveForDV.  

 

The goal of these two joint initiatives is to raise awareness, increase donations and volunteer efforts, and deepen community engagement by connecting our work nationwide. Coalitions and DV programs are critical to building DVAM and GiveForDV into a larger movement to end the stigma and myths surrounding domestic violence and to mobilize charitable support for domestic and sexual violence programs at the local, state, and national level. 

 

The joint campaign this year includes: 

 

  • A month of educational/awareness efforts during DVAM 

  • DVAM week of action (October 17-23) 

  • Two official GiveForDV Giving Days that your organization participate in (one during the DVAM week of action, and one in November on GivingTuesday) 

  • A new, free to use fundraising and toolkit platform for participating coalitions and local programs! 

  • Resources to continue your efforts through your end-of-year fundraising 


As a member program/fellow program/local program, we encourage you to join us and other coalitions and organizations across the country in this joint campaign. 

 

NNEDV and PCADV have worked with GiveGab, a nonprofit giving platform, to host the joint efforts. The platform is FREE to use, and the donations your program receives will go straight to you after signing up.    

 

We will continue to build on the success of last year’s theme of #Every1KnowsSome1 to highlight the fact that domestic violence can happen to anyone and is more prevalent than people realize. Both [insert Coalition/Program Name] and NNEDV will be sharing social content on their channels throughout October and November that focuses on getting back to basics in raising awareness about what domestic violence is, who it impacts, and why everyone should care.  

 

By uniting our efforts through the same hashtags, simple messaging, and cause-based giving coalition, it builds the case that Every1 has a part to play in supporting our work to end domestic violence...not just in October and on GivingTuesday but every day throughout the year. 

[insert social follow links]

Sample Email/Newsletter Article From Coalitions/Programs to Supporters

Email Subject Options: 

Set your calendar now for DVAM 2022 

Have you heard the news about DVAM 2022? 

What you NEED to know about DVAM 2022 

Stop: You’ll want to make your DVAM 2022 plans today 

📢 DVAM 2022 Big Announcement 

 

We don’t talk about domestic violence. Because of that, domestic violence thrives in silence.  

 

To be able to support survivors, and to prevent domestic violence in the future, we all need to normalize talking about it openly and candidly. We need to change the conversation around domestic violence – and we need your help to do it.  

 

This fall [coalition/program name] is joining the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) in their national combined campaign for Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) and GiveForDV.  

 

The campaign runs from October 1-November 30 with many opportunities for YOU to participate throughout! 

 

  • Show your support for victims and survivors by following our social media accounts and sharing the content we’ve already prepared with your own networks throughout the month of October with the hashtag #Every1KnowsSome1.

    Having informed conversations about domestic violence requires understanding what it is—that it’s much more than physical abuse—and why ‘just leaving’ isn’t so simple for survivors. [If you have a web page about abuse and/or abuse tactics, this would be a good opportunity to link to it.] Supporters like you can help educate your friends, families, and communities, and get these conversations started! 

  • Participate in the DVAM week of action October 17-23

  • Participate in one (or both!) of the official GiveForDV Days of Giving (during the DVAM week of action on October 19 or GivingTuesday on November 29). On these respective days of giving, you can make a donation that directly impacts survivors – and encourage your friends and family to join you with your own mini campaign!  [Adjust this bullet point if you are only participating in one of the two days of giving]

  • [Insert any local events or initiatives you’d like to include] 


As a society, we all have a role in changing the narrative about what domestic violence is, to whom it happens, and how we can support those who are experiencing it, and, ultimately, prevent it entirely. Every1KnowsSome1 who is impacted by domestic violence, and Every1 has a part to play in supporting our work to end domestic violence. 

 

We can’t wait for all that’s in store for DVAM and GiveForDV this year, and we hope you will join us.  

 

Thank you in advance for standing up for survivors. 

[insert social links]

Sample Week of Action Promo Email

Email Subject: [Insert # Days] day until DVAM 2022 Week of Action! How will you step up for survivors?

We’re halfway through Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) already, and we want to thank you for bringing awareness to domestic violence alongside us.

This upcoming week (October 17-23), you have a chance to do even more, as it’s the national DVAM Week of Action. What’s the Week of Action? Each day we have a theme where you can engage, participate and take action to support survivors of domestic violence.

Here’s a quick rundown for what you can expect so that you can plan ahead!

  • Media Monday (10/17): Journalists have a responsibility to cover domestic violence responsibly and survivors deserve for their stories to be treated with respect. Join us as we dive into helpful resources. 

  • Twitter Chat Tuesday (10/18): Join us from 3:00-4:00 PM ET as we explore the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV)’s DVAM theme: “No Survivor Justice Without Racial Justice.” More info coming soon!

  • DVAM Day of Giving (10/19): Survivors, advocates, and programs urgently need support. We’ll be sharing resources, ways to get involved, and creative fundraising ideas that anyone can use. 

  • Purple Thursday: It’s our favorite day of #DVAM: #PurpleThursday! We’ll be wearing purple to show our support for survivors and our commitment to ending violence. Get the Purple Thursday printables, frames, and more here.

  • Pay It ForwardFriday: There are plenty of ways to support domestic violence survivors and advocates. We’ll help you learn how you can take action online and in your community.

  • Speak Up Saturday: Local, state, and federal policy is crucial to our work to end domestic violence, and we need your voice to join us. We’ll tell you how to sign up and stay in the loop in our advocacy work.

  • Support SurvivorsSunday: Every survivor deserves support, whether they choose to share their stories or not. Close out the week by learning how you can help create safety for the survivors in your life.

We look forward to participating in this Week of Action with you!

Sample Giving Day Emails

Please note these samples are customizable and you can use these sample emails for either or both giving days. GivingTuesday also has excellent sample content which can be found here.


Email Subject: Save the Date for GiveForDV

Dear [NAME]

Save the date for GiveForDV!

Created in 2020 for GivingTuesday, GiveForDV is a cause-based giving community, encouraging organizations and people to come together to support survivors and domestic violence organizations. In 2021, GiveForDV was linked with Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) to create a season of giving, community, and awareness for domestic violence.

The goal of these two joint initiatives is to raise awareness, increase donations and volunteer efforts, and deepen community engagement by connecting our work nationwide. This October, [insert Coalition name] is partnering with the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) and other state and territorial coalitions across the nation to start a coordinated national conversation about domestic violence and how we can all contribute to changing the narrative on this overshadowed, but fundamental topic.

We’ll be in touch soon with more information about how you can help survivors in [City/State/Territory]. In the meantime, mark your calendars for October 1!

We’re excited to have you join our community!

[Insert donation button/link]


Email Subject: Join Us For #GivingTuesday

Dear [NAME]

On November 29, 2022, people all around the world are coming together to tap into the power of human connection and strengthen communities and change our world. Will you be one of them? 

[Insert Coalition name] will be participating in GivingTuesday and we need your help! By joining the GivingTuesday movement, you’re proving that in times of uncertainty, generosity can bring the whole world together. 

Here is how you can get ready to give:

  1. Mark your calendar [Link to a custom calendar invitation for Nov 29  that includes your organization’s donate link]

  2. Give. On November 29, go to [insert your organization URL or #GiveForDV landing page] and give. You can also support our organization in these ways [if applicable, insert link to a blog post that outlines other needs like a wishlist, virtual volunteer opportunities, etc.]

  3. Spread the word. Encourage your friends and family to join you in creating real impact on November 29 by sharing what our mission means to you and why you support our organization (here are some ideas). Make sure to use hashtag #GiveForDV and #GivingTuesday!


Let’s rally together to build stronger communities!

Learn more at [insert your organization URL]

[Insert donation button/link]


Subject: Ready to Lend a Helping Hand? We're One Week Away From [insert Giving Day]

Dear [NAME],

[DVAM Day of Giving/GivingTuesday] is only a week away! I hope you will keep [ORG NAME] in mind on [October 19/November 29] and give back to support survivors of domestic violence in your community.     

GiveForDV!

This year, [ORG NAME]’s goal is [goal amount] to support [insert mission or a general line about your work.] With your support on [DVAM Day of Giving/GivingTuesday] [ORG NAME] will:

*Name some of the quantifiable impacts of the donations raised.*

OR 

 **Tell an impact story about your organization - this is a great opportunity to weave in DVAM content about the types of abuse survivors experience and why it isn’t so easy to ‘just leave’**

Be sure to join us on [insert social media information] for #GiveForDV, a campaign that calls on individuals like you to step up and give back to support survivors of domestic and sexual violence and the programs that help them find safety. #Every1KnowsSome1 impacted by abuse. You can help us flip the script by sharing your support on social media and using the hashtag #GiveForDV to get people talking about domestic violence, what it is, and its prevalence! On GivingTuesday, help us build a world where everyone can be safe at home.

 [Insert any other DVAM/GivingTuesday activities that are planned] 

Remember, if you’re busy next week, you can always make your gift today [insert donation link]. With your support, [ORG NAME] can continue working towards a [City/State/territory] where everyone is safe at home. 

Thank you for joining us in building a community that’s safe and supportive for all.

 [Insert donation button/link]

Subject: Today’s the Day | Put Your Giving Shoes On

Dear [NAME],

Today’s the day! GiveForDV! [ORG NAME] is joining thousands of other charities to celebrate [DVAM Day of Giving/GivingTuesday].

 #Every1KnowsSome1 who likely has, or is experiencing abuse — 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience severe physical violence in their lifetimes. We all can take action to help create a safer and more supportive community for survivors in [city/state/territory]. This [DVAM Day of Giving/Giving Tuesday] I’m asking you to GiveForDV by donating to [ORG NAME]. A gift of [suggested donation amount] will go such a long way toward [impact statement]

I am so proud of the work we do at [ORG NAME] and the strength of the survivors we help everyday. On this day of giving, I wanted to share with you why I care so deeply about the work we do and why your support is important. *Share an impact story* OR *Add examples of quantifiable impact*

There’s a common misconception that someone in an abusive relationship can and should ‘just leave.’ Abuse is so much more than physical, it’s emotional, verbal and financial, too, so there are real and significant barriers for those who want to leave. Domestic violence programs and advocates across [insert state/territory] and the country meet survivors with compassionate advocacy and services to help them find safety and regain their autonomy. Your donation today—no matter the size—will help [ORG NAME] continue [impact statement]

Be sure to join us on [insert social media] and share why you #GiveForDV —declare your support for survivors and healthy relationships, remember a loved one, thank our frontline advocates, and take a stand against domestic violence. Sharing your support online will inspire others to start a necessary public dialogue and take action against domestic and sexual violence.

 [Insert any planned DAVM/GivingTuesday activities]

Only for Giving Tuesday email: GivingTuesday is the biggest giving movement in the world. Because #Every1KnowsSome1 impacted by domestic and sexual violence, we need you to GiveForDV. Thank you for supporting survivors and the programs that help them find safety.

Subject: You’ve helped us get closer to our goal for #GiveForDV!

Dear [NAME],

Thanks to people like you, [ORG NAME] has already raised [amount raised] this [DVAM Day of Giving/GivingTuesday]! Your GiveForDV donations will go to [impact statement].

It’s not too late to GiveForDV. Here are some ways you can make a difference before [DVAM Day of Giving/GivingTuesday] ends!

  • Help us reach our goal before midnight by making a gift [insert donation link].

  • Forward this email to someone who’s passionate about survivor safety and ending domestic violence and ask them to make a gift.

  • Go check out our  #GiveForDV  site and posts on [insert website and social media links] and share them with your friends online.

  • [insert any other giving/volunteer opportunities you have]

The more supporters we bring into our community the more we can help survivors and their families. Before [DVAM Day of Giving/GivingTuesday] ends we’re asking you to help survivors of domestic violence and to GiveForDV. Your support will help us [impact statement]

Together we can [insert your mission].Thank you for joining us for  GiveForDV.

[Insert donation button/link]

Subject: We can’t thank you enough for your generosity!

Dear [NAME],

Thank you so much for your generous support of GiveForDV! Because of you, we were able to raise [$X,XXX]  in just 24 hours! 

Your contribution will help us [List a few examples of what you’re doing with the funds. This should be in line with what was mentioned in other emails.] The passion and care of people like you keeps us going, and we hope we make you proud with how we pay these funds forward to benefit survivors in [city/state/territory].

I encourage you to stay connected with [ORG NAME] in the coming months to learn more about how your donation has supported our work. While [DVAM Day of Giving/GivingTuesday]’s over, there are still a lot of ways you can GiveForDV and help [ORG NAME] throughout the year. There will be more ways for you to get involved in [mission statement].

[If you have any calls to action (new resources, volunteers needed, event, action alert, etc.) add them here]

Thanks again for supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence, and the advocates that work tirelessly to ensure the safety of all survivors. #Every1KnowsSome1 impacted by domestic and sexual violence, and together we can make a difference. We look forward to your continued support!

Communications Timeline


Download a Comprehensive Communication Guide to Prepare for #GiveForDV!