Stephen Thomas Ltd

At ST we realize how important it is to stay connected. What makes our office so successful are the people and our connection to each other. So, we got creative to keep this comradery up while working from home. Here are a few things that have helped us stay connected: 1) Check-In Buddies Each staff member is paired up with a buddy. We encourage weekly check-ins through teams, zoom or phone. This check in could be as quick as a 2 min text up to a 30 min virtual coffee brea...k. 2) Online Water Coolers to simulate a casual water cooler run in - the best part of being in the office together! We chat about anything from weekend plans to a great recipe we tried. 3) Dance Parties - Held a few times a month at the end of the day through Zoom. Everyone is encouraged to get up, dance, and let loose to the music we welcome kids and pets to join in on the fun too! 4) Parent Check-Ins - Orchestrated group check-ins with a family psychologist, to make sure the parents in our office are supported while WFH and managing children at home. 5) Staff Surveys We check-in with staff to learn more about how they are doing and how management can help offer support where needed. What tips and tricks have helped you stay connected while working from home? See more

Tonight at sundown marks the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and the beginning of the High Holidays. Shana Tova (Happy New Year) to all who are celebrating!

"Profit-for-purpose" check out Eva's amazing #PrintForGood initiative which is helping youth experiencing homelessness build better futures. https://www.evas.ca/what-we-do/print-shop/

The Canadian Cancer Society is committed to creating a future where no Canadians fear cancer. September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, click below to see how CCS supported Brian through his prostate cancer journey: http://ow.ly/lKfm50Bobxc

Did you know Stephen Thomas Ltd has a newsletter full of useful tips, tricks, and fundraising insights? Find our latest edition here: http://createsend.com/t/y-295E6ABAE2230F2C Make sure to sign up and stay informed by signing up here: https://confirmsubscription.com/h/y/658D7549AA260143

Happy 40th to us! Click here to read about how ST grew from a basement in the beaches to the agency we are today! Happy 40th to us! https://stephenthomas.ca/stephen_thomas_ltd_turning_40/

As we gear up for Labour Day, largely celebrated now as just the last long weekend of the summer, let's remember those that fought for workers' rights in the 1800s. We have 40 hour work weeks, weekends, unions, and more because many brave Canadians protested for what they knew was right. Happy Labour Day from ST!

Do your donors love you? Read ST's EVP, Chief Creative Officer Bryan Tenenhouse's 5 Tips to help donors feel emotionally connected to your mission for better results here! https://stephenthomas.ca/do-your-donors-love-you/

Amp up your donor research for better fundraising! How, you ask? Our V-P Strategic Services Liz Attfield has these tips that will help you turn your fundraising volume all the way up to 11 across the board! 1. Do a survey. Today! Find some investment money for a digital or online survey and put it in your calendar and make it happen. Find right staff that will help you track the survey responses too! 2. Take your survey up to the next level: make the questions relevant and u...seful to your fundraising program. Go beyond demographic information; think about what information will help you raise more money and how can you practically apply your findings. 3. Be ready to provide timely follow-up to responders. These are special people who have decided to share their thoughts with you. Don’t leave them hanging. Track all responses! 4. Call Liz she always loves a good chin-wag about surveys! She can be reached at 416-690-8801 x. 236

As a fundraiser are you facing pushback against your work due to COVID-19? If so, then this paper, co-researched and by ST staff, has some great answers that will help you demonstrate the continued importance of your fundraising work, to your peers, management and leadership. https://stephenthomas.ca/advocating-for-fundraising-during/

ICYMI - throwing it back to the FIRST EVER #BAMEonline conference, hosted by Fundraising Everywhere and curated by #CharitySoWhite Martha Awojobi. Check out these great tips for ethical copywriting, from Priya Changela.

Warm Summer weather got you thinking about the December holidays? Good! Now is a great time to get ahead and start your holiday campaign planning!

Using digital channels for lead generation is a great way to find new donors, and adding them to an email welcome series is an excellent strategic next step for staying engaged. But how do you ensure you are doing this ethically? Here are three easy steps from Stephen Thomas Ltd's Director of Digital Strategy, Maytal Kowalski: 1 - Remember that you have implied consent to email anyone who has provided you with a valid email address however, if they do not explicitly opt-in t...o your mailing lists, you may NOT email them two years after their last transaction with your organization. Use your first email to encourage them to opt-in and highlight the benefits of joining your mailing list. 2 - Make sure you've laid out a transparent case for support in your email series, along with your calls to action. Ensure the reader knows who and what they are donating to. 3 - Thank them! Whether through an automated message or segmented email to any new donors, ensure they get confirmation and a thank you for their support