Why Start Internally?
Our most successful partners launch their new Harness initiatives—whether it’s Round-Ups, a monthly giving program, or a new campaign—internally to their Board members, staff, and closest supporters before opening it to the public.
Here’s why this approach works:
1️⃣ Identify and Fix Issues Early – Your internal team can help spot unclear messaging, technical glitches, or other areas that may need improvement before they reach your larger donor base.
2️⃣ Build Momentum and Advocacy – When your team members sign up first, they provide a strong foundation of support and become enthusiastic advocates who help spread the word and encourage donor participation.
Best Practices for Engaging Your Internal Team
✅ Lead with Excitement! If you’re not excited, your Board, colleagues, and other departments won’t be either. Set the tone with enthusiasm and confidence.
✅ Emphasize Ease & Impact – Present this as a simple, fun, and effective way to make an impact without requiring a big commitment. Your staff already contribute so much—frame this as an effortless extension of their support, not an added obligation.
✅ Show the Power of Small Contributions – Use real data to demonstrate how small actions lead to big results. Example:
“If just X of us sign up, we’ll not only recover our investment in this technology but exceed it within X months!”
“If X donors participate, we could generate an additional $X,XXX per month with little effort!”
✅ Highlight Who This Helps – Explain how this initiative attracts and engages different types of supporters:
New Donors – Lower-barrier entry points like Round-Ups make it easier for first-time givers to get involved.
Existing Supporters (Non-Monetary) – Volunteers and community members who want to contribute financially without making a large donation.
Top Donors & Partners – Offers a way for your strongest supporters to extend their giving and deepen their connection to your mission.
Launching internally first helps ensure a smooth rollout and maximizes success. Get your team on board today and start building momentum for your giving program!