How Smirk helped a nonprofit exceed their fundraising event goals by 176%.

1040 Initiative (1040i) is a nonprofit organization based in Norman, Oklahoma, that focuses on providing access to drinking water, healthcare and education to impoverished communities in Morocco and Ivory Coast. As part of an ongoing social media partnership, Smirk assisted the humanitarian organization in promoting its largest fundraising event of the year, the Tanda 2020 Gala. Through organic and paid digital efforts, 1040i needed to raise funds to build a middle school and high school to expand their Tanda Bilingual Academy in Ivory Coast.

Smirk crafted a digital gala promotion strategy that incorporated a clear CTA focusing on event ticket and table purchases. 1040i’s myriad of international supporters were encouraged to make a donation in lieu of event attendance. Our approach included email newsletters to existing supporters, a Facebook event, organic social content, paid social campaigns and remarketing to past donors. Thought-provoking graphics threaded throughout all efforts highlighted both the ultimate fundraising goal and the students who benefit directly from every donation.

The Tanda 2020 Gala surpassed all attendance and donations goals, including raising over $400,000 for the construction of Tanda Bilingual Academy’s middle and high school. Smirk provided on-site live event coverage. Photos taken from the event were later featured in OKLAHOMA Magazine.