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The Trellis First Fundraiser Guarantee

By 13 July 2021January 28th, 2025No Comments

Trellis First Fundraiser Guarantee

At Trellis, we stand behind our platform and our commitment to helping charities execute successful fundraising events. We understand that planning and running a fundraiser can be daunting, especially for those new to the process. That’s why we offer our First Fundraiser Guarantee—a promise that if you follow our proven process, you will have a successful fundraising event.

However, success is only possible if the correct steps are followed. Over years of experience in the charity event execution space, we have developed a structured approach that ensures optimal results. Our guarantee applies only when our process is followed, as deviating from it removes the best practices that drive success.

What Our Guarantee Covers

Our guarantee ensures that if you follow our structured process and do not achieve your fundraising goals, we will work with you to analyze the event and provide additional support for a future fundraiser. However, it is important to note that not meeting a financial goal does not automatically mean Trellis is at fault. Many factors influence fundraising outcomes, including donor engagement, marketing efforts, and external conditions beyond our control.

If Trellis’ platform, tools, or guidance were the cause of your fundraiser’s challenges, and you followed all required steps outlined below, you will qualify for a refund under our guarantee.

The Required Process for Eligibility

To qualify for our First Fundraiser Guarantee, you must complete all the following steps under the guidance of your Trellis Account Manager:

1. Onboarding: Product & Integration

  • Participate in a 1-on-1 onboarding video call with your assigned Account Manager. Attendance is mandatory.
  • Complete all necessary platform integrations, including payment setup and auction configurations.
  • Ensure all team members are trained on the Trellis platform.

2. Event Launch

  • Participate in a 1-on-1 video call to finalize event details and publish your fundraiser on the Trellis platform. Attendance is mandatory.
  • Set up automated email campaigns and promotional strategies as advised.

3. Advanced Feature Review

  • Participate in a 1-on-1 video call to review and implement recommended advanced fundraising features, such as auction strategies, ticketing structures, and sponsorship placements. Attendance is mandatory.

4. Pre-Event Run-Through

  • Attend a mandatory pre-event run-through with your Trellis Account Manager via video call.
  • Ensure all event logistics are in place, including live donation tracking, mobile bidding setup, and guest communication.
  • Confirm that all stakeholders (e.g., volunteers, hosts, and key personnel) understand their roles.

5. Event Day Execution

  • Utilize Trellis support resources, including live troubleshooting and emergency support if needed.
  • Ensure all fundraising activities, auctions, and donation processing occur through the Trellis platform.
  • Follow real-time event strategies and best practices shared by your Account Manager.

6. Post-Event Follow-Up

  • Participate in a mandatory post-event debrief with your Account Manager via video call.
  • Utilize Trellis reporting tools to analyze performance and donor engagement.
  • Send thank-you emails and post-event communication to attendees using Trellis templates.

Exclusions & Limitations

The First Fundraiser Guarantee does not apply in cases where:

  • The required process steps outlined above were not fully completed.
  • Fundraising occurs outside the Trellis platform or through third-party tools.
  • Key recommendations from the Trellis Account Manager were ignored.
  • The event is canceled or rescheduled for reasons beyond Trellis’ control.
  • The organization does not engage in active donor outreach, marketing, or promotion.

How to Claim the Guarantee

If you have followed all the required steps and did not achieve your fundraising goals, you may submit a claim by:

  1. Submitting notice within 14 days after the first fundraiser ends.
  2. Demonstrating that all steps in the process were completed.
  3. Participating in a review call with your Trellis Account Manager.

If your claim is validated, Trellis will provide additional consulting and resources for a future event to ensure success.

We Stand Behind Your Success

Trellis is committed to empowering nonprofits with the tools and strategies needed to raise more funds effectively. By following our expert-driven process, you maximize your chances of success, and we will be with you every step of the way.

If you have any questions about our First Fundraiser Guarantee or need further clarification, please contact our support team at support@trellis.org.