About Giving Machine Omaha
Giving Machine Omaha is a fundraiser that allows donors to give to local and global charities through a vending machine. Giving Machine Omaha is a part of a global network of Giving Machines — a part of the #LightTheWorld campaign sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The Challenge
Giving Machine Omaha wanted to reintroduce itself to the community and raise awareness of the local nonprofits that benefit from the public’s generosity during the holiday season. Specifically, Giving Machine Omaha wanted to draw attention to the three Giving Machines at Omaha’s Westroads Mall on Dec. 20-31, 2024.
The Big Idea
Position Giving Machine Omaha as more than just a fundraiser. Lukas Partners wanted the Omaha, Council Bluffs and Lincoln communities to view this as a unique, engaging experience where donors could provide financial support to area nonprofits. Messaging needed to be fun, while still hitting on key talking points, such as the variety of donation options and direct impact.
Instead of waiting for Santa, we encouraged people to be Santa by spreading love and joy through their contributions.
Our Approach
To get the public and media outlets interested in the 2024 Giving Machine Omaha campaign, our team used a combination of marketing and PR strategies that included news releases, media alerts, community engagement, media interviews and on-site event support.
Event Management & Media Interviews
We identified two events for Giving Machine Omaha — a launch event with Nebraska First Lady Suzanne Pillen and a “final push” event with athletes from Creighton University to keep the excitement (and donations) flowing. We provided on-site support at both events that included interview coordination, speaker and talking points preparation, event setup and photography.
Launch Event
Creighton Athletics Night
Integrated Communications
We worked with nonprofits, local partners and guest speakers to ensure the Giving Machine Omaha’s brand voice was consistent across all channels. Media materials were written for online community calendars, Facebook groups and local nonprofit benefactors to drive attendance, donations and raise awareness.
New Releases & Media Alerts
We drafted and distributed news releases and media alerts for Omaha and regional news organizations. A media alert highlighted the six local nonprofits that benefited from Giving Machine Omaha and Nebraska First Lady Suzanne Pillen’s attendance at the launch event.
The Results
From Dec. 6-29, Giving Machine Omaha earned 57 media placements that included Bluffs Country, Grow Omaha, KETV (ABC), KLIN-AM, News Channel Nebraska, Omaha World-Herald and WOWT (NBC).
Let Us Help You Give Back
We can make your nonprofit known with expert PR services—whether it’s headline-worthy marketing, can’t-miss community events, media training or scroll-stopping social campaigns. Contact us to get started!
