Fundraising. Such a simple word and yet one that looks to inflict worry among nonprofit staff and volunteers alike. It is the factor everybody wants to try to to, and therefore the one issue that seems to continuously get pushed to the top of the line.
Why is that?
Employees and Board members alike bemoan the very fact that they don't seem to be fundraising, and while explanations vary, mainly they fall into one in every of 3 categories:
I/We tend to haven't any time
I/We don't have any resources
I/We have a tendency to don't apprehend what to do
I sympathize and empathize. Time and resources are ever-scarcer commodities, whereas the worry of not doing it right is a growing one. As is the concern of rejection. Because irrespective of what anyone tells you, it IS regarding you and rejection always feels personal. However fundraising is very necessary (not simply urgent) and it is something in that both Board and workers should actively engage.
With that in mind, I assumed I might provide a few ways that to fundraise that irrespective of how busy you're you will be able to fit into your calendar (and keep among your comfort level).
Remembering that your best prospect is an existing donor, you want to keep those donors engaged and involved. One approach is to thank them, typically, for his or her support (be that money or gifts of their time and abilities). Once per week, thank every donor who has made a present within the previous week-irrespective of size, and no matter who else has sent them a thanks letter. Create it even easier by printing up some note cards together with your organization's name and your name and title (if you're a Board member, that's your title). Then take pen in hand and write:
Thanks! Some time/cash/support is thus appreciated. As a result of of you we have a tendency to could.......
Personally contact (via phone, letter or email) a lapsed donor. Tell her how his or her past support helped to form a difference.
Go back through your rolodex. Who isn't concerned with or supporting your organization? Contact them (once more, it does not matter how, simply that you personally reach out) and try again. Bear in mind, "no" isn't "no" forever. Typically it is "simply not at this time."
Send out "Fast Facts" concerning your organization. Email may be a nice way to try and do this. Keep it short, no more than 3 fast facts per week-and keep in mind, you'll recycle sensible ones. This can not solely facilitate to keep you and your organization in front of people, it can facilitate them be ambassadors for you in their communities.
Bundle. Just as high tech corporations "bundle" together products, suppose regarding how you'll package things you'll be doing for one purpose and use it for another. This is often a great savings of your time, energy, and money. Therefore,
Put the Quick Facts on your Face book page
Invite a donor or a break to something at your organization that hasn't been typically used for donor cultivation or to a different event elsewhere in your community thus you'll be able to have some good face time along
Read, with an eye to articles you'll clip or books your can recommend and send along to prospects and donors and a "Thought this might interest you," written on your business card.
If you spent one hour per week on these or like activities, I promise your fundraising will increase and you'll surprise at how very little further time you need.
Author Resource:
Howard has been writing articles online for nearly 2 years now. Not only does this author specialize in Fundraising, you can also check out his latest website about:
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