(Very) Early Year End Fundraising Tips
(Very) Early Year End Fundraising Tips
I know, it’s just the start of the Minnesota State Fair this week. For some reason, this time of year always starts me thinking about year end. Apparently I’m not the only one. Guidestar produced a set of year end fundraising tips that worked well in 2010 in its July 7 newsletter. These were compiled from Darian Rodriguez Heyman, ed., Nonprofit Management 101: A Complete and Practical Guide for Leaders and Professionals.
There are ten great suggestions in this article; I’d like to add my comments on a few.
- Get your board more involved in fundraising. Guidestar suggests a thank-a-thon, which is a terrific idea. Also, you might think about forming a fund development committee (if you don’t already have one) or asking board members to brainstorm for a few minutes on what they can personally do to be “Ambassadors, Advocates and/or Askers”.
- Don’t submit a foundation proposal without talking to the foundation first. Many of us have learned this lesson the hard way – that after-the-proposal-is-declined follow-up that tells us that if we’d only talked first we would have had a winning proposal. Foundation program officers are accessible, friendly, and as one program officer told me recently, “If you didn’t call me to ask questions, I’d be out of a job”. You’ll have a better proposal, and save yourself time if you ask questions first. Plus you’ll keep some really terrific people employed.
- Ask specifically and directly. Otherwise, how will the prospective donor know what action you wish them to take? I’d add the word “succinctly” to this mantra. Be brief. Donors appreciate it.
- Ask for in-kind support or expertise. Many corporations (and individuals) are very willing to help in this way – and it saves your organization’s budget. Be sure to budget for these items, however, and record them as expense items and gifts-in-kind. Other donors will like to see that your organization leverages its funds in this way.
Regarding budget, be sure to use your budget as an educational tool for donors. Remember that we can all see your 990 – its public information soon after it’s filed with the IRS. Use it as a communication tool.
Guidestar also lists these other tips:
- Map donations to impact
- Make your donation button shine
- Create and tap your social network
- Understand the social capital market
Click here to read the full article in Guidestar’s July 7 e-newsletter.
What worked well in 2010 that you’ll be doing again this fall?
-Dianne
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