Fundraising is far from begging and yet that is the message too many of us have internalized. We hesitate to ask others to give to nonprofits we believe in. We think of ourselves as “beggars” and unconsciously teach our children that fundraising is begging.
Six things you can do between now and the next board meeting to energize yourself and your fellow board members. Choose one or more that sounds like fun to you. Each can help engage new supporters, increase awareness and raise money. These tips work if you are involved with university, a grassroots organization, or any size nonprofit in-between.
We listened as our acquaintance shared his experience of institutions that report campaign success but don’t have the money needed to implement projects laid out as campaign priorities.
A major benefit of conducting a comprehensive campaign is that it focuses an organization’s energies into one campaign with multiple goals and revenue sources. It reduces confusion amongst prospective donors, allows them to make a one-time decision on how to support your diverse needs, and reduces duplication of efforts on the part of the nonprofit.
Sometimes alumni fundraising efforts are coordinated, sometimes haphazard, other times there is overt conflict between alumni and their alma mater. We have witnessed the good, the bad and the ugly. Four suggestions for how to grow your alumni association’s fundraising program.
Does you alumni relations department have a dual focus on relationships and fundraising? Build your alumni giving program with a three-fold focus on retaining current alumni donors, engaging new ones, and re-engaging lapsed alumni.
www.BlackGivesBack.com takes the stereotype of African Americans as the recipients of others’ philanthropy and illustrates – with images and words – that African Americans are busy giving to diverse causes.
Most people we meet believe passionately in the organizations they are involved with. The challenge is to step outside of the organization and look at it within the context of the community. What – if anything – do you need to change? Which organizations are you competing against? How could you be more effective? Ask donors and funders. Ask those who support you and those who have never provided funding.
A successful fundraising cultivation or solicitation meeting is characterized by mutuality and the launching or continuation of a relationship. Don’t do all the talking! Ask questions and listen.
Women under 40 take charge….Young Women Philanthropists in Memphis TN are busy helping to create the city they want to live and work in. Learn more about these inspiring, diverse women and their upcoming Modern Day Woman Conference.
