We know you want to meet your fundraising goals. We also know some readers may be anxious wondering, “how will the calendar year end? Will we be in the red or in the black come December 31st?” While we don’t have a magic wand we do want to suggest two aspects of fundraising management you
How do you know that you can raise the money you need?” And stepping back, how did you come up with your fundraising goal in the first place?
“Sadly, I have to report that I and we failed.” What would you do if you had to deliver that message to your board? Learn how to avoid this situation. Learn from the University of Virginia $3 billion capital campaign.
Can you raise money without vision? Without a strategic plan? Without knowing your financial projections? You can, but the question is how much. Your vision, mission, strategic plan and financial position are your starting place. When these are in line you can go far….
Fundraising is to nonprofits what sales is to business. It’s where the money comes from. Focusing on why funds are needed is one way to change your relationship to fundraising.
How do you set your fundraising goal? Do you pick a number from the sky? Review last year’s achievements and add a modest increase? What’s realistic? What’s achievable? Learn how to end up with an achievable goal regardless of how you start the goal setting process.
Make preparing for fundraising success a priority for the new year. While certain factors will impact the number and size of gifts your organization or institution may receive, there is plenty your leadership can do to attract and retain funding. We will discuss these in coming columns and through the year.
