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.
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.
The ideal fundraising chair makes your goal her goal. She is well respected, has a track record of leadership, and the financial means to make a leadership-level gift. She is someone people cannot say “no” to, and she hates to fail.
Fundraising is a competitive endeavor: if you are not raising funds for your organization, someone else is raising money for theirs… You know the value of your nonprofit, but do your current and potential donors feel the same way?
Are your 2014 fundraising goals realistic? Are there contingency plans in place in case initial donors and funders are unable or unwilling to give at the level your nonprofit anticipates?
Use the wisdom you use the wisdom gained from your fundraising reflections to lay the groundwork for 2014. Lead with your strengths, rethink strategies that didn’t meet expectations, and make sure your fundraising plan includes timeframes, roles and responsibilities, and a budget.
