Fundraisers: Part Two - 5 More Tips to Kick it in Your First 100 Days
- Steve Wasserleben, CFRE
- Aug 11, 2017
- 2 min read
Fundraisers! Development Directors! And ANYONE ELSE trying to raise MONEY for the MISSION!!!
To meet goals and succeed, you need a Culture of Philanthropy front and center in your nonprofit—meaning everyone (board, staff, volunteers, etc.) serves as a team to enhance relationship building and the donor experience.
My June blog (Fundraisers: Five Tips to Kick it in Your First 100 Days), talks about getting things right from the start. Here are five more tips to establish your philanthropy team right from the beginning—when you absolutely need to!
1. Demonstrate to your ED and Board Chair that you need to be part of the leadership team. As the designated revenue generator, you need to weigh in on executive decisions, i.e. fiscal, programmatic, administrative, and marketing.
2. Get to know individual board members to learn their interest in helping and where they’re comfortable serving. Link Board Members with projects that fit their interests and comfort level. Asking board members to make donor thank you calls is a good place to start.
3. Work your ED relationship to get him/her on your side right away. Explain to your ED that big gifts will manifest their hopes and dreams. ED’s need to get it—you need to explain it and motivate them!
4. Attend staff meetings and report to colleagues on meaningful donor stories and how those relationships unfolded. Explain and demonstrate staff involvement in cultivating and stewarding donor relations. Describe how intriguing programs attract and engage prospects. Communicate that meaningful service programs for people in need evoke heart-felt emotions that bring money!
5. Philanthropy needs a physical presence! Plant a large Annual Fund sign (with a progress thermometer) on an easel in the lobby with gift envelopes at the reception desk that blink, “this organization seeks charitable supports!” Visitors, prospects, even volunteers are not mind readers—it needs to be clear that money is needed and appreciated!
Developing a Culture of Philanthropy is about teamwork. Include your leadership and staff in fund development activities that help you build a Culture of Philanthropy.
How have YOU fostered a Culture of Philanthropy in your organization?
What's been your challenges in building this culture?
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