As we look at a foot of snow on the ground, we wistfully look forward to spring and all of the new growth in the garden. The donor base is a garden of riches. What is the best way to tend it? [...]
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As we approach the start of a new year, it is time to set goals for 2010. Does the board understand how important their goal setting is to the success of next year’s fundraising? Is the board setting goals that will energize the donor base, referral sources, and staff and volunteers? [...] The nonprofit has a choice raise more money or make excuses. The downturn in the economy makes fundraising more difficult. The foundations have less. Government has less. Donors have less. Those are the excuses. [...] Fundraising is easier when the board’s actions support the fundraising message. In addition, the agency is more unified and sustainable. A collateral or coincidental benefit is an increase in clients, volunteers, collaborations, and donations. [...] Direct mail is less effective than ever. The reasons are well known. Your nonprofit is likely to starve if it depends on direct mail. It is unusual for major donors to respond to direct mail. [...] Since donations are down, something is broken. If it is broken, fix it. Avoid at all costs the temptation to reinvent it. [...] The demand for services is up and the availability of money is down. Foundations are cutting back. The competition for donations and grants is very keen. The increased demand for services and inflation will ensure that costs increase. Do you have a strategy? [...] Are these tough times to raise funds? Only if you use the same techniques you used last year. Use a different technique and you will get different results. Are last year’s results worth repeating? [...] Is there any reason a nonprofit should loose a donor? The easiest donors to keep are the passionate, loyal donors. [...] Fundraising is something that most of us hate, every nonprofit needs funds, and most people are very good at. Why are most people good at it? It is a natural part of life in America. Most of the people we talk to are strangers. However, we spend most of our time talking to our friends. [...] |
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