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Can you steal donors away from other nonprofits?

August 31, 2010 By Sandy 6 Comments

“How can I make sure that another organization doesn’t steal my donors?”

I’ve been asked this many times. Let me put this to rest right now. You can’t “steal” someone else’s donors.

People give to the organizations and causes that they want to. There’s nothing you can do to change this. If the donor decides to give to a different cause, it’s because they perceive the new cause to be more worthy of their support. You can offer someone else’s donor information about your organization, but the decision to give is theirs. Likewise, another organization can offer your donors information about their work. If your donor goes away, it probably has more to do with your lack of donor relations than anything else.

Bottom line – you can’t steal donors from another organization. Nor can they steal yours.


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One person makes a difference

August 30, 2010 By Sandy 8 Comments

“Well-behaved women rarely make history.”

I  love this quote!  I saw it so clearly recently. I spent the weekend in Savannah, Georgia with my Mama and sister-in-law to celebrate my Mama’s birthday (she’s 74).  What I didn’t expect was to learn so much about the role women have played throughout history.

We learned the details of how Juliette Gordon Low started the Girl Scouts of America (and we saw a couple of scout groups touring Low’s home).  Interestingly, Low lost her hearing, but didn’t let that stop her from forming this wonderful organization for girls.

We learned about a group of women who stopped the destruction of the largest Live Oak tree in Savannah (it was awesome!) and others who rallied to prevent the destruction of various historic homes in the city.

It reminds me over and over of the difference one person can make.  One person decided to start a program for girls.  One person decided to save a beloved tree or a house.  And they made a big difference.

You’re one person.  What can you do to make a difference today? Can you offer a warm smile or a kind word to brighten someone’s day?

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What does a Startup need to know?

August 23, 2010 By Sandy 9 Comments

I’ve been talking with several folks lately who are working with new nonprofits that have recently gotten started.  They are so excited and have so many questions!

They want to know how to put a good Board together and how to get Board members to have ownership of the organization.  They want to know how to spread the word about the work they are setting out to do and how to get the attention of the local media.  They want to know how to apply for grants without having served any clients yet.  They want to know how to find donors and raise money. (See what I mean about lots of questions?)

Since I seem to be attracting these startups like moths to a flame, I’m putting together a coaching program just for them to get them up and running fast.  I’m calling it the Nonprofit Startup Jumpstart.  My intention is to help them speed up their learning curve on these issues and get moving fast.  It’s packed with information and affordably priced. You can read all about it at http://www.getfullyfunded.com/nonprofit-startup-jumpstart.

So here’s my question for you, my readers:  What does a Startup need to know?  What do you wish someone had told you when you first started your organization or when you first started working in fundraising?  I’d love to hear your thoughts!  Please hit the comment link and let me know what you think.

Oh, and if you know someone who might benefit from the Nonprofit Startup Jumpstart program, please share the link.  The program starts September 1 and the deadline to sign up is September 14.

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4 Simple Steps to Fundraising Success!

August 15, 2010 By Sandy 12 Comments

Last Thursday, I had the honor of presenting at the AFP North Carolina Conference on Philanthropy in Charlotte.  My session was called “4 Simple Steps to Building Donor Relationships and Fully Funding Your Mission Using Donor-Based Fundraising.”

My intention for this breakout session was to help my students focus on building donor relationships and share my concept of getting fully funded. Here are a few notes from the session.

What does it mean to ‘Get fully funded?’ It’s a state of fundraising where you can easily raise all the money your organization needs to fulfill its mission.  Your organization has all the equipment, supplies, and staff it needs.  Fundraising is not only easy, it’s fun!

What is donor-based fundraising? It focuses on the donor and the relationship. It creates long-term sustainability for the organization and a satisfying experience for the donor.  It requires honest two-way communication.

When you follow the principles of donor-based fundraising, there are 4 simple steps to raising all the money your organization needs.

  1. Tell your story.  Keep it short and simple, and tell people why they should care about your organization.
  2. Ask for a gift. Ask multiple times during the year and use a variety of techniques.
  3. Thank the donor.  Be warm, sincere, and prompt in your gratitude.
  4. Build relationships. Get to know your donors and what peaks their interest in your organization.

I’ve used these principles and steps many times, as a Development Director and as a coach, tobring about some amazing results in fundraising. I’ve had donors thank me for giving them the chance to make a donation.  I’ve broken fundraising records.  And I’ve had an absolute ball doing it!

Stay tuned as I share more about what it means to Get Fully Funded and how you can do it, too.

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