You are here: Home / Archives for nonprofit fundraising

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.

Filed Under: General Fundraising Tagged With:

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.

Filed Under: General Fundraising, Get Fully Funded Tagged With:

What smart nonprofits are doing right now

August 6, 2010 By Sandy Leave a Comment

I’m seeing signs of the economy improving.  Are you seeing them?  Restaurants and shopping malls are packed and I’m hearing positive news from trusted sources.

My clients are seeing more and bigger donations coming in (yay!).  I firmly believe that fundraising is going to get easier a little bit at a time over the next several months.  I don’t know if it will go back to where it was, but I don’t plan to spend any time worrying about that.  I’d rather focus my attention on what needs to be done now to set ourselves up for success both now and in the future.

Here are some things that smart nonprofit organizations are doing right now to prepare for success:

  • Deepening donor relationships. Smart nonprofits are investing time into their donors.  They’re spending more time getting to know their donors.  They know that this is the best use of their time, because loyal donors will stick around for years to come.
  • Showing their appreciation. Smart nonprofits are spending more time than ever before thanking and acknowledging their donors.  They’re making thank-you calls and sending handwritten thank-you notes. Some are getting their Board members involved in this!  They’re making sure that the donor knows how much they appreciate their support.
  • Honing their Case for Support. Smart nonprofits are getting very clear about their reason for existence.  They have concise, razor-sharp answers for the questions about why someone should give to them.
  • Strengthening their Board. Smart nonprofits are spending time to make sure their Board members understand their roles and responsibilities for leading the organization, and have the resources they need to do their job.  They’re helping their Board members find ways to comfortably participate in fundraising.  Instead of sitting back and expecting their Boards to know what to do, smart nonprofit staff are educating and supporting their Boards.

What is your nonprofit doing right now that’s smart?  I’d love to hear!  Click on the comment link and share.

Filed Under: Board of Directors, General Fundraising Tagged With:

Ideas for newsletter content that donors will love

July 25, 2010 By Sandy 9 Comments

Let’s face it: most nonprofit newsletters are boring.  They’re full of jargon and insider news that leave donors feeling less than connected.  To make your donors read your newsletter from start to finish, it must include info that donors find interesting.

Put yourself in your donor’s shoes:  what would they care about?  What would make them take time from their busy life to pay attention to what you’ve put in print?  Here are some ideas for things you can write about that will keep your donors engaged.

  • Client story. Tell a story about someone whose life has been changed by your organization.  Keep it short and focused on the person – not your organization.  Use a good photo or two and your donor won’t be able to stop reading.
  • A Day in the Life. Share what a typical day looks like for one of your clients. This will help donors better understand the work you are doing and help them identify with the people you are serving.
  • Common myths. What are the common myths about your cause?  Dispell them by stating them and then giving the real information.
  • Testimonials. Let others do the talking for you.  Share a brief testimonial from a client, a donor, a volunteer, or a local celebrity about your organization.
  • Statistics. Share a couple of shocking statistics about your cause or the work your organization is doing.  Don’t go overboard here – one or two good facts with a tidbit of supporting info is all you need.

What have you included in your newsletter that got people talking?  Share with us so we can all benefit.

Filed Under: Newsletter Tagged With: ,
« Older Posts