Fundraising Tip: A Reminder of Quick Actions to Take to Support Your Fundraising Efforts
Daily actions can be incredibly helpful for your organization.
Whether you lead a nonprofit fundraising team or work within a specific part of the fundraising team, these suggested actions are ones that have proven to help me in my fundraising career.
Some or all of them may be simple reminders of things you already know work.
Let’s get right into it!
First, have a list of donors you work with. This could be what you call your portfolio, your relationship list, or even your wish list! At the least, have a list of LYBUNT donors, which are donors who gave last year but have not given this year.
This list is a big part of your actions today and every day.
Next, plan to reach out to some of them every day. The amount you connect with depends on your time capacity. Just keep in mind that connecting with donors is a big step towards building realtionship with them while increasing fundraising opportunities.
While communicating with donors on a daily basis, it’s also important to communicate with those working on your program teams, those doing the mission work of your organization. What are they experiencing? What highlights can they share with you that will be of interest to the donors on your list?
If working with board members is part of your job description, reach out to one every week.
Build your personal social media presence. My favorite social media platform is LinkedIn. Connect with colleagues in fundraising and the nonprofit world, and connect with donors, board members, and community members in your area. This can be helpful with just getting your organizations’ mission and impact out to more people.
Spend some time seeing what events you could go to that would benefit your work in fundraising and perhaps the overall organizations’ work/mission. Examples are chambers of commerce, Rotary Club meetings, and events held by local places of faith.
I love speaking at Rotary Club meetings, and have found active membership at my local chamber of commerce to be helpful with building relationships.
Lastly, let’s go back to your donor list. Be consistent in communicating with your donors. There is nothing worse than a donor only hearing from an organization they love through an appeal for a donation. Building relationships with donors will benefit you and your organization greatly.
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Take a risk. Be of service. Support your friends and colleagues. Be kind.
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