Fundraising Tip: Four Fundraising Actions That Have Worked for Me This Year

Each week in June, I’m going to share one. This is week two!

Hi everyone!

I have thought a lot about what I wanted to write for June and July, typically the slowest months in nonprofit fundraising. For June, I decided to share four stories about fundraising actions that worked for me so far this year, with the intent of sharing one each week.

This week’s action is to invite a donor to breakfast, lunch, or coffee. As you know, I love meeting in person with donors. It does so much for the relationship between you and your organization and the donor, and it allows you a wonderful opportunity to listen intently as you learn more about the donor.

Let the donor choose regarding a meal or coffee. Be sure to offer them several dates, and unless you know that they don’t need a lot of time to set a date, plan well in advance.

Figure out things like parking and what you will order ahead of time. I mention ordering because I’m vegan and always want to have the vegan meal discussion before I arrive, not in front of the donor. Having worked with donors for so long, almost all of them always choose a vegan-friendly spot with me and my love for eating in mind!

I always start a meeting with a huge amount of gratitude.

When meeting with a donor, I want to share with them everything going on at my organization. And then I want to listen. I definitely want to listen more than talk.

A lot can be written about making an ask, what the ask looks like, etc. This is all very personal to the donor. Spend time thinking about this, even considering not making an ask.

And have fun!

Don’t forget to send a note or email of thanks afterward.

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Take a risk. Be of service. Support your friends and colleagues. Be kind.