Fundraising Tip: Spend Some Time with Your Calendar

Try adding everything you want to work on, not just appointments.

There were times in my fundraising work when I would start my week, look at what was on my calendar, and think, “What a slow week”. It wasn’t. I had only been including meetings. Most of my work never made it to my calendar.

Then I started adding everything. The process began with grant work. I would calendar when it was due, when my grant writer would begin work, and when I would make time to read the final draft.

Then, direct mail. From the first team meeting about it to the day it would land with donors, it all ended up on my calendar.

As time went on, I got in the habit of adding everything. I soon realized how helpful all of this was. Having all of the direct mail information right in front of me made it easier to begin speaking to program staff about everything they were working on. I began to think more bigger picture, and how all of the work was actually connected.

As simple as this may sound, doing this can impact your fundraising.

Try it. Let me know what you think, and if you notice any difference in your work, impact, and results.

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