As you gear up for your big end-of-year campaign launch, how are you crafting your story so it resonates in the context of 2022? This year, inflation is the elephant in the room, which is why it’s especially important that you tell a story that pops. How are you adapting your story to meet donors where they are?
How’s your year-end fundraising planning coming? Remember, one third (30%) of annual giving occurs in December and 10% of all giving happens in the last three days of the year. This period from August – October should be all about planning and connecting with your donors and supporters. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you create and refine your 2022 plans…
Recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about nonprofit boards of directors and, specifically, why some are effective, and others seem to be stuck in perpetual states of dysfunction. Much of what I see when I examine an organization’s volunteer leadership often comes back to a mismatch between what the nonprofit needs, what they think they need (and what they tell prospective board members they need as they recruit them), and who is actually sitting on the board.
Development committees can be integral to your fundraising program. With the right Board members and volunteers, you can improve effectiveness while building new ties and deepening relationships. Consider these elements if you are looking to revamp or establish your developing committee.
Last week, I shared some tips on year-end fundraising, focusing on your message, strategies for a mailed appeal, and how to best use a challenge match.
With December fast approaching, I offer a “Part 2,” with info on how best to connect with your donors and prospects, why you should use your phone to call your donors in December, and tips to finish strong with “Stewardship January.”
You may remember that a few months ago I posted on year-end planning. Hopefully, your year-end prep is in motion and humming along. If not, don’t worry, there’s still time….but not much! Read through for tips on how to best navigate year-end.
If it’s become more challenging to connect with your major donors this year or you want to redouble your grassroots outreach, or connect to mid-level donors (or all of the above), think through your year-end plan now to make sure you get the support you need.
No doubt that March will be filled with reflections on the 12 months we’ve all spent dodging and dealing with Covid. While “where were you when the pandemic hit?” will surely be this generation’s “where were you on 9/11?” question, I’ve been thinking about the more specific questions that fundraisers (and really, every industry and sector), should be asking.
For most of us, 2020 has crept by as we deal with the latest challenges and wait for post-Covid times to start. In the coming months, fundraisers will likely feel that time is accelerating, as it always does with the December 31st clock ticking. Fortunately, there’s still time to plan (although not much!).
Your message matters. But how do you stay relevant when you can’t be as accessible? How do you build relationships when you can’t be out in the world? How do you capture your donors’ attention, especially if you aren’t providing emergency relief or fighting for racial justice? How do you tell a story that will compel people to give?
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