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The Basics
- Fifty percent of your operating budget should come from individuals.
- You need a fundraising “event” every month or “always be asking.”
- Events can be
- A campaign for the organization or a program
- A “match this” social media campaign
- Steward major donors every quarter.
- Thank donors within 48 hours.
Annual Campaigns
- The language is “We do this because…”
- When you describe your programs, speak about outcomes.
- Use pictures.
- Use an outsider for assessment data.
- You need to ask for the money.
Social Fundraisers
- This method is the least cost, time, and personnel effective.
- Have board members call past attendees to remind them that the event is coming.
- The event is a chance for you to increase your address book.
- It needs to cost you no more than $1.50 to raise $1.
- Send handwritten thank you notes after the event or a fancy online card.
Major Gifts
- People who have given to your organization and have the means to give you more are your targets.
- You raise this money over the course of many face-to-face meetings.
- Ask for a specific amount. You can always add, “payable over three years” if the donor looks shocked.
- Board members should make “the ask,” but a staff member should go with the board member.
- The basic language is “Would you join me in supporting this…”
Capital Campaigns
- If you don’t raise the money that you need, you have to return the money.
- You need to have raised 60% of your need before you go public.
- 30% of your pledgers will not honor
the pledge. - Your annual gifts and major gifts will go down for ~3 years after the campaign.
In-kind Gifts and Sponsorships
- Send a press release when you receive these. Businesses like “coverage.”
- Don’t guess at your sponsorship pricing. Your menu of prices depends on the size of your event turnout and the demographics of your “audience.”
- Name a specific price when you solicit
a sponsorship.