A Tailored Fundraising Plan

Becca Merrell, CFRESteve WillmontMarch 11, 2015

May 15,

Our Objectives Today

To build your knowledge base about fundraising

To review fundraising options and best fit for you

To understand a fundraising calendar To evaluate your current fundraising

plan To leave with action steps

Successful Fundraising

CompellingCase forSupport

Cultivated Motivated Field of Donors Volunteer Leadership

3

Overview

Types of Fundraising

Types of Fundraising

Direct Mail/Internet Giving/Text/Phone/Social MediaSolicit a gift – connect donor with organization

Annual – fits into donor’s yearly budgetingModest giftsShould not be the only outreach#Giving TuesdayPhone – need a connection

Ideas?

5

Types of Fundraising

MembershipBuilds a stronger connection

Annual – fits into donor’s yearly budgetingCreates a sense of belongingConnects those who are in it for the long runInvites participation through exclusive

“members only” activities

Ideas?

6

Types of Fundraising

EventsMeet social needs

Make friends and raise dollarsGives organization a signatureAttracts donors and volunteers (may not have

longevity)Can be cost ineffective and labor intensiveShould fit mission

Ideas?

7

Types of Fundraising

Personal SolicitationsResults in significant gifts

Grows relationshipHonors the donorCost effectiveCan be part of annual drive or campaign

Ideas?

8

Types of Fundraising

Planned GiftsResults in legacy gifts

Grows relationshipFor an engaged donor – typically not first giftAllows donors to do something more

significantBoard members should be asked – past and

present

Ideas?

9

Types of Fundraising

What’s right for you?What fits your organization’s culture?What is your best fundraising tool currently?

What is the mix that will build relationships?What do you need to add to your mix?

What are the tools you need and how can you secure them?

10

Pyramid of Giving

Planned Gifts

Capital & Special Gifts

Special Events

Direct Mail/Internet/ Phone

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

$$$$$$$$$$

$$$$$$

$

$100,000 & up

$10,000 & up

$1,000 – $10,000

Under $1,000

Illustrates what typically might be found in a “mature” fund development program

Overview

Assessing Your Fundraising

Assessing Your Fundraising

Fundraising AssessmentYour own analysis of fundraising methodsReality checkLook for trends and anomaliesWhere are the opportunities?

13

Assessing Your Fundraising

Ask the question: Where do we want to be in 3 years?

Determine a specific plan to make that happen.Big visions attract volunteers and donorsStretch your goals…your board…yourselfDevelop fundraising budget and goals based on

assessmentReevaluate as you go alongTake advantage of changes in the environment

14

Assessing Your Fundraising

Use a process that fits your organization SWOT Analysis

StrengthsWeaknessesOpportunitiesThreats

15

Overview

Your Fundraising Calendar

Mapping Out The Year

Fundraising Plan is the Road Map Include preparation & follow-up timeWork around the “rocks in the road”

Create a task forceKeep it smallInvite engagement – when it is our plan we care if it

works…if it is your plan we are not invested

17

Mapping Out The Year

Include local hotspotsFestivals – be part of them or avoid themCheck community calendars for conflicts, especially

with larger nonprofits Take advantage of prime time

End of year givingSeasonal highlights

18

Sample Calendar

ACTION ITEMS

What’s the mix you want? SWOT or Assessment Categories and Numbers Calendar Highlights Recruiting a Task Force

20

Thank You &See You March 18th!