chief, cook & bottle washer - helpful tips when the ceo is also the fundraiser
DESCRIPTION
In today’s difficult economic climate, organizations are cutting back on expenses and asking staff to do more with less. Often, the task of raising money falls to the Chief Executive Officer, who is already consumed with management responsibilities. This session will address the competing priorities and provide tactics that will result in fundraising success. In addition to the CEO, program staff, administrative support and volunteers are ideal audience members for this fast paced, interactive session.TRANSCRIPT
Presented by
Michele R. Berard, MBA, CFREof
www.AscentAdvisors.net
Chief, Cook & Bottle Washer…Helpful tips when the CEO is also the Fundraiser
2012 Annual Conference and Trade Show
#1. Believe that without your organization, needs would not be met
Positive (not desperate) frame of mind
Understand why nonprofits exist
100% of organizational expenses = mission related
#2. Understand Your Organizational Budget
“…I don’t want my contribution to pay for salaries or general operating expenses…”
General Operating Expenses=Mission
Identify Funding Projects within organizational expenses
Don’t chase the money (i.e. create new expenses)
#3. Establish Fundraising Goals
Communicate goals; board approval
Report progress
Be accountable
#4. Speak about the impact of Philanthropy
“…there are 3 ways nonprofits make money: Earn it, Borrow it, and Raise it.”
Bill Littlejohn, CEO
Sharp Healthcare Foundation
What will philanthropy enable your organization to do…
What cuts will happen if you don’t raise $X?
What would happen if your organization didn’t exist?
#5. Establish a “Permission to Accept” Culture
Physical evidence to visitors that philanthropy is accepted
It is more than printing “we are a nonprofit organization”
All staff need to understand the meaning
#6. Purposeful board/volunteer selection
“…we have such nice volunteers…”
Identify the needs of your organization
Recruit volunteers who can meet those needs
Look for “Community Connectors” (not people to help run your organization)
#7. Grateful Patients (and loved ones)Employ the hospital model
Recruit gifts while residents/clients/patients are living
Physical evidence is instrumental
#8. Mitigate Buyer’s Remorse to Renew Gifts
Immediately send thank you letter
Communicate impact of gift (how it was used)
Engage and steward
#9. Give Personally
You can ask until you’ve given yourself
Board must also give 100%
Any other staff engaged in recruiting philanthropy must also give
Questions?
CONTACT INFORMATION:Michele R. Berard, MBA, CFRE
Phone: (401) 263-4902www.AscentAdvisors.net
Blog: micheleberard.comTwitter: micheleberard