Closing 2011 With a Bang, Last-Minute Fundraising Ideas
By: Kirsten Bullock of Growing Your Donors
How did it get to be December already? In some ways I feel like I blinked sometime in July and ended up here. Anyone else ever feel that way or is it just me?
Just in case the year has gotten away for you too, here’s a simple strategy to get the most out of the next three weeks. This is, after all, the time of year when organizations typically bring in the bulk of fundraising revenue for the year.
1. Review your donor lists. Identify those people who gave in past years, but haven’t yet this year. Perhaps there is someone who might like to offer a challenge gift. Are there local news outlets that might be open to sharing information about the challenge (hint: news outlets are sometimes more likely to be looking for ‘feel good’ stories at the end of the year).
2. Set a Goal. Having reviewed your donor lists, determine a realistic goal you feel you can reach with that prospect pool. Perhaps you’ll aim to get 10-20% of the donors to renew their gifts. You know your donors best, so go with a number that makes sense for your organization.
3. Select a Project. Identify a specific project that can be accomplished if you reach that fundraising goal.
4. Craft a Message. Develop simple messaging around that project (why is it important and what impact will it have on the community you serve). Don’t worry about fancy graphic design. Just put together a one-page flier and include a picture or two.
5. Make Giving Easy. Make it easy to give (include and envelope and response device with mailings – no you really don’t need to include a stamp). If you don’t already have a way to accept on-line donations you might not want to get distracted by that at this point (although PayPal is an easy affordable option that can be set up quickly if you are so inclined).
6. Reach Out. Contact your supporters. Call key donors. Send a series of short email messages highlighting the project, goal and results to date to the rest of the database (including a single call to action in each message). You could also ask board members and friends of your group to host a simple house party and invite their friends to be a part.
7. Show Your Gratitude. Say thank you (and say it often) and follow-up to let people know how the campaign did and how people’s lives are being changed as a result of the funded program.
Kirsten Bullock’s passion is providing overwhelmed nonprofit and ministry leaders a systematic process to follow that will help ensure sustainable funding for their organizations. Kirsten has been working with nonprofit organizations since 1995 and earned her designation as a Certified Fund Raising Executive in 2002. Kirsten is currently serving as president elect of the Association for Fundraising Professionals Greater Louisville Chapter. She is an AFP Master Trainer, authors the Growing Your Donors blog and is a contributing blogger for SOFII (The Showcase of Fundraising Innovation and Inspiration). Click here to follow her on Twitter.
