Success doesn’t just happen. You need a plan, motivated volunteers and great implementation. Work through these 15 tips from fundraising experts.
Female Leaders in Philanthropy Raised $25,000 for United Way.
1. Learn from your history
What has worked before? How can you improve upon the past? Repeat the successful campaigns and jazz up the fading strategies.
2. Talk up your timeline
Set firm start date and end dates, keeping in mind conflicting events and holidays (don’t go head-to-head with the Girl Scout cookie sale). Experts say the best selling period is 17 days, including 3 weekends.
3. Keep them excited
Verify your sales force knows what they’re doing and why, and feels good about it. If they’re not jazzed, the prospects won’t be, either.
4. Consult an expert
Ask for free advice every chance you get. Acknowledge and appreciate expertise when you find it. Ask what has worked in other areas.
5. Recruit volunteers everywhere
Go after them. They’re not likely to come to you. Have all members of the group look through their contacts. Tap relatives in every direction. Invite them by focusing on the benefits (fun, networking, new friends, good cause, feel good). Advertise for specific help via newsletters, flyers, and word of mouth.
6. Get prizes donated
This protects your bottom line. Ask for items you can give as prizes. These could be services such as a 30-minute massage, car wash, discount coupon, or other offer. Discuss what values can you offer these sponsors?
7. Establish tiered member levels
Offer bronze, silver, gold, platinum levels with appropriate cost/reward structure, or angel, sustainer, and mentor levels. Is there a “status symbol’ such as a card case, a notebook with pen, etc. Don’t forget to recognize your members and thank them often.
8. IPTAY Club
Reportedly Clemson University’s athletic department raised $20 million in 2001 from their IPTAY club (“I Pay Ten Dollars A Year.”) Structure your own membership-giving plan to fit your group.
9. Look for partners
What other organizations in your community have goals that fit with yours. Help them first and they’ll help you.
10. Matching funds
Ask business sponsors to match a percentage of donations. Have members inquire of their employers about matching program. Coach them so they know how to ask for it.
11. Define needs and roles
Think about the strengths of your members and match position descriptions to their gifts. Start early so you’re not asking them to work in emergency mode.
12. Beat the clock
Get your team assembled and out there before others ask. First come, biggest order.
13. Commit to personal goals
Challenge each salesperson to voice a personal goal in front of the group. They’ll hear this in their minds when they feel discouraged or temped to slack off.
14. Monitor perceptions
Seek feedback. What do people think our fundraiser is about? That’s what they’ll tell their friends so check early and often that you’re getting good word-of-mouth, making a good impression and giving fair value.
15. Seasonal matters
‘Tis the season. Don’t sell sticky candy in the summer or lemonade pops in the winter.
Adapted from https://www.fundraiserhelp.com/101-fundraising-tips.htm by Kimberly Reynolds