In my most recent newsletter (join my list at right and you’ll get my eBook too), I asked about your biggest challenge with regards to fundraising. Thank you to everyone who responded, and I hope some of the answers below will help with your challenges.
I got a wide range of answers, but I think it boils down to the fact that fundraising can be difficult. Here are some suggestions to make it much easier.
Connect With Groups
Fundraising can be difficult because staff are often working in one-person development shops and feel isolated and alone.
If this is the case for you, reach out to groups like the Association of Fundraising Professionals or other professional associations in your area. Attend their meetings and compare “notes” with colleagues in the field. Schedule a monthly phone call with some of these colleagues or a mentor to discuss current challenges and frustrations.
You know the saying, more heads are better than one. It could help in surprising ways if you hear what others are doing to tackle some of the challenges you’re facing.
Seek Help From Your Board
Fundraising can be difficult because the board isn’t helping. I hear this complaint frequently. My immediate response is to ask the following:
- Why aren’t they helping?
- Have you provided them with regular and ongoing fundraising training?
- Do they really understand what they’re supposed to do and do they have specific action steps?
- Furthermore, do they have adequate knowledge and materials?
Your board can be an incredible asset when you steer them right. So how should you guide them? Here are 8 Ways Your Board Can Fundraise Without Asking.
Leverage Your Time and Resources
Fundraising can be difficult because you don’t have the time or resources you need. Time and resources are always a challenge for effective fundraising, and it boils down to better managing your time.
The most effective time management tools I’ve ever learned are:
- Keep daily to do lists.
Don’t play on the internet, gossip at the water cooler or take part in other time wasters until your list is complete. - Limit the number of times you check your email each day.
Don’t look at it or respond each time a new one pops up. This can be a huge time waster, because it takes you a few extra minutes to refocus on the task you were doing when you were interrupted. Note that the same can be said of checking Facebook and Twitter. - Do away with unnecessary staff meetings whenever possible.
Need I say more?
As for resources, it’s important to have the right tools necessary to do fundraising whenever possible.
- When starting a new job, make sure there is a budget in place for projects you plan to do – for example money for printing and postage costs for your appeal letters.
- When creating a budget for the year, be sure to include all fundraising activities such as special events, appeal letters, website upgrades, etc.
- Show your boss the return on investment whenever possible. This will help make the case for your investment of limited resources.
Use Creativity to Build Relationships
Fundraising can be difficult because developing relationships with prospective donors is often difficult.
Be creative in how you go about building relationships. Take advantage of social media outlets such as Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter to identify pre-existing relationships between people you already know and those you would like to know.
If that’s not enough, try sending a hand-written note to the person you’re trying to meet. That will certainly stand out among a sea of emails and bulk mail. Be sure to include your business card too, with email address and phone number and the reason for your note. Be crystal clear that you would like to introduce this person to your organization and find out more about his or her interests.
So Many Challenges…
It’s true that there are so many challenges with fundraising — the list could go on and on. I’ve tried to address a few of the most stubborn issues here.
Tell me about some of the other fundraising challenges you face in the comments.
Thanks Amy for these great ideas. I agree that leveraging time and resources is so essential – and can be made much easier by developing systems for managing standard tasks. Do lots of people email you asking you the same (or similar) question? Write up an answer and copy it in to your outlooks notes so that, next time, you can just copy and paste it in to your email. Can steps be automated? Software is great for that. And, I’ve just discovered Networked Blogs on Facebook. It will pick up the RSS feed from your blog, create (and send) a Facebook post and a tweet – all by itself. Systems and automation can help you be much more productive.
I’ve never head of Networked Blogs. I’m going to check it out. Thanks for the tip. Hooray for automation, but just make sure that it stays as personal as possible and doesn’t appear automated!
Great tips, Amy! These principles can help turn an ineffective chore into a valuable exercise.
Great tips Amy! One that I’ve been giving out a LOT lately is the one about not checking email all day long. I tell people to check email first thing in the morning, then close it. Check it again at lunch, then close it. This one simple thing will give SO much uninterrupted time that you’ll be able to get TONS more done.
Sandy Rees
Thank you Amy – fantastic ideas! I’ve found that as part of building relationships, it is extremely helpful to attend events that your prospective donors are also attending. This could include chamber of commerce mixers and local community foundation events. Let them get to know you. This takes a little time, but goes a long way toward building a lasting relationship. Fundraisers need to remember not to hide behind the computer screen 🙂
Rachel – Thanks for your comments. Yes – get out from behind your desk and meet and greet. It’s the best way to raise money!
Great tips, Amy. I’d like to expand one. You are so on target with your ROI point. I even suggest that a fundraising strategy is to look at what is working and see how that can be expanded. In reverse, see what isn’t working, where the ROI is negative or very low and cut those tasks. If we put more energy where the ROI is high, we know we’ll have positive results. That little bit of ROI study can make a big difference in an organization’s approach.
Yes, Sherry! So true. It’s imporant to reflect and evaluate and not just do what you’ve always done!