How are you investing in yourself and your people this year?
Our People – donors, staff, volunteers, leaders, board members and YOU – make our fundraising practices unique from mission to mission. Somehow, we all come together and create strategies, practices and investments to enhance, grow and make our missions come to life.
Here are some things to consider that will help to shape the next 12 months thoughtfully to get you where you need to be.
Check In with Yourself and then, Your Team – As the team lead, have you aligned your fundraising plan with the organization’s strategic plan? Do you feel ready to empower and guide your team to success? If not, do what you need to get there (meeting with leadership, clarify goals, understanding team strengths) BEFORE engaging your team in the process. Then, get the team together, allocate and empower.
Close the Loop on Last Year – Do you and your board know how your organization did with your year-end campaign? Have you analyzed and discussed strategies that worked or perhaps to shift for this year? Your donor data should be segmented in a way that board members are thanking those who increased, gave again and gave the first time. This area of board engagement can set the tone for your team to follow up with meetings and touches as the year progresses. Leadership supporting your team in last minute counting and reporting is key to success and getting the word out about your continued need.
Analyze Before You Plan – We’re always aiming to diversify revenue in fundraising. Clarify which area (likely, individual giving) you prioritize this year to grow and invest in. Specifically, focusing on acquisition, conversion and building your annual giving program will lead to fluid growth for mid, major and legacy giving. Determine your capacity in each area and begin to set a timeline and goals.
Set Goals that Matter – Identifying meaningful metrics can be challenging. What areas within your priorities are you seeking to grow? In individual giving measuring retention and upgrade is a good place to start. If your team has portfolios, begin mapping out “ideal” goals for each donor. Make data-driven and relational decisions when making a best guess at ask amounts and percent likelihood.
Activate Your Board – Do you know your board member’s strengths and passion areas? Why are they involved and how are they willing to engage in fundraising? Seek to understand these things first BEFORE asking them to invite people to a tour or event or asking for a gift. Once they agree to help, identify goals and then it’s all about reporting out and accountability.
People make our missions great! Let’s invest in ourselves and them to enhance fundraising practices this year. Investment can look like caring, seeking to understand, covering the cost of professional development and empowerment.
Cheers to a productive and meaningful year!
