Strategy is such a big concept! Does it include planning, goals, metrics, accountability, intentionality? Yep. All of those and more.
Building and refining fundraising strategies is something we hear in our work regularly. The bottom line is you must be intentional with how you raise the funds necessary for your organization to carry out its mission and beyond.
The best strategies (or plans) get specific. Thinking big and then focusing on the initiatives and tactics that will move the needle – and the important role you play – is key. A strategy has a beginning, middle and end with clear goals and defined measurements.
What strengths does your team have to contribute? What about your Board and other leaders across the org?
Lean into opportunities to harness the people who care about your mission – this is a team sport! You as the fundraiser can start building the strategies, then bring in your team, leadership and a Board member (or two) to get feedback and buy-in and share ownership. This will fuel your plan and create a culture of comradery. We’re all in this together!
Now, let’s put this into action – here are some practical ideas of how you can jumpstart your individual giving strategy in the new year:
- Do a data dump! Evaluate how year-end went and highlight new donors as well as increases in giving by existing donors.
- Think about how you’ll steward your donors by sharing impact and showing gratitude.
- Refresh your case for support and define your “why” for the year (and beyond!).
- Consider starting a monthly giving program. It’s as easy as adding a recurring gift option to your donation page and pledge forms!
- Decide what annual campaigns you’ll run in the new year and what the themes and goals will be.
- Refresh your donor portfolio and prioritize who you will reach out to early in the year.
- Create an intentional plan for each donor: When will you ask? What will you ask for? What are the steps you need to take each day/week/month to get there?
- Think about pledge-based giving: can any of your targeted donors commit to a larger gift over time?
- Be in sync with your leadership, CEO, Board and staff to ensure they not only know the plan but are included in it! Remember: this is a team sport!
- Celebrate along the way! Every “move” matters; take time to reflect and recharge and appreciate both big and small wins!
If you could prioritize even just a handful of the above ideas, you’ll be well on your way to bigger and better success in the new year! You’ve got this!
Are there learning and development areas you or your team needs to maximize your giving strategies this year? Do you need consulting or coaching to help get you to the next level?
Contact us today! We’d love to support you and your organization to meet your fundraising goals!
