Do you want to help your charity or organization raise money, but hate asking others for money? Non-profit leaders constantly struggle with situations where volunteers understand that fundraising is undeniably needed to create real change yet are unwilling to request support from anyone.
Some worry it might damage their relationship with friends or family. Others refuse because they unfortunately embrace the toxic view that “asking is begging” and somehow it is beneath them. Some plain and simply possess an acute fear of rejection.
As non-profit leaders, we mustn’t be frustrated by such scenarios. We are still fortunate to have selfless individuals who’ve stepped up to help make their communities better. We must also remember that only a fraction of people in fundraising execute the sacred task of “making the ask”. So instead, let’s share the good news with these enthusiastic folks that there’s an abundance of important fundraising volunteer roles that have nothing to do with “asking”. Below we’re happy to describe how five (5) such tasks are a critical part of the fund development process.
1) Managing The Donor Database
People who fancy themselves as “techies” or IT experts are likely to enjoy the vital role of tracking and maintaining information regarding your organization’s institutional and individual donors. Shepherding supporters effectively along their respective donor journeys with your charity cannot happen if crucial data like contact information, total gifts, current interests and giving capacity is not meticulously monitored and updated. Only though diligent and accurate record-keeping can a non-profit build a strong passionate donor base. Providing “askers” with precise current information regarding donors with whom they are stewarding relations is arguable the most critical role affecting an organization’s sustainability.
2) Developing The Case For Support
Aspiring writers and marketing professionals are sure to enjoy helping organizations to pen a compelling case as to why prospective donors and grant-makers should invest in its programs and activities. The case for support is the primary communication “copy-and-paste” tool that non-profits use when writing grant proposals, donation request letters and other fundraising literature pieces. Emphasis must be placed on the impact of the organization’s programs on the community’s well-being and the positive change it is creating. Composing a succinct and persuasive case provides “askers” with the material they need to transform prospects into passionate supporters.
3) Identifying Potential Donors
For analytically minded individuals who enjoy exploring and discovering new things, researching and identifying prospective donors, grant-makers, sponsors and volunteers is right in their wheelhouse. Learning about a potential supporter’s interests, values and philanthropic capacity is a task that supports evert facet of fund development. “Askers” require as much background to prepare sufficiently for a solicitation. Database managers must record as much information as can be absorbed. Donor relations people must be aware of each supporter’s current situation before engaging them in conversation. Conducting research is absolutely one of the most exciting and gratifying roles a fundraising volunteer can assume.
4) Thanking & Stewarding Relations With Donors
Speaking of donor relations, ensuring that each supporter has been appropriately thanked and kept donors abreast of their gifts’ impact is often the most overlooked role for fundraising volunteers. Absolutely central to this job is generating two-way conversation – that is, encouraging feedback from the donor as much as possible. The objective is to inspire the donor to reflect on their involvement with the organization. By revealing how their gifts have enriched the community, stewardship volunteers are instilling donors with a sense of ownership of the non-profit’s impact. Engaging in a series of communications that advances a donor’s passion for the cause is ensuring the success of future requests.
5) Soliciting Prize Donations
Although this task does involve “making an ask”, it’s considerably less nerve-wracking than approaching others for monetary contributions. Chances are most of us have reached out to people or businesses in our orbits for in-kind contributions of goods, services or unused items for some charity with which we were associated. Thus, this should not be viewed as an act that is foreign to us. In fact, it is the perfect assignment for social butterflies and outgoing personalities since it doesn’t require the same level of “polish” or detailed knowledge of a charity’s programs as major gift activities. Building a non-profit’s inventory of prizes can significantly enhance the festive experiences of donors, prospects and volunteers attending special events and community outreach initiatives. Departing these events in a celebratory frame-of-mind solidifies a supporter’s affinity for the cause, complements the charity’s donor relations activities and results in higher donor retention rates.
