We at People First are thrilled to announce the launch of a catchy new feature of our Sustainable Solutions Blog: “FUNDRAISING DOs & DON’Ts”. Every week we will share with you practices, methods and approaches that your charity, church, club or community group should absolutely embrace and avoid as a part of its fundraising plans.
Tips will relate to different fundraising activities like special events, major gifts, corporate philanthropy, grant writing and individual appeals, along with crucial fund development tasks including case statement development, donor relations, volunteer management and CRMs. The common thread among all suggestions is they will each strengthen your organization’s ability to build a passionate and sustainable donor base.
FUNDRAISING DOs & DON’Ts #1
In our “kick off” entry of our weekly “FUNDRAISING DOs & DON’Ts” feature, we will start with some very fundamental bits of advice for anyone who may be new to the world of fund development.
DO thank a donor the moment a gift is made. A brutal habit that some organizations develop is failing to extend their sincerest gratitude to a donor within a brief timeframe after a contribution is bestowed. Regardless of whether the donation is of time, talent or treasure, the generous individual must be immediately thanked as directly as possible (ie. Via phone, text, or face-to-face).
The interaction should be brief but genuine. It should inform the donor of the impact of their gift – both short-term and long-term – on the quality of life in the community that the organization serves. If no organizational leader such as an executive director or board chair is available initially to deliver a “thank you” message, it’s perfectly acceptable for a front-line volunteer or staff to perform the task. However, at the earliest opportunity, a charity leader should also deliver an expression of gratitude.
DON’T be too fancy or spend loads of money when thanking donors. Recognizing the kindness of donors should always be done organically, tastefully and involve minimal expense. Above all, we must make ensure our donors know how their gifts improve energize lives. Explain how their thoughtful gestures made people happier, healthier, and more capable of making significant contributions to their community.
A non-profit does not have to devise colourful displays adorned with bells and whistles to acknowledge their supporters. Overly elaborate tributes may inadvertently repel donors if they begin to suspect their dollars are subsidizing extravagant presentations rather than vital programs. Thus, the less pageantry the better.
Donors give because they care about the lives of the people affected by the issues the charity is trying to solve. Advance your donors’ passion and affinity for the cause at every opportunity. Donors aspire to create a kinder and gentler planet, so let’s help them to realize their wishes.
