10 Essential Steps to Getting off to the Right Start
In the realm of fundraising, February is often viewed as a quieter period, presenting an ideal window to address crucial tasks. Before the flurry of spring fundraising activities commence, consider delving into these pivotal actions:
1. Reflect on Last Year’s Fundraising Activities
Assess your results from the previous year by conducting a thorough fundraising review and audit.
Evaluate the return on investment (ROI) for each event with an honest calculation of cost vs results, including staff time. While friend-raising is worthwhile, determining the number of major and planned gifts that result from events ensures a focus on the true net benefit.
Review your entire fundraising budget and income. Are you meeting your goals? Are your methods cost-effective? Make plans for improvement in the upcoming year as appropriate.
2. Thank Your Prior Year Donors
While you undoubtedly sent the standard gift acknowledgement at the time of receipt, consider supplementing this with a fresh expression of gratitude. Unexpected thank-you’s are crucial for several reasons:
They reinforce the donor’s value to your organization.
They acknowledge that their gift was recognized and appreciated.
They facilitate donor retention.
They create opportunities to personally demonstrate impact.
Consider handwritten thank-you notes, individualized phone calls, or personalized emails. Customization counts.
And while you are at it, refresh your thank you letters with updated messaging. Try running them through an AI tool to see what modifications surface. It’s a quick and surprisingly effective way to get new phrasing into the mix, for free!
3. Verify Your Fiscal Year Fundraising Budget
Having a clear budget ensures effective fundraising planning.
Establish a strategy for donor retention and acquisition.
Explore educational opportunities for your team.
Determine how much you can allocate to fundraising activities keeping ROI top of mind. Common expenses include staff time, marketing, entertainment, event spaces, food/beverages, printing/postage, and online services.
Take generational strategies into consideration for thorough diversification.
4. Finalize a Detailed Fundraising Calendar
Create a calendar alongside your budget.
Use insights from your year-end review to manage snail mail and social media scheduling, including event invitations and other key messaging.
Evaluate mailing schedules to avoid overlapping and donor fatigue.
Establish a clear plan taking advantage of Cause Awareness opportunities.
5. Explore Creative Fundraising Ideas
Consider unique approaches like virtual events, social media challenges, or themed campaigns.
Leverage holidays like Valentine’s Day to engage donors. For instance, host a virtual “Share the Love” fundraiser.
6. Plan a Virtual Fundraising Event
Virtual events remain a powerful tool, are typically cost-effective, and overcome geographic and seasonal barriers.
Engage supporters through interactive experiences and storytelling.
Feature faculty, physicians, researchers, or other interesting spokespeople in customized webinars.
Provide education on planned giving methods, charitable IRA rollovers, and giving through stock.
7. Leverage Social Media
Use February to ramp up your social media presence. Share impact stories, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and calls to action.
Encourage supporters, staff, volunteers, and board members to share your content and spread the word.
8. Engage Corporate Partners
Reach out to local businesses and explore or renew partnerships.
Collaborate on cause-related marketing or employee engagement initiatives.
Highlight how their support aligns with your mission.
Offer wrapped giving opportunities – one ask/multiple engagement options.
9. Promote Monthly Giving Programs
Encourage donors to commit to monthly contributions.
Emphasize the stability and impact of sustained giving.
Create a compelling case for why monthly donations matter.
Recognize those who are giving monthly and invite them to tell their “Why” story.
10. Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day (February 17)
Use this day to inspire kindness and generosity.
Encourage supporters to perform small acts of kindness and share them on social media.
Tie it back to your cause and invite donations.
February presents an excellent opportunity to lay the groundwork for a successful fundraising year ahead. Make the plan, work the plan, and enjoy the results of the plan … it’s ever so much more effective to be proactive than reactive.
Kickstart 2024 – it has a sweet ring to it!
Alliance Philanthropy’s philosophy is to inspire staff, volunteers, and board members for all types of not-for-profit organizations to raise funds enthusiastically and passionately - at maximum levels - in support of their mission.
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