At a Front Range Source workshop last week, volunteer and professional fundraisers rolled up their sleeves and mapped out plans for meeting their organizations’ year-end goals. Here are some of the things that resonated with all of us as we enter this busy time of year:
Focus and prioritize! Figure out exactly what you have left to raise and hone in on the things that will truly make the difference between reaching your goals and falling short.
Reach out and touch someone. Schedule time on your calendar every week to make phone calls and personal visits. It’s so easy to get chained to your desk. Put structures in place to get you out and about.
When it comes to engaging your board, follow the 80/20 rule. You’re not going to convert your entire board to fundraisers between now and December. Figure that 80% of the work (and the results) will come from 20% of your board members. Do what it takes to get those players organized and support them thoroughly.
Be strategic about events. Are you doing the most effective events, or just the most familiar? Don’t take on anything too big. And if an event is not bringing in new people or building relationships, reconsider!
Integrate and coordinate. Develop a calendar for the next four months in which every activity builds upon or supports another. Involve others in your organization in this process so you can get creative and find ways to streamline and achieve new efficiencies.
Most importantly, celebrate every accomplishment. Reward yourself, your team and your volunteers every step of the way.
