This year I
have been working with nonprofits on board retreats, strategic planning and
overall capacity building. Each of these
nonprofits has very different missions, but I’ve been noticing some interesting
common threads. They are all dealing
with external
changes that are causing them to take a broad look and where they are and where they are going. So
what’s changing?
·
Sources of funding
·
Effective approaches to fundraising
·
Need for program design updating or
re-assessment of need
·
Program expectations from people served (what
they need/want versus what we provide)
·
Expectations from funders (Outcomes,
collaboration)
·
Donors – Who gives, how they give, importance of
building relationships
I bet the same
things are changing for you. Some organizations are shedding
some programs that are ancillary to their main programs and mission and
becoming more focused on doing a better job of what they do best. I am hearing a lot more genuine interest in partnering.
And I don’t just mean partnering where a company provides money – I mean
actual partnering where more than one organization brings their strengths and
skills to the table. There’s a lot more
focus on the core.
And of
course, many organizations are focused on improving their fundraising. So where should you start? At the very beginning of course!
It starts
with strategic planning and being energized around your mission. The strategic planning process should be one
which re-ignites passion for your mission.
If it is approached as a “going to the dentist” activity you are going
about it the wrong way. If it is a rote
exercise that produces a nice report that nobody ever looks at you missed an
important opportunity. If the strategic
planning process engages and re-ignites a passion for your mission in Board,
staff and volunteers and equips them with new knowledge, skills and goals to
carry your message you have taken the first important step in having a successful
fundraising campaign.
1.
Use that new found energy and passion among
Board, staff and volunteers to identify prospects and ways to reach them. Seize the day or Carpe Diem if you prefer the
Latin.
2.
Energy must be harnessed and organized into
effective action. Use the plan to
develop your case for support, editorial calendar and fundraising plan. Start building relationships with communication
and keep you messages focused and coordinated.
3.
Now you are ready to “Make the Ask.” Whether it is direct mail, email, social
media, website, major donor face to face events or other, you are now in a place to make the ask with confidence and a
passion for your mission.
…..And it all began with your strategic
plan.
So... Rethink...Energize...Act!!!
