Successful Fundraising begins with the basic need to engage the hearts and minds of potential donor--not just their checkbooks.
In this article, you will receive 9 Tips on how to effectively show donors a positive return on their investment.
Engage More Than A Checkbook.
You need to touch your donors on an emotional level.
For some it may be cathartic or out of a sense of duty, for others it may be a personal interest or an emotional draw.
Regardless of the type or amount of the Ask--find ways to highlight that the program or project is about more than just the money.
Think of ways you can reinforce the power and benefits of working together.
In what ways are you creating, solving a problem, or bringing justice to a worthy cause that you can mutually embrace? Tell The Story.
Every need, project and program is unique.
However, it's critical that you are able to express it in a way that people actually care.
How can you move it from the conceptual stage and off of the white board to tell the story? Consider ways to make your solicitation and communications 3-D.
Talk about the seed vision, the back story--everyone likes to hear the back story, the history, challenges, victories and the players on the line and behind the scenes.
Make the beneficiaries come to life and conclude with your grand finale--the success or launch of your vision that will touch lives and make a quantifiable difference.
It's your story--no one can tell it better than you, so make it worthwhile! Personal Involvement.
Encourage donors to get involved at the ground level.
Create volunteer scenarios, pair them up with a staff or board member; introduce them to a recipient who personally benefited from project funding, or one of your key partners.
People learn so much more by experiencing projects hands-on versus merely reading or talking about them.
People give to people, so it is not surprising that we have a desire to see our investment touch us in a personal way as well.
Make It Relevant To Them.
Map it, graph it, chart it...
but make sure it is relevant to them.
As a distinction, you may be tempted to show the number of buildings you have built or supplies that have been purchased, but that's not enough.
Tell why the buildings, supplies, programs or medicine are important.
Show it, but also tell it.
With proper supplies and education, for example, families can now learn how to build wells or farm their own land and become independent productive members of society.
Craft your presentation to anticipate their questions and interests.
It's not just about building permits, mortar or medical supplies--it's about real lives being touched in specific ways.
Show Progress.
Donors need to know they are important every step of the way, not just when they write a funding check.
Show progress through verbal updates and comprehensive materials along with clear and consistent communication.
This will help build momentum through trust and relational equity, which translates into value and worth.
Find creative ways to demonstrate progress.
Do your donors feel like they are walking through the process and journeying as a partner with you? Connect The Dots.
With so many causes vying for attention and funding dollars, why should people choose your cause? Too often appeal letters spend more time asking for money than convincing you why your investment is vital in giving oxygen to the life of a worthy program or project.
Don't make them struggle to figure out your strategy.
Explain why pieces of your timeline or proposal are key and the reason you are soliciting their involvement.
Effectively link their partnership to a successful outcome.
Help guide potential donors by connecting the dots for them.
Reinforce Their Investment.
Find innovative ways to underscore the importance of their investment, and your gratitude.
Videotape short interviews with recipients or send a personalized letter or report with testimonials and photos that illustrate the value of their gift.
Dedicate portions of the project to them.
Place their name on a wall, stepping-stone, bench or plaque.
Honor their dedication and generosity in a special section on your website, newsletter, article or annual report.
Send a project-associated gift as a token of your appreciation for their contribution.
The idea is to recognize them in the fulfillment of your vision and as an ongoing reminder to them, of your worthwhile cause.
Propagate The Message.
Be sure your message is clear and the goals of the project are realistic and easily understood.
Make it inspiring, interesting and informative.
When you do secure initial funds, beat the drums and blow the horn! Get the word out challenging others to step up and get involved as well.
That's why matching grants and funding proposals are a win-win.
Rally the troops--use word of mouth, intentional networking and social media to propagate your message.
People are more apt to get involved and stay involved when they see others doing the same.
Seeing is Believing.
Make it tangible.
Nothing is more genuine and gratifying than to experience firsthand, the fruits of our time, effort, money or labor.
Invite prospects or donors to catch the vision up close and personal.
Take them on a tour, give hands-on demos of new products, visit recipients who have personally benefited from a money grant, walk the land you've broken ground for, or arrange to have them meet key people.
When people engage with the vision in a tangible way, they see the significance of their investment, and that transforms the vision into reality.
Seeing is believing! Monetary gifts are essential to launch a project or program, but remember--you must engage hearts and minds to keep the vision alive.