Does it feel like you are always scrambling to squeeze out more contributions to reach your fundraising goals? Before you launch your next push use this self-assessment tool and ask yourself: is your fundraising campaign set up for success?
After more than 35 years of coaching nonprofits I’ve found that these nine components for success are YOUR key to raising more money from your donors.
Take the self-assessment. Check your score. Then set one new action in each area.
Now you’ll have a rock-solid framework to create a culture of philanthropy that helps retain current donors AND inspire giving from new or lapsed donors.
Successful Individual Donor Campaign Self-Assessment
How many of these are true for your organization?
1. Individual donor campaigns are led and supported by key volunteer and/or staff leadership.
(Board Chair, CEO, Executive Director, Pastor, Rabbi)
2. Campaigns are supported and managed by at least one staff member.
(Development Director, Dev. Associate)
3. ALL board members participate in some capacity. (Thank you calls, handwritten notes.)
4. Our campaigns have a well-defined goal, with a clear message, and a specific timeline that creates a sense of urgency.
5. We continually create an emotional connection – making it personal for people to participate.
6. We keep our donors and interested parties informed and engaged with follow-up emails, social media messages, calls, or letters.
7. We keep the goal visible all year, on our website & via multiple forms of communication to encourage widespread participation.
8. We invite people to do very specific things with a deadline for doing them.
9. Uses a web-based donor data management system to allow others to assist with tracking donor contacts and gifts.
Results
9 TRUE answers
You’ve done it! You’ve mastered the communication and team member management to create a solid & effective individual fundraising program. Keep it up and keep your communication clear and bold!
7 or 8 TRUE answers
A good individual fundraising program that needs some attention to make it solid and effective. Don’t let up now.
6 or less TRUE answers
Hmmmm. Looks like you’ve got some work to do! Especially if you don’t have full board or staff support for your individual fundraising efforts. It’s time to build a culture of philanthropy and get others “on board” with supporting your development efforts.
Let me know how your organization measures up!
For more support and stories of success: Purchase your copy of Nine Steps to a Successful Fundraising Campaign.
