ALL ABOARD THE FUNDRAISING TRAIN! Laurie Cromwell, CFRE Foundation Innovation, LLC April 20, 2016 NSFA Annual Conference
Key Components Infrastructure Development Board of Directors Interconnected components are necessary to ensure success. Programs Image
Key to Effective Fundraising Nonprofit leadership and board member participation
Engaging Board Members Understanding of the Foundation Everyone is involved Set Expectations Philanthropic trends and information Who to Ask What to Say Assess Results
Collaboration Fundraising organization Diversified revenue Not a booster club on steroids Development strategy Philanthropy and private partnerships
Set Expectations Fundraising board Maximize specific talents of each board member Development committee chief strategists
Let s Take a Hard Look: Why would people give to your organization? What are the strengths? What are the biggest weaknesses? What are the opportunities? What are the outcomes of programs supported? How is information reported to board members? How is information reported to donors?
Outcomes School Gardens and Urban AgFest All tied to : Next Generation Science Standards
2014 contributions: $358.38 billion by type of recipient organization (in billions of dollars all figures are rounded) 9 SOURCE: Giving USA Foundation GIVING USA 2015
2014 contributions: $358.38 billion by source (in billions of dollars all figures are rounded) 10 SOURCE: Giving USA Foundation GIVING USA 2015
Take Aways Giving up 1/6% in 2015 (Blackbaud) K12 Giving Increased 12.3% Second to Higher Education August and December Highest Giving Months 18% & 17% Online Donations Account for 7.1% 14% from Mobile Devices Online Donations to #GivingTuesday Increased 52%
What we Know Approximately $4B Raised Provides/Supports Enrichment Programs, Projects and Initiatives Convener of Public and Private Partnerships Public Awareness of School District Needs Bridge Between Community and School District Informed and Engaged Community Increased Student Achievement
Philanthropic Opportunities Estimate 2016-2060 = $41 trillion wealth transfer Women are expected to inherit 70% of the $41 trillion Women control more than ½ of the private wealth in US By 2025, women will comprise 60% of billionaires Importance of relationship with trust officers, estate attorneys, and wealth managers
Who to Ask Parents Alumni Volunteers Vendors/Businesses Donors Elected Officials Employees Other Organizations Key Community Partners Friends and Family Event Attendees Private Foundations
Training Role of the Executive Director and board member Discuss outcomes of the foundation Practice Elevator Speech Work as a team
What to Say and Do Be honest Be sincere Don t overthink it Be Quiet Cultivate before asking Think of the needs of the donor Personalize your solicitation Raise money from the inside out Make the Ask/solicit the gift
8 Ways to Ask for Money
Why people give.. Tax considerations Friendship or respect for those who solicit them Recognition They believe in the mission
Basic Steps Identification Assessment Cultivation Solicitation Thank you Recognition Stewardship
Solicitation Process Introductory letter/invitation Assess giving history/prior contact Personal meeting Thank you letter Follow up phone call Assess next steps Report
Building Relationships Major Gift Planned Gift Donor Repeat Donor Prospect
Relay for Life Making the Ask
Assessing and Follow Up Prompt, personal acknowledgement of their gifts. Confirmation that their gifts have been put to work as intended. Measurable results prior to being asked for another gift. Review database Review activities Involve board members in process
Celebrate Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a gift and not giving it. Unknown