The Power of Giving

15

Considerations of Giving Deciding Where to Give or Get

You are willing to donate yourself. The amount is less important than the act of personally supporting a cause before you ask others to join you in giving.

You have a personal connection.

This can be to a hospital that saved your life, a support organization that helped a loved one, a cause about which your network knows you to be extremely passionate, or any variation thereof. It helps you frame a compelling soundbite about why others should donate as well.

You know others interested in the cause or interested in learning more.

Fundraising is all about leveraging, cultivating, and stewarding relationships – people give to people – so starting with a circle of like- minded people sets you up for success!

You know several of the donors already giving to the organization.

The best prospect for additional money is someone who is already giving to the cause, and you can help maximize the capacity of each donor. Prompt donation thank you notes, public recognition for their donors and volunteers, and opportunities to engage with the organization’s work signal the nonprofit is disciplined in donor acquisition and retention – which makes your job as a fundraiser much easier. Look for signs that the organization treats donors and volunteers well. Generally, we give based on personal experiences or how we were taught. What is your charity doing that attracts you? If there is high turnover, beware, there are probably problems. Have they had problems with the board or with management? Look closely to make sure that the charity isn’t investing funds into things you do not agree with such as mining, alcohol, or tobacco. What is their Investment strategy?

Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker