You are ready to raise money and make an impact. You have created a fundraising plan and are ready to share it with your board and get them “on board.” They already approved the fundraising priorities and financial goals and charged you with coming up with a plan to make things happen. This could be an annual fundraising plan; a plan to raise funds for a special advocacy campaign; a capital or endowment plan; or a combination of these or something else. The main thing is that everyone is on one page and now their eyes are on you for how to proceed. How you introduce your fundraising plan will set the tone for your efforts. People are either going to get excited, or they will get turned off. Here’s how you can help your board (and others) to embrace your fundraising plan.
It’s all in the preparation. We recommend developing a “deck” or short PowerPoint presentation that highlights the key components of the plan. It should include items such as the financial goal and anticipated timeframe and the anticipated impact. Be sure to share what will be accomplished with the money you seek to raise. Bring your audience into your vision with photos that help them feel the importance of this work. Share the opportunities that lie ahead. This can be shared by talking about the organization’s fundraising track record, conversations you have had with donors who want to support your initiative, and other facts that ground your faith in what is possible. Don’t forget to mention the challenges that lie ahead. Identify them and share what you understand as possible solutions.
Be specific. Let your board know what fundraising methods will be used. Share what percentage of revenue you anticipate will come through online giving, and who will design and manage that campaign. Talk about the role of major gift solicitation and the unique role that board members, major donors, and influencers can play in asking for the largest gifts.
Communicate your communication plan. One thing that people want to know is “how will we get the word out?” They also want to know if you have talking points, sample text for emails, brochures, and other marketing materials. Take time to share with them how you will create awareness for the organization and its fundraising and how you will equip them for success.
What can I do? This is the response you are looking for. To get there, share what you believe success will look like and what you believe is required to achieve it. Talk about the roles people can play. For each role – such as a fundraising chair, or a volunteer solicitor, or an advocate – be clear about what the responsibilities are. You want people to know what they are volunteering for so they don’t take on something they can’t follow through on. Remember: getting to “what can I do?” requires you to make an ask! Be sure to invite your board to participate as donors, cultivators, and solicitors.
Copyright 2022 – Mel and Pearl Shaw of Saad&Shaw – Comprehensive Fund Development Services. Video and phone conferencing services always available. Let us help you grow your fundraising. Call us at (901) 522-8727. www.saadandshaw.com.
