Implement!

I am a big fan of Seth Godin.  His word for "implement" is "ship it!".  I totally agree.  Leaders use planning and meetings too often. They become smart ways to procastinate and to delay making a decision.  This comes from a fear of failure.  Many times we know what we need to do.  We just need to do it! 

I believe that if you get the right persons on the bus, in the right places (thank you "Good to Great") that you can launch a good idea at most any time in the process.   The person, the leader, can handle the challenges if and when they arise and adjust in order to position the project for the best chance at success.

What is a good way to implement a fundraising campaign?  Great question... the answer is coming soon to a blog near you. 

Art on LinkedInhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/arthorne/

The Wonderful World of Endowments

I subscribe to "Movie Mondays" (see Christopher Davenport <chris@501videos.com>).  Chris is consistent, dependable and delivers great content. I'm an experienced and some people say an expert in fundraising.  I learn something every time I watch Chris' movies.

Today the topic was about endowments.  Here are my two cents...

One, if you currently don't fund raise for them, start!  Endowments are indicative of the financial health of a non-profit.  There are some "watch its" for endowments. 

1. There is always someone who says,"we need current, operating money" that squelches the enthusiasm for building endowments.  Endowments are seen as a luxury or something for the future.  What to do?  Set a "fee" on the endowment that will go toward operating expenses.  Most successful and well run non-profits observe this practice.  (Examples:  .5% fee on earnings for larger endowments to support the development office; 8-10 % fee on new endowments for same purpose).
2. Have clear parameters.  How large do they have to be to become "completed" endowments and begin their payout to their specific purpose?
3. Do simple (SIMPLE) gift agreements to insure that your donors have stated the express purpose and that both parties agree to the purpose.
4. Have a "changed conditions" clause in your gift agreement.   Endowments are a "forever" gift.  What happens if the purpose for the endowment no longer exists?  Write in your agreements that the endowment will be used for "related" or "like" purposes in that instance, as voted on by the Board.

Two,  talk with other professionals who have been working in the endowment world and get them in your contacts on your cell phone!  I love non-profits and the people who work in them.  Give me an email if you have questions...  horne.ja@gmail.com

Managing Internal Requests for Funding
    
Many of my colleagues in health care or hospital shops receive several requests throughout the year by directors in the various departments that serve their organization.  What is a good plan for handling those requests?

The best way I have found to do this consistently is to set a date for submissions and develop steps to the process where everyone is heard and given consideration respectfully. 

Here are some steps that may help you develop your submission plan:

1.       Create a “wish list” form

2.       Have it vetted by your CEO

3.       A couple of months prior to your budget planning have the forms filled out by your department directors

4.       The CEO then prioritizes list according to the strategic plan

5.       Then take prioritized list to your board

6.       They choose one or all of the projects for their fundraising project and assign it the time deemed necessary for successful completion

7.       You can communicate their decisions as you wish back to the directors/CEO, but do let them know of the decision(s)

8.       Develop your budget, fundraising plan for the project(s)

9.       Raise the money!

10.   Celebrate the victories.

 

Was this helpful?

Ever Wanted to Give Up?

Some of you reading this may have had some difficult times and some may be even experiencing them now.  What do you do when work is hard?  Here are some steps to get you going:

1. Think about your job.  What can you be grateful for?  I've heard a preacher say that you may not like the job you're in, but if you lost it, how much would you want to have the same job?  Write down all that you can appreciate about your job.
2. Who has helped you get where you are?  Write them and thank them. (I suggest writing actual notes and putting them in the mail). 
3. What are the next steps you need to take?  Write them out and put them on your calendar in priority order and do them.
4. List the names of donors/prospects you can call for appointments.  Why would you want to speak with them?  Write it down.  Then make the calls.  Get appointments on your calendar.  Seeing donors is the best way to get motivated.  These are people who have given to your cause.  It's easy to appreciate them!
5. Make a donation to your own cause.  That's right.  Write a check and give. 

If you wish, send me an email and I will find time to help you. 

Thanks for reading.

Wish Lists - Opportunity or Complaint?

As fundraisers, we are challenged by funding requests.  There are times when you are not included in the process of setting a goal and are just given the end document that states that $10,000,000 is needed to build a sewer system and this could be a naming opportunity!  (Okay, I'm overstating a little in making my point).  What do you do when that happens?

I've been tempted to complain that the people who authored such a thing are not "fundraisers" and that their request is not well thought. But I choose to stop that line of thought and flip it, to think that this is an opportunity to help colleagues and the people who benefit from their work.  It makes planning, implementing and collaborating a time to teach and to help people outside our fundraising professional family to get understanding of the wonderful things that can happen when true fundraising meets opportunity.

Task Forces

When there is a job or task to do around your shop, I encourage you to use a task force.  Task forces are created to do a specific thing, then they disband and the members can be utilized for something else that is meaningful.

Create task forces for evaluation of existing fundraising methods, to try out new things, and to build streamlined systems for your best practices.

Find great people and turn them loose!

Making the Appointment

Keys to Appointment Success:
1. Call a lot! (schedule time in your day just for calls for appointments)
2. Make a routine for your day/week.
3. Think about what to say in order to be most appealing and compelling.
4. Use letters to predispose prospects to say yes for appointment
5. Use natural partners
6. Don’t jibber jabber! (as the Judge says on Boston Legal)
7. Build relationships – Fundraising is about relationships not just about the money.
8. Listen and pay attention for important phrases. Write them down and don’t forget them.
9. Simple measurement – How many times have you personally sat down one on one and asked for at least $1,000?

More to come about appointments...