FUNDRAISING IN UNSTABLE TIMES

Throughout the years we've listened to a lot of decent excuses for not fundraising, but none more often or more strongly put than the potential unfavourable outcome of the EU referendum. Surprising then, that given that the economic crisis of 2008 throughout a period of unmatched uncertainty, our team have actually handled some of the UK's most effective fundraising campaigns by focusing on these seven, basic 'home truths': Do It Now! The degree of urgency in Third Sector organisations is usually very low to correctly address their far reaching, financial demands. Members, paid personnel, as well as Trustees are commonly prepared to settle for the status quo, pleased with small gains, instead of transformational change. It is remarkable just how steady and contented some non profit organisations can be, in spite of an accepted need to 'generate the money'. To transform this way of thinking-- concentrate first on developing a genuine sense of urgency-- focus your core supporters on the limited time available to attain significant objectives, instead of token, step-by-step advances in fundraising performance. Value Your Volunteers The two words guaranteed to turn off time-poor, over committed individuals, are 'fundraising' and 'board'. Not-for profit's that nurture, instead of 'exhaust' volunteer leadership could accomplish amazing fundraising results. Be brave, make a pledge to stand down your volunteers when the job is done. Generate momentum by setting a defined time period over which the funds will be raised. Hectic individuals can then consent to get involved, safe in the knowledge of when this commitment of their precious time will actually end. The old saying that the job will expand to fill the time given, applies in fundraising as well. fundraising consultancy Givers Hold The Power Overcome a fascination with getting the widest possible participation in the fundraising process and instead become inspired by how brand-new investments in your charity will ultimately be used. The excitement of your group for a 'transformational' vision is important, so fuel that passion, build a commitment to the future and show that they have the ability to make it all happen. By giving as kindly as they possibly can, they will be able to inspire others to join them to make your shared vision a reality. Deal With Facts Involve your volunteer asks with prompt and succinct reports, composed of appropriate data. Your fundraising team should find out from week to week the number of approaches for gifts have been made, just how many are still to be made and most essentially, exactly what needs to be done to accomplish the next target. Details presented in a favourable way, will concentrate effort on the most essential actions that have to be taken to get to target. Create Short-term 'victories'. Major fundraising projects require time to win. To build confidence and maintain passion, create intermediate goals to be attained, like getting the required number of fundraising team members or securing the attendees required at your information events. These 'way-markers' give helpful points from which to chart the campaign's performance, highlighting a lot more than basically the amount of money that has been banked thus far. As the 'way-markers' are attained, confidence will develop that the supreme target will be reached. "Success brings success" and these temporary wins will certainly help you keep the 'cynics' from declaring that nothing is happening! Handle 'victories' Successfully Early celebration after a major gift or other achievement can stimulate your team to get complacent and relax wishing that someone else will raise the rest of what is needed. So be ready and use your 'wins' to highlight exactly how much more still has to be done to attain your target. Go here for details www.giftedphilanthropy.com .Communicate With Energy Your life changing vision has to be presented, strengthened and represented, so that there should be no doubt about precisely what is being proposed. In our experience it is simply not feasible to over-communicate with a community of followers regarding how crucial funding is to your organisation's future. But please, be mindful with when and how often they're invited to give. It is easy to argue that now is not the right time to fund raise. If it's not the EU referendum or an economic crisis, then other powerful justification can typically be found. In the end no matter the prevailing financial climate, the choice to satisfy a financial challenge with a collective fundraising initiative ought to be based on an urgent and compelling vision of what your not-for-profit organisation can do to serve its community. By putting these 'home truths' into action, you can go on to achieve your funding objectives now, while other people watch and wait for more certain times to come.