Fundraising Experts, as Far as the Eye Can See
Sometimes I think everyone fancies themselves a fundraising expert. They hand out advice left and right, free of charge:
Just do X: “Add the DONATE button to your Facebook page.”
Just do Y: “Conduct a wealth screening to see donor potential.”
Just do Z: “Host a large-scale gala.”
I wish fundraising were as easy as “just doing” X, Y, and Z.
If it were that simple, all the orgs using donate buttons, wealth screenings, and galas would have their budgets met year after year, easy peasy lemon squeezy. 🍋 🍋 🍋
That doesn’t mean the XYZ ideas aren’t helpful or useful. They are valid actions >> within the context of effective donor engagement.
But there is no single action that will do the steady, consistent work of building relationships with your donors.
Sure, quick, easy fixes may do a bit of immediate good. But you’ll have to keep doing those quick fixes. You’ll be all chaos, all the time, scrambling to find more and more new donors as you try to do the most good for those you serve.
If you put aside the easy-button mentality, you can instead invest the time, attention, and care into solid and growing donor relationships. This is more difficult, I know. But it is also the most personal, human-oriented way of building partnerships that last and that make a lasting impact.
There is no easy button for fundraising, but there is an exit from the fundraising crazy train. Pull the brakes on the frenzy of doing all the things. Stop scrambling around for hand outs. Start talking about the mission you are on, how partners make the difference for others. Make room for high-ROI activities that nurture the relationships that create stability for the long haul.
Looking to hop off the crazy train? Reach out if you are ready for a new approach to donor engagement strategy.
Ready for more?
Here are two ways I can help you make your mission irresistible to donors:
1. Connect with me or follow me on LinkedIn.
That’s the first place I explore donor strategy ideas like these. Be sure to join the convo!
2. Work with me.
I help nonprofits already raising $1M+ annually to remove the mission-critical blind spots that keep their donors from giving and keep their teams running ragged. Should we work together? Let’s see!
Schedule your 15-minute Change Chat here and share about your nonprofit and how you’d like to improve your donor strategy.