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Volume
4, Issue 2 - March 2002 |
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Let’s assume for a moment that there is a Miss Manners who could critique
your nonprofit agency’s Asking Etiquette. Would your agency get an A+? Here are
some things that donors and funders say can help or hinder your ability to build
strong relationships and gain their support.
Never send a letter to Dear
Friend. Why should anyone respond to your request if it is that impersonal?
Never be too busy to write thank
you notes. Make them timely and make them meaningful. Seize opportunities to
connect the donor with the reason he gave. Thank potential funders even if they
have turned you down. It is an important step in building a relationship.
Never assume you are the only one
asking. Develop a way to show how you are different from the others who are
asking.
Never
toss a funder’s guidelines aside and submit only what you want to. This will
likely disqualify your request. Give the funder what he asks for. Don’t give
them extraneous materials they haven’t asked for to weed through.
Never contact a donor only when
you want money. Find creative ways to say thank you often, give progress
reports, etc.
Always do a quality control check
before you send a letter or a proposal. A sloppy letter could lead the donor to
believe that you are sloppy elsewhere.
Always give more than adequate
lead time. Don’t guess. Ask a potential funder when requests should be received,
when they are reviewed, when decisions are made.
Always be creative in your
request. Money isn’t the only thing donors have to offer. Create several
opportunities for involvement, from volunteering on the Board or in a program,
giving in-kind contributions or services, etc.
As often as you can, collaborate
with other programs or agencies to increase the effect of your proposal.
As often as you can, ask for
references to other donors who might be interested in the opportunity you have
to offer.
As often as you can, ask a funder
how to show your appreciation. Don’t assume that every donor wants to be thanked
the same way. Remember to make thanking meaningful.
As often as you can, find
opportunities to involve donors or funders in your program. Plan a visit or a
tour, add them to your mailing list, send progress reports, invite them to
special events.
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Contents
Are You Ready For
Board Members?
The most common reason that Board members become disenchanted is that they
were unclear or confused about the opportunity to serve your agency or were
given mixed messages about what is expected of them. To overcome this, have a
packet of information ready for the initial interview. It should include:
Agency Fact Sheet, Brochure, Newsletter, Mission
Statement.
Calendar of Agency Events to show
time expectations.
Board Structure Chart and
Committee Structure with expectations
for committee activities.
Agency Financial Information
including current budget, balance sheet, reimbursement policies, etc.
Board of Director’s List with
names, titles, affiliations.
Agency Organization Chart. Show
how you are organized, how many staff, who does what.
Training and Orientation Schedule
for Board members. Include date for annual planning retreat.
Application
for Board Membership to get demographic information, experience, references,
etc.
Board Member Job Description.
Perhaps the most important tool in Board recruitment. Detail the time
commitment, financial commitment and important dates for Board members. A sample
is included in my book The ABCs of Building Better
Boards.
Commitment Letter. Again, a sample
is included in my book. This gives Board members the opportunity to show they
understand and agree to the commitment of serving on your Board.
Conflict of Interest Policy. Get
this clarified up front to avoid problems later.
Other. Include agency give-aways,
pins, mugs, shirts, etc.
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Contents
Internet
Resources for Nonprofits
Learn
Grantseeking without leaving your computer. EFS offers low-tech, content-loaded,
self-paced Distance Learning Courses for grantseekers bi-monthly throughout
2002.
Want to find information on salaries and benefits for development people? The
1999 and 2000 Compensation and Benefits Survey is available at
www.afpnet.org.
There is a fee of $75 for Association of Fundraising Professionals members, and
$150 for nonmembers. The site has lots of other great info, too.
Get 100 fundraising handouts free from Tony Poderis, a respected fundraiser
and consultant. His site at
www.raise-funds.com has lots to offer.
Another helpful site is
www.cdsfunds.com. There you’ll find
articles on major gift solicitation, capital campaigns information, a free job
database for job seekers where you can post your resume, a job posting service
for those with jobs to be filled, and lots more.
And another pitch for
www.CharityChannel.com. Here you will find
several online forums targeted to specific nonprofit issues, including
sponsorships, Boards, grants and the like. It’s free to join a forum where you
can post your questions and learn from your peers.
Back to Table of
Contents
Two Great Books
Available Now:
The ABCs of Building Better Boards & Fast Fundraising Facts For Fame & Fortune!
Now you can add two great books to your agency library.
The ABCs of Building Better Boards is just what you need to
improve your Board’s potential. It includes ideas for recruitment, retention and
recognition and has some great forms for you to copy and use.
Fast Fundraising Facts for Fame & Fortune
is full of ideas to improve your fundraising, including how to ask effectively,
special events essentials and new ideas for fundraising. Buy both books and get
a discounted price!
Call (505) 899-1520 or Email me at
to discuss volume
discounts for staff or volunteers.
Order Now So You Don't Forget!
Go to the Order Form to order your copies of
The ABCs of Building Better Boards
and
Fast Fundraising Facts For Fame & Fortune ©
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Contents
My
Mission:
To strengthen the base of support for America's worthwhile
nonprofit agencies and organizations, from school PTAs to
multi-million dollar national and international agencies.
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Contents
What People Say
About Jean Block
“Thank you for the newsletter. You have no idea how very often I find
myself quoting you! You’ve shown me that good fundraising skills can be
taught.”
Ginny Favede, St. Paul, MN
“ Normally I’m not big on fundraising, but what you said made me feel
empowered.”
Callie Heyl, Greensboro, NC
“Your session at the conference was excellent. I have been an
executive director for thirty years and got some new ideas and information
from you.”
Beverly Campsey, Boys & Girls Clubs of Vernon
Jean Block
Consulting, Inc.
7915 Cliff Road NW
Albuquerque NM 87120
(505) 899-1520
Fax (505) 890-5285
Email:
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