5 Keys to Successful Nonprofit Fundraising with a Small Staff
Fundraising can seem like a daunting task – especially when you have a small staff. For many non-profits, the fundraising role is lumped in with multiple other job duties, equating to less than one full time equivalent staff member dedicated to this important role. It isn’t enough to say that fundraising is a priority, in order to find success in this realm, you’ve got to dedicate time and resources to move the needle. But, how is this possible when you have a small staff and fundraising is just one in a list of many important job duties for one person?
Recruit volunteers to help – Volunteers not only offer the extra time and effort needed to get everything done, but they also offer instant credibility and a shortened cultivation period for their close contacts. We all know that relationships are key to any successful philanthropic effort. So, having more people who are already invested in your mission help you is a no brainer. Recruit a team of volunteers, train them and encourage them to invite their friends to join them in support of your cause!
Focus your efforts on a campaign/project/initiative – A focused effort will enable you to mobilize and inspire action to make an impact. If you are constantly working on small individual projects or are scattered in your messaging to your communities, you are missing the boat. Invest the time needed to set up a campaign or project that demonstrates need, vision and impact and you will raise more money.
Put a process in place to assess all fundraising activities – Focus your limited time only on the activities that will yield the greatest return on investment and just say no to those that won’t. It is important to ask the question “Does this activity help me to best achieve my main objective/fundraising goal?” If the answer is no, or not really, don’t pursue it. Don’t get distracted from the ultimate goal of maximizing your fundraising revenues.
Set challenging but realistic goals and put a plan in place to ensure you achieve them – You’ve got to plan your work so you can work your plan. A goal and a plan are essential to any fundraising program. If you don’t know where to start, start with what you know and build from there. Feasibility studies are the most efficient and effective way to set your program up for success.
Focus on major gifts – 85-90% of all money raised comes from about 10-15% of donors. Assuming you’ve properly set up a campaign with a challenging goal, you will be able to justify asking for larger gifts. Building relationships with those who have an ability to have a transformational impact on your organization and connecting with them in a meaningful way will move the needle in a way nothing else can.
Are you part of a small fundraising team? We would love to hear more about what your experience has been! Register for a FREE Virtual Forum and join the conversation about the challenges of a small shop and how to conquer them.
