Fundraising for Hospice is Different: 5 Tips to Stand Out
As fundraisers, our jobs can be overwhelming because there is so much to do and never enough time to get it done. In the world of Hospice fundraising, that burden can feel even heavier. First, we are dealing with families going through very challenging times with a loved one experiencing end of life care. There is an emotional toll on everyone involved and finding the right time to ask for a gift can be challenging. Secondly, the need for philanthropic support is greater than ever so the task of maximizing fundraising revenues can feel extremely daunting. Since we can’t do everything, it is important to focus on doing the right things well…
Focus Your Efforts on a Campaign – Rather than spending time on many small and scattered fundraising efforts, a campaign helps rally more people behind a meaningful cause and creates a deadline to inspire action. Multi-year projects will always yield bigger results through the ability to ask for larger gifts, thus securing more and larger multi-year pledge commitments.
Invest Time and Energy on Major Gifts - 85-90% of all money raised comes from about 10-15% of donors so focusing more time on those prospects just makes sense. If you focus on identifying and building relationships with those prospects who have the ability to make a significant gift, leave a legacy and make a transformational impact, you greatly increase the likelihood of securing major gifts. The cultivation process takes time but scheduling meetings and talking with these prospective donors is worth the investment.
Involve Volunteers in Fundraising – People give to people and the number one reason people don’t give is because they weren’t asked. Imagine having a team of volunteers working on your behalf to inspire giving to a cause that matters to them? By making their own gift and then inviting their closest friends and colleagues to join them in support of your organization, volunteers can exponentially grow and transform your fundraising program. Passionate supporters offer instant credibility and can open doors.
Implement a Grateful Family Program – If you don’t already have an organized way for grateful families to get involved and make a difference, you’re missing a tremendous opportunity. Grateful Family Programs not only provide a way to collect stories and connect with families who have expressed gratitude for your care, they can involve your entire organization in a culture of philanthropy. Giving can be part of the bereavement process for some and it empowers people to pay it forward and help others in need.
Don’t Forget About Stewardship - It is 5-7 times more expensive to acquire a new donor than it is to keep an existing one. The key to successful philanthropy is moving beyond transactional fundraising and building relationships with your supporters. If you can make the giving experience meaningful for people by thanking them, updating them on the impact of their gifts and recognizing their contributions, you will increase your donor retention rate. Regular and meaningful communication with your donors leads to a deepened connection and a desire for them to want to continue to be a part of your organizational family.
Hospice fundraising can be incredibly nuanced. Are you having difficulty breaking through the barriers that are preventing your hospice fundraising program from flourishing? “Schedule a free call with a PRIDE Team member, and we would love to learn about how we can help to solve your fundraising problems.
