6 Tips for the New Fundraiser
No doubt, your optimism and communication skills landed you a fundraising position!
Congratulations on landing your new role as a fundraiser!
This position not only allows you to engage with donors but also plays a crucial part in supporting the vital services your organization offers. As you embark on this journey, you might feel a mix of excitement and apprehension about how to become an effective fundraiser. Here are some practical steps to guide you as you start making an impact.
Embrace the Learning Curve
In many organizations, especially smaller ones, you may not have a dedicated mentor or an experienced fundraiser readily available to guide you. Your supervisor might be swamped with other priorities, leaving you to chart your own path. While this can feel daunting, remember that every great fundraiser started where you are now—at the beginning. Take the initiative to seek out resources, learn from your experiences, and don’t hesitate to ask questions.
Maximize Relationships and Resources
If you have a prospect researcher on your team, consider yourself lucky! These colleagues have valuable insights into donor behaviors and can help you prioritize your outreach. Request a "Top 10" or "Top 25" list of prospects to focus on. If no such resource exists, don’t worry. You can still work with your donor portfolio to map out effective strategies.
Organizing Your Donor Portfolio
Assuming you have access to a portfolio or database, pulling together your donor information in a structured way can streamline your outreach efforts. Create a spreadsheet with the following columns:
Cumulative Gifts: The total amount each donor has given during their relationship with your organization.
Most Recent Gift and Designation: Track the latest contributions and what they were designated for to tailor your conversations.
Gift Capacity: If the information about donor capacity is available, include notes on how you determined their giving potential (e.g., wealth indicators).
Cumulative Years Giving: This provides insight into their longevity as a supporter.
Name: Clearly identify your donors.
Address: Helps with mailing and local outreach.
Phone: Essential for personal touch and direct conversations.
Email: Important for communication and follow-ups.
Once you've populated your spreadsheet, sort your list based on cumulative gifts, most recent gifts, gift capacity, and then cumulative years giving. This will help prioritize whom to focus on first as you initiate outreach efforts.
Schedule Meetings
If you're fortunate enough to have local donors in your portfolio, take the information in their contact files seriously. Prepare to pay attention to any shared interests, connection points, or personal details that can inform your conversation. Your initial goal should be to set up meetings with your top 10 donors.
Know the Basics
You don’t need to be an expert on every aspect of your organization to start scheduling meetings. However, having a solid foundation is essential. Know your organization’s mission, articulate your passion for that mission, and understand the specific programs or projects that align with your donor's interests. The aim is to build relationships, so focus on engaging with your donors genuinely and sharing why their support matters.
Build Relationships
The most crucial step in your fundraising journey is developing relationships. Take the time to learn about each donor’s motivations, interests, and philanthropic goals. This groundwork can lead to deeper connections and ultimately increase your chances of securing their support. Initially, aim to have meaningful conversations with each of your top 10 donors to establish rapport and trust.
Conclusion
Beginning a new role as a fundraiser can feel overwhelming, but with a structured approach and a focus on building relationships, you'll be well on your way to becoming successful in your role. Remember, every interaction is a step toward engaging donors more deeply and making a real difference in your organization's mission. Embrace the journey ahead, be proactive, and above all, enjoy the process of connecting people to the causes they care about!
If you are new to fundraising, I invite you to check out my free resource, Major Gifts Fundamentals Webinar, to learn the basics and consider adding this option to your organization’s program.
