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December 2004

Joy in the Details

As non profit leaders, this can be a busy time of year as many groups are busy with gift, food and service missions for those in need. While we can plan events and programs months in advance, when the time comes it seems there’s still much left to be done!

Maybe you’re still looking for volunteers to man the “angel tree” or last minute volunteers for the soup kitchen. Or how about those end of year donations?

Whether it’s a big event or a combination of all the “to-do” items on your list, sometimes it can be overwhelming. It can be easy to get frustrated and stressed with all the little details.

How can we combat this stress, and get all the details done?

1. Stay focused on your goal.

Having your focus clearly set on your desired outcome is very important. For example, a group that holds a gift wrap stand during the holidays has a goal. Is the goal to wrap presents? No, it’s
to raise funds for the cause by providing a service that fills a need for holiday shoppers.

What can be done to further the ultimate goal of raising money? Train volunteers on how the best ways to wrap gifts. Encourage volunteers to be proactive in asking passers by to get their gifts wrapped. Talk to customers about how much their donation is appreciated, and what the funds are used for. Everyone participating should be focused on this goal, to raise funds for the cause.

2. Do things in order of their importance.

When planning a program or event, write down out all of the details that need to be done. (This can be done at any stage of planning, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the details.) Now look at your list and decide which of those items will have the most impact on the outcome you want. These are the actions that need to be done first, and given top priority.

The second category are items that are moderately important. Find ways to delegate these tasks as much as possible. The third category are tasks that have very little impact on your outcome. Decide which of these can be eliminated.

3. Encourage others in your organization to stay focused.

Sometimes we can be focused, but then someone, usually a very well meaning person, derails the progress. Discussions about whether the tablecloths for your dinner event should be white or cream should not take 30 minutes! Make a decision and move on. Details that do not
impact your goal, should not take up your time. In fact, there may be many details that should be delegated to committee chairpersons or other volunteers. This not only frees up time for the directors and shortens your meetings, but also empowers volunteers and helps them become more committed to your cause.

4. Remember that some details are important.

While it is good to sift out the tasks that have little impact, very often the difference is truly made in small gestures. In the example used earlier about the gift wrapping station, simple details such as the friendliness of volunteers, a smile, and showing that care is taken in the wrapping can be very important.

Many times the reward that we receive for our efforts toward non profit causes are found in the little details. Here’s a story that I wrote last year, but it relates quite well to today’s issue. It describes what the “joy of the details” means to me:

The Face of Fundraising

By focusing efforts on the desired outcome, spending time on tasks that have the greatest impact, and being mindful not to miss the joy of the details, you can help your program or fundraiser achieve success.

I hope that you have a wonderful holiday season. May you be blessed as you seek to fulfill the mission that your heart as lead you to.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays,

To Your Continued Fundraising Success,

Sandra Sims Editor & Publisher Step By Step Fundraising Newsletter Archive Newsletter Sign-up & Free e-Book