Step By Step Fundraising Newsletter

February 2007

In this issue -

- Your Non Profit Vision - Follow Up From January

- Get REAL - System for Asking for Donations

- Special Event Spotlight - Chocolate Brunch

In the January newsletter an article from Heidi Richards discussed planning for non profit organizations. A key element of planning for success, be it non profit, corporate or personal goals, is having a strong VISION.

A VISION is a vivid concept of something that will be different or realized in the future. It is motivated by beliefs and values and inspires us to action. This VISION should be at the heart of what your organization does, at the forefront of planning efforts and of daily operations.

This is a topic that I will continue to discuss in future Step by Step newsletters. Until then, here is a great article if you would like more help in Writing Your Non-profit Organization’s Vision Statement.

Feature Article: GET R.E.A.L About Asking for Donations

This month Marc Pitman outlines his model for asking for donations. The acronym is R.E.A.L.: Research, Engage, Ask, and Love. This is a tried and true method for planning your fundraising activities based upon relationships with people who care about your cause.

Read More About It: Get R.E.A.L. About Raising Funds for Your Non Profit

You can also listen to Marc describe R.E.A.L and other fundraising strategies in an interview that I did with him in 2005: Listen to the Audio Interview

Special Event Spotlight: Chocolate!

Just in time for Valentine's Day...if you are a chocoholic (like me) you'll love this fundraiser.

In December the VON Hamilton Foundation combined a Nutcracker ballet performance with a to-die-for chocolate feast.

Besides the traditional brunch food, the menu also included chocolate Belgian waffles, chocolate eclairs, several cakes, an assortment of chocolate pastries and a chocolate fountain “surrounded with dipping fruit and treats.”

The event attracted 220 people and brought in $5,000. Of course holidays such as Christmas, Valentines, Easter and Mother's Day are great for such an event... but really what day isn't good for a chocolate feast!

Find out how they did it (and how you can copy their success) in this article: Chocolate Lovers Brunch

Speaking of holiday chocolates, if your group would rather sell chocolates than have an event, check out World's Finest Chocolate. They have a variety of chocolates available from bars to boxed chocolates and even Easter Bunnies!

Okay, that's enough for this newsletter issue... All this talk of chocolate is making me hungry! If you have any questions or suggestions as always, just let me know!

To Your Continued Fundraising Success,

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