Step By Step Fundraising Newsletter

January 2008

In this issue -

- Happy New Year!

- For Fundraising Success in 2008, Review Last Year First

- What's Your Fundraising Story?

Many non profits who have a busy Christmas season find it a relief to take a few days off during the New Year holidays. Now that you've had a break are you ready to dive into 2008?

For fundraising success this year, it's important to first take some time to reflect on what worked and what didn't in 2007.

Keep reading for a practical exercise that will help you do this.

For Fundraising Success in 2008 , Review Last Year First

Before planning your goals for this year, a good exercise that you can do with the other members of your fundraising committee, staff or board is to talk about the results from the previous year.

This gives your team another chance to celebrate accomplishments. You will likely be reminded of special moments, kind supporters and volunteers with whom you couldn't do without. You may also come up with some great ideas that you can implement next year based on the group's discussion and feedback.

Here are a few questions for discussion and/or personal reflection:

1. What did we achieve in 2007?
2. What were the results from fundraising events? (Financial and non-financial benefits)
3. What were our proudest moments in 2007?
4. What were our lowest moments?
5. What did we learn from 2007?
6. How many new donors did we attract?
7. Name three of these new donors who are particularly strong supporters (in spirit, not just dollars.) These are people who Marc Pitman calls Donor Evangelists.
8. Name at least one longer standing relationship with an individual, company or foundation that was strengthened last year.
9. How can we continue to grow relationships with these donors?

When discussing these questions be sure to take notes and plan to follow up. I like to keep a separate notepad for AI's (Action Items).

Practical uses of the ideas that come out of these sessions include features for your newsletters and a list of people that you should follow up with for thank-yous or personal visits.

Most importantly, when you have some perspective about last year you can start this year with a solid foundation. You can avoid what didn't work before, tweak good ideas that could be great and strengthen your core fundraising programs.

Keep in mind that it's the "long game" that counts. Short term goals are important, but it's a long term mindset, strategy and plan that will help you succeed in the long run.

What's Your Fundraising Story?

After reviewing the previous year maybe you realize that you really did have a great fundraising success story. Perhaps you even followed an idea that you found on this website like the gift wishlists from last month's newsletter or used our sample letters to write your donation request letter.

Would you like to share your experience and tips with fellow Step by Step Fundraising readers? Send us an email with info about your experience. We'd love to hear from you!

To Your Continued Fundraising Success,

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