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Grow Philanthropy Before It Is Needed
Nonprofit leaders and board members carry the responsibility for an organization’s financial oversight. In fact, financial support is an expectation of board membership, since foundations and prospective donors will often ask if a nonprofit has 100-percent board member funding participation: “If the leaders aren’t on board, why should others be?”
Even if an organization is supported well and all its expenses are covered by regular giving, it is important to keep raising money for long-term sustainability and unexpected, yet inevitable, events such as economic downturns. Here are some basic concepts for raising money on an ongoing basis:
Purposeful Philanthropy
Fundraising is not just a means for raising money. It is a tool to grow your donor base, strengthen relationships and improve programs and services. Through proper planning, ongoing fundraising provides more benefits than simply cash resources alone. The true goal should be changed lives. Through philanthropy, communities are made stronger and lives are enriched.
Mission Minded
While not all organizations will need to raise millions of dollars for buildings and equipment, every nonprofit has a need that is compelling and urgent. Put your vision and what you will do with funds in writing. Donors want to make a difference, and your organization can make this possible.
Pro-active Fundraising
As President John Kennedy was known to say, “The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.” In keeping with this truism, don’t wait to raise money until you need the resource. The best time to raise funds is now. If you are waiting until you need the funds to begin growing philanthropy, you will only make the process more challenging.
Remember, your mission and vision will always raise more money than your organization’s needs. Put together a plan to grow philanthropy and implement your plan before you need the additional resources. Then, you will be well prepared when the inevitable comes.
Geoff Burns, Vice President, gburns@kineticfundraising.com
Join Us on the Growing Philanthropy Tour
Next stops on the road to achieving Kinetic’s mission of growing philanthropy by 25 percent in the next 20 years:
Clayton, Australia
August 23-31, 2018
Monash University
John List
Chicago
September 11, 2018
2018 University of Chicago
Science of Diversity & Inclusion Initiative Conference
John List
Indianapolis
September 19-20, 2018
Science of Philanthropy Initiative Conference 2018
John List
Kansas City
September 26-29, 2018
American Association for State and Local History Annual Meeting
Donor-Focused Fundraising: Letting Research Guide Your Organization’s Philanthropy
Matthew J. Beem
Debbie Bass, National WWI Museum and Memorial
Boston, Mass.
October 5-6, 2018
Boston University
Advances with Field Experiments
John List
Basel, Switzerland
October 16-18, 2018
University of Basel
8th Bernoulli Lecture for the Behavioral Sciences
John List
Kansas City
November 14, 2018
2018 KC National Philanthropy Day
Starlight Theatre
Lead Sponsor: Hartsook
London
February 7-8, 2019
LSE Annual Behavioural Public Policy Lecture
Grantham Centre
John List
Resources for Smart Fundraising Available on Kindle
Keep up to date on the latest fundraising trends with the Kindle ASR Media collection:
- Fundraising Leadership – The definitive source for empowering board members to become pro-active fundraising leaders by Karin L. Cox
- Performance-Driven Fundraising – Handy, yet entertaining reference tool for new and seasoned fundraisers by Matthew J. Beem
On the Web
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Timely Tips and Tweets! Follow us on Twitter At KineticTips for tips and giveaways. |
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Facebook: Become a Fan and a Friend. Fundraising tips, event photos, news and updates – see what’s new At Kinetic by becoming a fan of us on Facebook. Friend Kinetic CEO Matthew J. Beem, and Chief Creative Officer Karin Cox for even more updates! |
Visit the Kinetic website for:
– Educational opportunities
– Books/reference articles
– Conference/workshop speakers
Strategies for Success explores smart ideas, connecting with thousands of fundraising professionals. We welcome your best practices contributions or comments. Send to Strategies for Success editor Karin Cox, kcox@kineticfundraising.com. If you’d like a free subscription to Strategies for Success or its monthly companion, Philanthropy Success, contact info@kineticfundraising.com.
