More Effectively Sharing Impact

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Are you currently giving your donors enough information so that they can say with certainty how their gift was used?

If not, how might you more effectively communicate the impact of their support back to them?

Impact can be more effectively communicated through a clear explanation of your mission's numbers as Table to Table food rescue in Iowa City does:

In 2011, we rescued 1,012,569 pounds of bread, bakery items, produce, dairy and prepared foods.  Every 1.33 pounds of rescued food is considered an equivalent meal, so this works out to be 761,330 equivalent meals Table to Table was able to distribute through our recipient agencies.  This is over 1.78 million dollars worth of food. Wholesome food. Food that provides nourishment for those in need in our community.

Impact can be also be effectively communicated through adding a recipient story, as from this Luther Institute scholarship recipient:

"It took me three full years of extra work during to save up for my semester off campus while putting myself through college. Being selected for the Daniel Frank Ruble Memorial Award while studying in the Luther Institute program was literally the difference between me eating Ramen noodles and buying actual groceries all semester. I am forever grateful for the impact the Ruble family had on my education. I will do my best to honor Daniel Frank's memory always."

These stories of impact exist in the great work you are doing, too. The time you invest in finding and more effectively communicating them will be well spent!

Personality Styles & Fundraising: An Opportunity for Building Connections

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The ongoing process that is fundraising offers the blessing and challenge of learning from a wide variety of fundraising styles. Careful observation of and listening to your contacts brings wonderful insight into these personality styles. Socioeconomic factors, genetics, age and experience all play into the general patterns present in the way we approach the world around us.

Once you get in the habit of careful observation and listening, these styles offer an excellent opportunity to build connections with your contacts in a way that is most meaningful. I also recommend the following resources for further reading on personality styles: 

1. The Social Styles Handbook with a forward by Larry Wilson. This book focuses on the Amiable, Analytical, Driver and Expressive personality styles. I find its exploration of these styles around their orientation to task, telling asking and people most helpful in reflecting on how connections can be even more effective.

2. The Seven Faces of Philanthropy by Russ Alan Prince. This book thoroughly explores the motivations of your most significant donors and helps you appreciate them even more. It is best digested over a few sittings. 

3. Generations: The Challenge of a Lifetime for Your Nonprofit by Peter C. Brinckerhoff is a great exploration of the impact of having as many as five generations now involved in nonprofit work. 

What are your favorite personality style reading items?

Communicating Results: Your Key to More Giving

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Legendary fundraising researcher Penelope Burk and Cygnus Research recently released a study of the thoughts and attitudes of 15,000 donors that significantly reinforced the critical value of communicating results. The key findings of that study include:

• Donors are no longer responding to the argument that donations are needed due to tough economic times. 
• 44% of donors in the survey said they could have afforded to give more last year. They were held back by a lack of clear understanding on where their additional donation would go.
• 36% of donors have given more generously in the past five years to charities that have shown measurable results. 
• Donors under age 35 are eager and untapped supporters who are looking for new ways of nonprofit contact, instead of traditional direct mail and telemarketing. 
• Donors are looking for nonprofits' websites to learn more information about the organization and making giving decisions.

You may purchase a full copy of "The Cygnus Donor Survey: Where Philanthropy is Headed in 2012"  here. There is also a free executive summary of the report available here.


What do you think these survey results mean for your 2012 fundraising?

Giving Inspiration: A Reflection Exercise

Your reading of this blog tells me you have a passion for a nonprofit mission. You know that additional resources, i.e. fundraising, is the key to moving a mission forward. Thank you for the tremendous difference you make! 

In your fundraising efforts, you probably have your plate full tracking donors, looking for additional passion fits with new donors and communicating results to your supporters. This is especially true if you are working on an all-volunteer basis without any staff support. 

To give you a little inspiration for your journey, today's post helps you reflect on your giving inspiration. Grab a piece of paper or open your word processing software. It's reflection time.


When you think of a "model giver" in your family or your community, who comes to mind?

What specifically makes this person a model giver? What lessons from their example are you trying to apply in your own efforts?


Write this person a brief note of thanks with specific information on their impact on your giving. If you can, share the letter with your giving inspiration. 

My model giver, Gary D. Svenson is pictured above on April 2, 1979 in Decorah, Iowa. Here's my letter:

Dearest Dad,


You gave so much during your life! I remain more proud of you than mere words can say for your model giving. Your efforts with the Decorah Fire Department, Nordic Fest, Winneshiek County Fair and everything else are true inspirations. So many people have commented to me that you brought so much joy to your giving, you never made it seem like work. You involved me in your activities from my earliest memories, setting a critical example. Although I have dearly missed our talks these last seven years, know that  I will try to model your example of joyful giving for the rest of my life.  I love you so very much. Thanks, Dad, for being my model giver!


Until we meet again,
Dawn

Magic Words for Better Fundraising

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Fundraising is an ongoing process of keeping your ears open for magic words that build connections and missions.  These magic words could happen in the middle of your direct mail campaign. These magic words could happen during downtime. These magic words could happen just after you send a Thanksgiving card to your donors. Keep your ears open at all times for phrases like the ones listed below.Be prepared for responses to the magic listed in italics.

1. I know someone who can help you. Act immediately.

2. Have you heard of this grant opportunity? Research time.

3. My company has a matching gift program. Jump right on the paperwork.

4. Have you ever sat down with [name]? He/she has a personal connection to your work. Time to schedule a visit.

5. Did you know that [name] used to volunteer with an organization just like yours before he/she moved here? Call that person and offer a tour of your organization.

6. [Name] is really impressed with your work. Make another call, thank them for their support and offer a tour.

7. It's the holiday season. I am looking to make an extra charitable gift. Are there any particular needs I might cover for your organization? Have a wish list ready to go, along with profuse appreciation for the holiday spirit. 

Approach these magic words with a passionate optimism for your mission, without assuming anything is an absolute. Your donors and prospects will appreciate your respect.

What are your favorite magic words for better fundraising? Connections with and passion for your mission are worth listening for at all times.