Donor Testing: How Would Your Organization Score?

In July 2013, two Midwest donors (a married couple) chose a nonprofit topic/mission close to their hearts to send "test" donations as they considered increasing their philanthropic investments. 

They combined their own online research and the recommendations of trusted friends who are active volunteers in this area and chose four nonprofits doing work in their area of interest. The selected organizations were three all-volunteer groups and one organization with paid staff.

They mailed test donations of $50 to each organization. All gifts were unsolicited.  Included with the mailed donations was an email address to offer a lower cost communications option.

In one month's time:

1. One organization (an all-volunteer group) sent a letter that replicated the donors' contact information as submitted, expressing gratitude and explaining said use of funds within one week.

2. One organization (the staffed group) sent an equally prompt postcard with pictures and cute copy that used the donors' names incorrectly, and made no mention of intended use of funds.

3. One organization promptly cashed the check but did not acknowledge the donation in any way. 



4. One organization did not cash the check, but did receive it upon follow up. 

In her excellent book Donor Centered Fundraising, Penelope Burk shares observations from extensive donor survey work.  She and the Cygnus team discovered donors want:

• Prompt, personalized gift acknowledgement.
• Confirmation gifts have been set to work as intended.
• Measurable results on gifts at work prior to being asked for another contribution. 

Although the jury is still out on the long-term impact of this test, so far, the first, all-volunteer organization mentioned is the only one to make a strong, positive impression with their new donors and pave the way for future gifts.

If your nonprofit received a test gift, how you score?

Photo credit above: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonathancharles/

Learning by Giving: A Foundation Worth of Your Review

The Learning by Giving Foundation was created by a team of the nation's leading philanthropists, including the Buffet family, to encourage individual giving and the wonderful learning process that comes with it.

The mission of this worthwhile, unique niche philanthropic organization organization is a worthwhile read. 

The Foundation recently hosted an online class called Giving With Purpose that united thousands of students of all ages and backgrounds to discuss the value in focusing and analyzing one's individual giving. The course included insightful video interviews with Doris Buffet and Warren Buffet, Cal Ripken, Jr. and Soledad O'Brien who discussed their personal philanthropic goals and motivations. News coverage about this course may be found here.

You may sign up for their next free online course here.

The Learning by Giving Foundation also has a presence on YouTube.

If connecting on Facebook is your preferred method, you may connect with the Learning by Giving Foundation here.


Other ways to connect with the Learning by Giving Foundation include:

• Twitter
• LinkedIn 
• Google Plus 

How are you learning by giving? 

Photo credit above: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cpjobling/

The Magic of Capital Campaigns: An Online Resource

Is your nonprofit considering a capital campaign?  


Capital campaigns come in all shapes and sizes. Sure, some campaigns are for new buildings. A more accurate description of a capital campaign is a time-limited efforts to secure funding for a specific project. 


Take Margaret, for example. Margaret needed to connect with the right donors to secure $15,000 in funding for the performance of her original composition in New York. You can read more about her story and campaign approach here. 

Capital campaigns can feel daunting. They demand significant attention and effort. They are also an outstanding opportunity to showcase the good work you are doing to those who share passion for your mission.

Building on last week's post, Andrea Kihlstedt and Gail Perry have joined forces to create a new online resource: Capital Campaign Magic: Revealing the Secrets of Success. 

You can learn more about Gail here, and about Andrea (the author of another book recommended in last week's post) here.  

On their site, you will also find more information on two additional wonderful books available from the site's authors on capital campaigns, as well as tapping into the power of your board of directors.
 
Photo credit above: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sodaniechea/

Follow the Process: A Resource for Your Next Campaign

When I was growing up, my neighbor did a lot of work on model ships like the one pictured above. He sometimes even put them in jars.I remember being in awe of their detail and beauty as I surveyed his hard work in his basement office area. 

When I asked him about his work, I remember him saying, "It's all about following the process, and having patience to see it through, no matter how long it takes."

I found myself reflecting on that important lesson recently when I finished the book, How to Raise $1 Million (or More!) in 10 Bite Size Steps: A Fail Proof Guide for Board Members, Volunteers and Staff by Andrea Kihlsteadt.

You may obtain your own copy of Andrea's book here. 

Andrea's energy and charm also come through in her recently launched website and blog, which you may find here.


In her book, Andrea outlines ten clear steps to follow in order for any campaign your nonprofit might be considering. She breaks down what can seem like an overwhelming process into manageable chunks, or bite-sized steps, as her title implies. 

At just over 100 pages, it's an easy length to read in the midst of the many things on your plate. Her straightforward style makes it seem like she is in your living room with you. The cost of her book is one of the best investments you can make in your campaign.

If you've ever struggled with how to begin or how to respond to ideas like, "Let's get 1,000 people to give $250 each," then this book is for you. 

Much like my neighbor's model ship building process, a successful fundraising campaign happens when the process steps are followed in order and the perspicacity is applied to see things through, no matter how long it takes. 

Click here to order your copy today!

Photo credit above: http://www.flickr.com/photos/edbierman/