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Every fire department has wonderful and inspiring stories to tell in terms of fundraising - the quiet community member who makes a donation each year that stretches the limited equipment budget, the passionate supporter who surprised the department with a bequest in her will. These donors strengthen your department's operations through their amazing generosity. How do you integrate proper appreciation for them into your department operations? Where can you find starting points for Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS) for fire department fundraising?
The Donor Bill of Rights was developed by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and the Giving Institute. The Donor Bill of Rights was created, "To ensure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the nonprofit organizations and causes they are asked to support."
These Bill of Rights principles include informing donors of how their resources are utilized, ensuring transparency in terms of access to organizational information, appropriately acknowledging and recognizing donors, ensuring donor privacy and creating a dialog where prompt, truthful and forthright answers are given to all questions. Consider printing a copy of the PDF link above and posting it at your station.
What one thing can you take away and act on from the Donor Bill of Rights today? Consider these three ideas:
1. Look over your list of donors from the past year. Call each of them or send them a letter explaining what you were able to do because of their support. For example, if donated funds allowed you to replace aging bunker gear, let them know that an explain briefly why it's so important to your safety and the chance to possibly save others. Don't ask for another donation on this outreach, simply thank the donor.
2. Post your most recent financial statement on your website. Offer a way for someone reviewing it to ask questions. Ensure the question is answered within 48 hours.
3. Consider a station tour once a year where your donors are personally invited. Prepare a brief 15 minute program that highlights your department's activities. Thank those in attendance as often as you can. Take pictures and go visit any donor who couldn't attend, just to share.
What ways are you acting on the Donor Bill of Rights in your department? Share your ideas below or contactFlashPoint President Dawn Svenson Holland for a more one on one discussion. Make it a great week!
