Onoing Supporter Communications: Bringing a Little Calm Into an Otherwise Choppy Sea

The photo above was taken in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. In the midst of the 1,000 things on everyone's to-do lists, it can help inspire a little calm.

The sea of fundraising can seem nausea-inducing in its choppiness sometimes. Just last week, four organizations sent me direct mail that implied since I sent one donation years ago, I must want to give again to their dire straits needs. Local fire departments and sherriff''s associations seem to be continuously warning against telemarketing outreach by organizations they are not affiliated with. The negative connotations around public safety tele-fundraising like this appears in many industry articles and books. 

How can we inspire a little calm in these choppy fundraising seas?  

Perhaps the most common misconception about fundraising is that it always involves asking for something. In fact, successful fundraising involves ongoing communication (that only occasionally includes an ask) with key supporters. Here are three ideas you may implement  to inspire calmer fundraising seas for your department:


1. Present a brief annual report to your council or fire board that summarizes your number of calls, training time dedicated and community outreach (events you support, education visits you make, etc.). If possible, include one story from someone who was positively impacted by your operations during that year. Write up the same content as a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.


2. Send a card at Thanksgiving time to everyone who has donated to your department in the last year expressing your deep and abiding gratitude for their support and briefly highlighting equipment, training or other progress their donation made possible. Sending the card at Thanksgiving makes it stand out among the overwhelming numbers that come at Christmas time. 


3. Anytime you receive a donation in the form of cash or in-kind support (supplies for your annual meals at the station, etc.), acknowledge that donation within 48 hours with a personal note or a call to say thank you. Doing so communicates that you place a high priority on the amazing generosity of your donor.


What's working for your department? Add your thoughts to the Comments section. 

Want to discuss these ideas one on one in more detail? Contact dawnsh@gmail.com.

March 1: Another Springtime Filing Reminder

 

A flip of the Our Iowa calendar this morning brings bright green imagery as a reminder that spring is just around the corner. March 1 is also noted as the start of the Girls State High School Basketball Tournament. March 1 also serves as an important reminder for nonprofit corporations in the State of Iowa of a basic task that needs completion each odd-numbered year.

If you're not sure if your fire association is currently registered as an Iowa nonprofit corporation, you may search the Secretary of State's website for any name under which you might be registered here. If you are registered, this link will also provide you with details on who is currently receiving your association's correspondence from this office - your Registered Agent. If the name of your Registered Agent needs to be updated, click here for more information.

As explained on the Iowa Secretary of State website:

All nonprofit corporations organized within the State of Iowa or authorized to do business within the State of Iowa must file a Biennial Report with the Secretary of State between January 1 and March 31 of each odd-numbered year. Each corporation's registered agent will receive a Biennial Report notice in early January. There is no fee for filing a Nonprofit Corporation Biennial Report.

If you are a registered Iowa nonprofit corporation, the Biennial Report you will receive in the mail in January 2011 will take just a few minutes to complete. It's of particular importance to file. Failure to do so will result in your association being administratively dissolved in the State of Iowa without notice. 

Being registered as an Iowa nonprofit corporation is a key first step if you're considering applying for 501 c 3 status with the Internal Revenue Service. 

Go ahead. If you're already registered as an Iowa Nonprofit Corporation, mark your calendar now to make sure you file your Nonprofit Corporation Biennial Report by March 31, 2011. 

Want to chat more about Iowa registration and/or 501 c 3 status? Share your experiences through the comments section below or contact dawnsh@gmail.com. Have a great March!