Your Support Helps Us Be at Our Best

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/usacehq/

Recently, I attended the 100 Great Iowa Nurses recognition ceremony in Des Moines in support of an amazing family member who was born to provide quality care and connections to her patients and her colleagues. 

As I listened to the inspiring stories, I got to thinking about the similarities between health care professionals and you: the men and women of the Iowa Fire Service who were born to respond as effectively as possible to whatever the 911 call brings. How can that point be more clearly communicated in your fundraising communications?

Whether it's a fundraising letter to your current donors and/or your coverage base, a letter to the editor, remarks on your local radio station or materials at your community meal, see if your community relates to this message:

When our pagers sound, your NAME department will do everything possible to support those impacted by the emergency. For us, 911 calls represent an important job to do. For the victims of the emergency, the call likely represents one their most vulnerable moments. Your donation helps us be at our best for your friends and neighbors who may be having the worst day of their lives. 

What fundraising messages are working well for your department? Share your experiences below.

She's My Customer. I Better Listen.

Recently, a few of us organized a surprise belated birthday gathering for one of my closest friends. The gathering took place at locally and family owned Don Jose Restaurant in Decorah, Iowa. Everything blended perfectly. A spot around the corner in the back hid all the guests perfectly. Authentic Mexican food and warm service was perfectly shared. Don Jose loaned their birthday sombrero for a photo to remember the occasion.

As we were departing, the guest of honor, a regular Don Jose patron, shared feedback with one of the owners. I was struck by the passion of his response to her feedback. "She's my customer. I better listen." 

The experience reminded me of the infinite value of listening for more effective fundraising. Wondering where to focus your efforts? Curious why your last campaign came in under goal?

Consider hosting listening sessions at your department where only open ended questions are asked. Don't ask for donations in these listening sessions. Groups worthy of consideration for an invite include:
1. Your customers - your service recipients and your city council or fire board
2. Your service recipients 
3. Your current donors
4. Your current members and their significant others
5. Your retired members and their families


Questions asked during the session may include:
1. What one thing do you think we do best/most effectively? 
2. What one thing do you think most needs improvement in the way we serve the community?
3. How do you feel overall about our department?
4. Why do you feel that way? 
5. What do you think the impact would be if our department didn't exist?


Having a facilitator for each discussion is a good way to keep the conversation on target. Smaller groups are best. The answers your customers share with you will be critical insight for even more effective fundraising.