CharityMatters-NZ Appeals, Business Giving, Donor Acquisition, Donor Support, Donors, Endorsements, Fundraising, Philanthropy, Sponsorship, Supporter Acquisition, Uncategorized

We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak

After reading 10 TRAITS OF TERRIBLE MAJOR AND LEGACY GIFT FUNDRAISERS and seeing some comments, with one in particular referring to the show up and throw up fundraiser, it reminded me on a couple of “professional” fundraisers I have met.

Their modus operandi was to make an appointment with a potential supporter and talk the whole way through the meeting, the wouldn’t give the person they were speaking with the opportunity to talk.

They also forgot the old expression “We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak” – yes, they really did like the sound of their own voice.

Often when speaking with them about why they weren’t gaining support, they would say that they had no idea why people weren’t attracted to the organisation; after all they had talked about the successes of the organisation, how it was meeting goals, how important the staff were. But, they didn’t talk about the beneficiaries of the organisation, nor did they talk about current supporters and how they gained from being associated with the organisation.

I recall helping some organisations gain new major sponsors in a nice simple way. We invited some current major sponsors and some we were trying to woo to meet with us. All we did was give an update as to what we had been doing, some of our successes. Then we invited the current sponsors to talk about why they were supportive, what they were doing and let them answer any questions the prospective sponsors had.

At the end of the meeting, two of the prospective sponsors pulled out their cheques books and signed up, the third did the same a few days later.

You don’t have to be the one doing all the talking, actually you should be keeping your mouth shut as much as possible, let the prospects ask questions, and if you can get current supporters to pitch for you.

It works, why not give it a shot.

And, remember – less is more.

“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak”

CharityMatters-NZ Appeals, Business Giving, Communication, Donor Support, Donors, Fundraising, Opinions, Sponsorship, Supporter Acquisition, Supporter Retention, Uncategorized

Bigger Isn’t Always Best

We’ve all seen them, the oversized cheque used to show how much has been raised or donated. I’ve often wondered about their purpose, especially those used in photo-ops which only show the recipient, ignoring the donor.

And even worse are the cheques that are used repeatedly with the tell-tale sign of previous amounts donated still visible under the new amount.

So after reading the piece from Greg Warner I thought it worthwhile to share what he has said in “Is it time to banish photos of fundraisers and oversized checks?” and Greg’s follow up piece is worth a read too, both I’m sure will get you thinking and wondering if you are doing it right, or if you could change how you use the “oversized cheque”.

I’d be interested to hear your thoughts, are these oversized cheques beneficial, do the ignore the donor, is the cheque about you or your donor?

Leave comments below please.

CharityMatters-NZ Articles, Business Giving, Donor Support, Donors, Fundraising, Reading, Uncategorized

THREE WAYS TO RAISE MORE MONEY

As you probably know I enjoy reading articles, tips and hints from Market Smart, so here’s another one – I’m sure you’ll gain some insights from this.

 

THERE ARE ONLY THREE WAYS TO RAISE MORE MONEY

Every nonprofit organization needs more of two things: time and money. Okay, every organization (nonprofit or for-profit) could use more of those two resources. Hey, now that I think about, I could use more of those two myself…

Time and money are the most valuable resources in the world, and for nonprofits the impact of having more of either can be immeasurable. Of course, time is finite — we all are limited to just 24 hours in a day, but money (funding) is theoretically uncapped, and having more of it generally equates to having a larger impact on the world. That’s not to say that uncovering efficiencies, prioritizing activities, and increasing productivity are all for naught (they aren’t), it simply means that “saving time” plays a direct role in increasing funding. If I’m more efficient, I can raise more money.

Fundraising professionals power the financial engine that sustains millions of nonprofits across the globe, but they all face one common question: how do we raise more money? Of course such a broad question can’t be addressed in a blog post, nor should it be. Increasing the “growth in giving” is an issue worthy of industry boards and committees, not blog posts or ad hoc analysis.

Yet, as with most things, there is one simple answer to this question that can have a resounding impact and actually make a substantial difference on your funds raised. Yes, the answer to the “how do we raise more money?” question is incredibly complex, but no that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything you can do today to affect it.

Let’s start with a universal truth; there are only three ways to raise more money. Now, before you scroll to the comment section of this page and begin typing your, “there are more than three ways to raise money, bozo!” comment, please bear with me.

Any organization, nonprofit or for-profit has only three ways to increase the amount money they receive. They could:

  1. Acquire new donors/customers
  2. Retain existing donors/customers
  3. Monetize their donors/customers

It’s really that simple.

I’ve appended “/customers” to each of the three strategies above for a reason. As you continue reading this blog post we’ll address each strategy with both a nonprofit example and a for-profit example. You’ll quickly realize that for-profit companies are employing each of these three strategies on you every day.

 

Keep reading here

CharityMatters-NZ Charity Sector, Governance, Management, Research, Staffing

Recruitment Challenges, there’s a shortage …

Came across New Zealand’s shortage of fundraisers. A recruiter’s view on Saturn Group’s website.

We all know there’s shortages of skilled people across many sectors, we almost hear it daily; but we seldom hear about the shortage of skilled fundraisers.

Have a read of New Zealand’s shortage of fundraisers. A recruiter’s view, to understand what’s happening.

http://www.saturngroup.co.nz/news/new-zealands-shortage-of-fundraisers-a-recruiters-view/

CharityMatters-NZ Appeals, Collaboration, Communication, Donor Communication, Donor Support, Donors, Events, Fundraising, Governance, Other, Planning, Supporter Retention

The week in Review (Jan 30)

Have decided that at the end of each week I will do a review of some of the posts I written; just so as those who may have missed something get a chance to read and an opportunity for others to have a second read.

So this week I have touched on:

Are you Prepared to Collaborate?

There’s an abundance of non  profits in New Zealand, something on the lines of 26,000 registered charities, organisations could face support, funding and delivery issues unless there’s more collaboration.

Unless organisations collaborate there is a risk some organisations will cease to exist. There’s only so much people can give, both individuals, business and funding bodies; so just on a funding basis collaboration is needed.

Read more

Are You Singing from the same song sheet

The management, more than anyone in an organisation knows, or should know, what the goals, vision, mission of the organisation are; but is this being shared with all staff, particularly those on the frontline?

It seems that some organisations have a diconnect when it comes to sharing key information with staff, leaving staff to wonder what is happening, where they are in the organisation and how they can confidently do their work.

Read more

Handing over the Reins

It’s interesting to see organisations grow from being something started at a kitchen table, to something substantial.
In growing though there is always a need to bring in others with more expertise, more experience; but in doing so there is fear of the loss of control.

I recall reading about a charity, I think in the States, where the founder who took on a manger; but with the charity operating in an adjacent building to where the founder lived, he would turn up everyday and staff were unsure as to who they should be listening to the new manager or the founder.

Read more


Giving is like Sex

I guess that got your attention.

There’s been numerous studies as to why people give and the effects of giving on those who give.

A recent post I read ”Should you give?” has some great insights into what happens when people give, the effects of giving on the brain, body and soul.

Read more

Charity Events, Plan, Plan and Plan Some More

The pitfalls I hear you say. It’s true not all charity events run smoothly, there can be numerous hiccups on the way to staging an event.

Getting passed these can be a struggle, but you can get passed them.

When it comes to an event, an organisation can spend months planning what they will do, why they will do it and promote, then stage the event. It’s something that can create a lot of stress and frustration.

Read more

What Millennials Want to Know

Gaining support from millennials is important, and yes, they do want to support organisations; it’s just how you go about it that matters.

I’ve recently spent some time with a group of 17 to 26 years olds talking about charities and how people connect with them and how charities work to connect with supporters. Some great insights for me, and I’m glad I had the opportunity.

One thing that came across loud and clear, was the need for great storytelling, not meanigless information, muddled stats, but real stories about the people, the cause that the organisation is working to help.

Read more

They’re peeved off, now what

Why is it that some in the charity sector don’t know how to handle donors who maybe annoyed with you, donors who may feel you’re not deliverying on what you say you will do.

It’s not rocket science, dealing with disgruntled donors is and should be treated in the same was as businesses would deal with disgrutled customers. Simple, customer service skills are needed.

Read more

Something I would be keen to hear is – what would you like to see me blog about; what issues, challenges or general areas of discussion would you like to see me cover on www.charitymattersnz.com

You can email me with any thoughts, ideas … charitymattersnz@gmail.com

CharityMatters-NZ Appeals, Boards, Business Giving, Fundraising, Governance, Management, Sponsorship

Engaging your Board in Fundraising

I’ve talked before about the importance of having those on the Board actively participating in all areas of the work of an organisation, including fundraising.

This post from the Sponsorship Collective covers it again, and is worth reading. In it, as I have said before, Board members usually have good business or friend contacts that can be tapped into to help an organisation raise funds and grow.

The post also talks about trust, ”Lack of trust has got to be one of the main reasons why Boards don’t donate and do not bring you their networks. 

Boards, understandably want to protect their friends, associates and other contacts from being treated badly. They may even have been burned before, having taken the chance to make an introduction to a contact and then find that the contact has not been treated well by the charity.  So help them to feel that they can trust you, but also in the charity, by demonstrating that you understand the process, that you won’t mistreat their friends and business associates and that you have impact in a cause that they care about.”

This is something I have had to deal with, I have introduced organisations to contacts, only to have the people call and tell me not to do it again as they felt pressured to support and also felt that the organisation wasn’t being upfront, they said in referring people I should know more about how they would present themselves. Since then I am more cautious, but I do use my connections where I feel there is a good fit.

Have a read of the full article and take on board some of the points it raises.

CharityMatters-NZ Appeals, Donor Support, Fundraising, Planning, Regular Giving

What Are You Expecting?

I’ve been hearing from some organisations that they are expecting a lower level of donations from the public this year.

A scarey thought considering many organisations rely on the kindness and generosity of Mr & Mrs Public to ensure they’re able to deliver the services their organisation is established for.

Sure, organisations do have the ability to apply for funding through lottery, other charity organisations and of course their current support base. But, if there’s a downturn in support from the general public this can have a big impact on the organisations ability to carry out what it is there for.

More often than not when income falls below expectation it means cuts have to be made, sure there are overheads that could possibly be trimmed back, but when it comes to cutting back on service delivery this has a wider reaching impact.

How many organisations have a contingency plan should something go haywire with annual funding projections? I’ve worked with a number that at one point looked as though they were flying by the seat of their pants and had no contingency plans in place. They’d just do what they could with what they had, and didn’t seem at all concerned about the clients they were they for missing out. Now they know the importance of a backup plan.

When you are doing your annual planning, do you look at what you would do should you find yourself with a drop off in regular giving? Any drop in regular giving can make a huge difference, so organisations should be factorying this into their annual budget planning – do you?

CharityMatters-NZ Appeals, Boards, Fundraising, Governance

Do your Board Members Fundraise?

It’s not my job, we have fundraisers, why should I have to fundraise?

I wouldn’t know where to start, I’d be a burden on fundraising.

I don’t know enough to help with donations.

When board members see, have the attitude that fundraising isn’t part of their role, something needs to be said and done; sadly grabbing them by the shoulder and give them a good hard shake is frowned upon. But something needs doing to get them to see it’s as much their job as it is anyone else in the organisation.

Board members should be encouraged to, where possible spend time with the fundraising team to learn what it takes to get a campaign going, how individuals, businesses and funders are approached. The effort this takes, the skills needed and to see what the results (negative and positive) have on those doing the fundraising.

I’ve seen organisations where the Board are only interested in the income, they’re not interested in how it’s done. But, should income levels not meet targets they dive in and suggest that the fundraising team aren’t doing all the could, they their appriach is wrong.

Say what, if these Board members know so much, why aren’t they roling their sleeves up and help? Ah that’s right, it’s not their job. What a load of hogwash.

Board members, infact (in my opinion) everyone in an organisation should have some involvement in fundraising.
Board members are likely to have business or community connections they could tap into. Sure, there are some situations where this may not be possible; but the least they could do in situations where a direct approach my not be in order, is to at minimum is to give introductions, open the door for others to make the approach.

If written previoulsy, Is your Board on Board, have a read if you haven’t.

Board members aren’t only there because of the need in the Trust Deed or legal requirements, they are their because of skills they have. And, they should also be schooled in all areas of the organisation. (Read) Learn Fundraising.

The next time your board is together, ask ”what can you help with?”. It may scare some, but too bad, it will open discussion on roles, repsonsibilities and opportunities.

CharityMatters-NZ Fundraising, Online Fundraising, Opinions, Other

Fundraising – A Million Bucks (Updated)

Does the use of fundraising websites for “personal gain” dilute the purpose of the site, does it make people think twice before giving to other causes?

Have had a few people contact me about the person who has set up a page on a popular fundraising site, asking how this type of fundraising is allowed. Their main concern was that it dilutes the purpose of the site and is making them question whether to support real causes.

On a personal level, I have mixed views; part of me says “good on her”, another part says “is this the right way to go about it, and should what is seen as a method to raise funds for “charitable purposes” be used for what could be personal gain. The jury is still out.

If I put on my charity hat, I don’t see how it is appropriate, and that’s the view of the people who have raised this issue with me. These are people who give to charities and people who work in the charity/philanthropic sector.

Fundraising sites are generally seen as being to support people in need of medical, social or as a means for charities themselves to collect funds; they’re not normally (unless I’ve missed it) used for personal purposes.

People have said that using these types of sites for other purposes dilutes what they’re there for, that perhaps allowing sites to be used for other purposes could tarnish the “brand”, perception people have for them.

So what has raised this discussion; those in NZ, and perhaps further afield will no doubt be aware of the article on Stuff.co.nz “Ask for a million dollars, see what happens” – about the woman who has set up a fundraising page to perhaps help her purchase a house for her and her family.

Read the article and then comment what you feel about this:

Ask for a million dollars, see what happens

A recent conversation had sparked the idea – that if one million people gave one dollar each she would be a millionaire.

“With that in mind I have decided to see if it’s possible.”

She started the page on the first day of October and has given herself a deadline of six months.

Both herself and her partner are in full-time work, but she said they struggle with the rise of living costs like many New Zealanders.

“We would love to own a house for our children but the idea of even having enough for a deposit just seems impossible,” she said.

“Obviously I don’t need a million to do this but hey, why not aim big?”

Read the full article here

What do you feel about this; please share in the comments below.

Update:

The discussion about crowd funding for “causes” still goes on (and is likely to for some time) … this editorial piece centres around a couple wanting help for IVF treatment; which personally I have no problem with.

Have a read and see what you think.

Editorial: Givealittle asks a lot of our common sense

OPINION: If parents are to seek philanthropic funding to have a baby, their generous benefactors should get naming rights for the little baby.

Who could not be supportive of Jessica Holdaway and Rebecca Gribble’s dream? The urge for loving parents to bring a new baby into the world is a special and innate one.

But a public charitable appeal on crowdfunding site Givealittle to pay for the privilege – now, that is a new level of support entirely.

Leon Jayet-Cole died of serious head injuries this year, and the public donated $4600 towards his funeral costs.

“We personally aren’t rich people,” Holdaway says. . “It’s really the only way we could think of to be able to afford something like IVF.”

Story: Couples turn to fundraising for IVF to avoid debt

Public appeals on websites like New Zealand’s Givealittle and US-based GoFundMe are carving out new ethical and social questions – not to mention issues of integrity and accountability.

This year, $4600 was raised to pay for the funeral of autistic 5-year-old Leon Jayet-Cole. But Givealittle refunded the cash, after it emerged ACC had already picked up the tab for the funeral, Leon’s stepfather was charged with the boy’s murder, and his mother accused of failing to seek medical treatment for his injuries. The criminal charges are denied, and the cases progress through the courts..

Then there was Samuel Forrest, who sought $60,000 to bring his Downs syndrome baby Leo to New Zealand and to raise him as a solo dad, after the boy’s Armenian mother deserted him. When Hollywood star Ashton Kutcher tweeted the cause, nearly 18,000 donors around the world contributed $660,000 on GoFundMe.

Keep reading here

CharityMatters-NZ Appeals, Campaign, Donor Support, Donors, Fundraising, Management

Are High Dollar Donors More Loyal ?

Have been wondering recently whether high dollar donors are more loyal than low dollar donors, and while pondering this, an email popped up with a link to an article on this very subject from from Gregory Warner of Marketsmart.

Although it doesn’t show New Zealand examples, it’s worth a read and hopefully I’ll soon be able to share some local examples.

Here’s Gregory’s article …

PROOF THAT HIGH-DOLLAR DONORS ARE MORE LOYAL THAN LOW-DOLLAR SUPPORTERS

Recently I made some new friends at The Fundraising Effectiveness Project and they shared some awesome research findings with me.  You can see the first one below proving that high-dollar donors are actually more loyal (stickier) than low-dollar supporters.

I think what this chart implies is this: The fundraising pyramid is dead

The idea that nonprofits should first seek to gain low dollar donors and move them up the pyramid is just not a wise strategy. Low dollar donors are clearly less loyal and don’t repeat at nearly the same rate as high dollar donors $1,000 – $4,999 (at 87%). Plus, low dollar donors are very expensive to acquire yet they are much more fickle. Therefore, they clearly can’t deliver enough returns for the long haul compared to the other givers.

4 things you should do today:

1- Develop a strategy that emphasizes efforts to gain more high-dollar donors instead of low-level supporters.

2- Focus on customer service and retention by providing value everywhere (especially in your engagement offers).

3- Search for ways to move mid-level donors up (again by providing value especially in your engagement offers).

4- Aim for referrals. Encourage your current high-dollar donors to introduce you to other high-dollar donors. This will be the lowest cost marketing you can implement and it will deliver the greatest return for your investment. The ice bucket challenge did this for low-level donors. But most of them never gave again. What can you do to get referrals from major and mid-level donors? Figure that out and you’ll be a fundraising rockstar!

Read the full article here