IF YOU HAVE EVER ASKED YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS, LET’S TALK!
what do people think of us?
Figuring out how your external and internal audiences think about your organization’s mission/work is a good place to begin. A strategic plan is important to setting philanthropic priorities that will move the needle. You should always have a map to reach the summit.
How often should we be asking for support?
An annual giving program is important to your organization and it allows your supporters to feel connected to you. They want you to succeed and, if done strategically and with respect, asking more than once a year for a gift can be powerful for you and the donor. Climbing a mountain is hard, having help along the way offers validation you are headed in the right direction.
do we need to hire someone?
Knowing when your team is at capacity, or if you need expertise you do not currently have, can trigger this question. Evaluating positions, position descriptions and workflows takes time, but is well worth it. Summiting takes a team, make sure you have the right members for your party.
how do i get to the poinT?
You may be the content expert working with a development colleague. Or, you are the development professional and you are working with the expert. Either way, both of you will need to be able to tell your story in a clear, concise manner. Knowing your style and how to bring in facts, figures and impact from support is worth the time. Finding the most compelling way to tell your story is key to inviting people to support your organization. Getting to the peak is the goal, and you want others to feel the exhilaration. Tell your story to inspire others to climb.
Why is it so hard to work together?
“This would be so much easier if I didn’t have to deal with people!” is something you have likely thought. Communicating in ways that resolve conflict and promote partnerships can make every day better. Investing in professional development workshops focused on team communication and dynamics or leadership and management coaching can add more value than the cost. When individuals understand their role and feel like a valued member of your party, everyone will work harder getting to peak.
How many ways can we say thank you?
Making sure your donors feel appreciated is the first step to take before asking for their support again. A creative and robust stewardship program can be challenging and often overlooked. Before you start climbing again, take a deep breath and thank those that have helped you get this far.
What do we do with all this money?
You likely have not asked yourself this question. But, what about “Are we meeting our fundraising potential?” or “ How do we invite our long-time supporters to make a larger philanthropic investment?” Understanding your major gifts pipeline and the feasibility of the project is key. From there, developing moving cases for support will help you get clear of your direction and who might care about the work. Knowing which mountain to climb and who can help you get to the top should be clear before you ever leave camp.