New Options for Post Pandemic Fundraising
Nonprofits everywhere are in the midst of making new plans to increase fundraising in this new era, as we return to more normal, in person careers and lifestyles. This fall many fundraisers have noted with dismay that they cannot afford to fully staff a larger development department to implement all their new plans. These fundraisers are seeking new solutions toward more successful fundraising.
At Focused Fundraising CT LLC, in additional to providing strategic planning consultation, work shops and training, we are introducing a new “Transitional Staffing” concept that can be either short term staffing, part time staffing or periodic check in staffing. The added value of “Transitional Staffing” is that such staffing can set up a new or revitalized fundraising component (such as Alumni Giving) and establish overall plans for developing such a concept. Later on, the “Transitional Staff” can be available as a “mentor” to train a volunteer or other staff person to continue to implement this new fundraising component. The overall cost of such staffing is significantly less than hiring full-time development officers with the relevant experience.
Here are some examples of “Transitional Staffing” that we can offer:
Services
Grant Writer
“Transitional Staffing” can research grant making resources, develop/refine the organization’s case for support, write template grants for key programs and submit to the appropriate potential funder. Such staffing could be provided on a short term basis, or as needed throughout the year, given that many foundations have deadlines in the fall for the coming fiscal year.
Appeals Writer
“Transitional Staffing” can work with existing nonprofit staff to craft effective appeals that tell a compelling story that illustrates work being done by the nonprofit, but focuses on the human impact that services have. For example, a cardiology grateful patient letter could be written from a patient’s point of view talking about the skilled care received and also the empathetic care from medical staff in collaborating departments.
Crowdsourcing
This type of fundraising involves recruiting current donors to be champions of fundraising for specific programs while identifying the donor’s relationship to the organization. For example, a grandmother of a current student could ask other grandparents to help support the school as she has done. This type of fundraising has been shown to be effective for all age groups of donors. For example, a crowdsourcing email soliciting donations from a broad group of donors, will find that donors respond quickly with donations after seeing the name of the request champion, who is willing to share their relationship to the institution. Once established, crowdfunding plans and implementation strategies can be documented and later shared with current staff members.
Major Donor Specialist
“Transitional Staffing” can provide experienced temporary staff, who could develop a comprehensive major donor gift solicitation plan, segment the donors, select the most appropriate solicitor and develop draft solicitation materials including phone call and email scripts, letter proposals and calls for conversations with donors. Once established, these plans can be handed over to current staff with appropriate training, or the “Transitional Staff” person could arrange to revisit the nonprofit twice a year or more to follow through on major donor solicitation plans.
Communications
Nonprofits often need updating on the latest best practices for website elements, including written stories about the impact of services on individuals, incorporation of social media communications to support fundraising initiatives and communication with donors throughout the year, including handwritten notes and short video clips sent to donors about campus events. “Transitional Staffing” can craft an overall plan for the year and for implementing various new ideas.
Event Planning
“Transitional Staffing” can set up streamlined event planning, including the involvement and training of volunteers. Also provided would be some software recommendations for managing the special event, since automating donations, sponsorships, ticket sales and auction purchases can be made much easier and less time consuming. Once these new concepts are in place, the “Transitional Staff” can train current nonprofit staff before handing over the implementation of event plans.
Focused Fundraising CT LLC 