We came across the following piece the other day in a newsletter from Benevon, an organization
committed to sustainable funding for non-profits. Let us know what you think.
Ten Tips for
Staying Sane While Fundraising this Holiday Season
Dreading the holidays? You are not alone. Rather than
falling prey to the slippery slope of holiday overwhelm and busy-work, follow
these top ten tips for mastering the season while developing long-term
relationships with your supporters.
1) Remember
that people are especially generous around the holidays. Take the time
now—before the holidays—to make a list of donors you have been cultivating all
year. Plan to see each of them over the holidays, either individually or in
small groups, to thank them for their past giving, tell them what their gifts
have allowed you to do, and—if appropriate—ask them to give again this year.
Think of every one of these meetings as a cultivation contact.
2) Keep
a list of all the cultivation contacts you are having. You will quickly see
that you can give yourself credit for many phone calls, e-mails, and events you
were going to be having anyway. Knowing you will be adding names to your list
will remind you to slow down and listen to people, rather than just pushing through
your agenda. You might even hear how they'd like to help you more!
3) Play
a game this holiday season to see how many new friends you can make for your
organization. Keep a list of the new people who come your way and get excited
about your work. Tell them you would like to follow up with them in January to
have them come in for a tour.
4) Missionize
everything! Figure out how you can insert your mission into each occasion. Have
the annual holiday card include a story or letter from a client or family
member, have an alumni speaker at the open house, and have a volunteer at every
event tell why they are personally involved with you. Wherever possible,
capture people's names (with their permission) and invite them to upcoming
Point of Entry Events.
5) Remember
that people are more sentimental at the holidays. You can be a little sappier,
and they will respond to the emotion. Let yourself get caught up in the spirit
of the season. Ask your program staff to provide you with some new client
stories you can be telling over the holidays. Odds are, just hearing the
stories will reconnect you to the mission. While you're at it, remember to use
this as an occasion to thank your program staff for all they have done to
support you all year.
6) Saying
thank you "counts" as a cultivation contact, so long as you do it
personally and genuinely. Make a list of all the people you want to
thank—donors, volunteers, staff—and figure out the most personal way to do
that. For some, it will be a handwritten note on the holiday card, for others
it will be homemade cookies with a note from a client dropped off at their
door, and for others it will be a nice holiday lunch with the person on your
team who would mean the most to them.
7) Capture
everything in your database. Things can get moving pretty fast, and before you
know it, a week has gone by and you haven't tracked that great conversation you
had with a donor last Monday. Allow an hour at the end of each day just to
regroup, enter your notes into your tracking system, and plan for tomorrow.
8) Take
care of yourself. Make a list of the five people in your work who make you feel
great when you're around them—donors, staff, volunteers—and be sure to schedule
in time with each of them over the holidays.
9) During
the last week of the year, if you're lucky enough to have it off, enjoy! Take a
well-deserved break and recharge your battery for next year. If you will be in
the office, use the time to catch up on the stacks of work that may have landed
in the corner or on the floor, to be tackled "later." Clear the decks
so you are set to start the year refreshed. Treat yourself to a special lunch
or coffee meeting with one of your favorite colleagues or donors each day that
week.
On
December 21st, stop and take stock. Close your door and put on the "do not
disturb" sign. Make lists of your proudest accomplishments and greatest
regrets of the year. Share that list at a year-end celebration with your team.
Toast to their commitment and dedication—and yours!
