ESPN Game Day is visiting Boise State University with the live show starting at 5:30 AM this morning. The day continues with BSU vs. Oregon State in the evening. I just received an email from the local bike community. There is free and secure bike parking starting at 5 AM and lasting until the game is over and everyone departs. It is one think to say your organization is sustainable or values alternative modes of transportation. It is another to show-up at 5 AM.
What can those of us involved in fundraising learn from politicians when it comes to raising money? For starters there are ways not to collect contributions, such as the voicemail left by Eleanor Norton. Even a skilled politician fumbles with the idea of asking for a donation, even in this case when it borders on corruption. What we can learn from politics is that certain approaches work in the short-term. Creating an environment laced with fear, an uncertain future, and serious repercussions if the other party’s candidate is elected generates an urgency to give. What endures is a message of a brighter future, a shared belief, a common value system. Fear inflicts immediate pain but hope endures. Look no further than the number of emergency appeals that circulated the nonprofit sector during 2009. Many claimed all would be lost without additional funding. It worked for a few months but the appeal would not float today. Donors understand that enterprises that have not adapted to the new economy and its realities probably are not sustainable. However, the same causes that appealed for an investment in a greater good and a higher purpose could recirculate the same appeals today and receive a warm reception. Throwing a life raft off a burning platform is the right thing to do when the the structure is sinking. Tossing a life ring into calm seas when all is well seems irrational. Much of politics is based on creating a sense that the platform continues to burn daily. Much of the social sector is based on creating a better future. Which path your philanthropic dollars follow is a personal choice. Which one is more rewarding is also based on individual assessment. Understanding the techniques deployed by fundraisers is fundamental to success.
What inspires your fundraising efforts?
Sometimes it is just about passing along resources and sharing ideas. These are some websites that I return to on a regular basis.
Scheduling a meeting? Try Meeting Wizard.
Need to create an online form? Take a peek at Woofu.
Thinking about a refreshing approach to a PowerPoint presentation. Consider Presentation Zen.
Need to run an online survey? Survey Monkey keeps it simple.
Looking for board governance resources? Click on BoardSource.
What resources do you recommend or wish to share?
It takes self-initiative and a willingness to engage with fear to travel without a guidebook. You have to be willing to deal with the unknown and stumble across the unexpected. When you travel to unknown parts and use a guidebook, I projected that there have been moments that you journeyed to a highly acclaimed sight and left disappointed. And there may have been moments when you stumble across a ‘not in the guidebook’ moment that became the highlight of your travels.
The same is true for the deciphering which social sector causes to support and align with your philanthropic investments. It is much easier to react to the recommendation of a peer or in response to a news story than it is to go off in search of a specific entity. Some of the most beloved organizations who get the greatest PR, constant stream of board members, and donors would not necessarily be the highest rated when measured against similar but less known enterprises. But the word of mouth and the fact that theses well-known nonprofits are in the ‘guidebook’ give assurance that you will have a quality experience based on the experience of those that went before you. It is hard to compete with the guidebook if you are looking to attract the masses. However, if you know your organization’s purpose you can pay attention drawing-in those who are passionate about your cause. Sometimes you need to write your own micro-guidebook or succeed by staying out of the major publications. It may be your competitive advantage.
Are you connecting with people who believe what you believe. Said differently, are you seeking out individuals who share the same purpose as your enterprise? If you are able to find the point of intersection where an person’s beliefs connect with your cause’s purpose you are on the road to developing loyalty and trust- these two characteristics cannot be faked or manufactured. These are the individuals who evangelize for your cause. Find them and they will walk the world telling others about your great works. They are an unstoppable force.
Strategic planning often divides on the willingness of a cause to think beyond the horizon line. If you take a road trip and plan to drive 300 miles the first day, that is the equivalent of an operational plan. You can reach the goal with a sense of certainty. You can plan the stops and even calculate the amount of gas you need. If you plan to go from Maine to Anchorage, then you have to assume a strategic view. You can estimate the number of days, the possible routes, and some resources required. You also have the option of considering different modes of transportation (boat, plane, train, bike).
It is easy to schedule a 300 mile day trip. It takes courage to launch for distant shores. But the ability to steer your cause towards the destination is what makes your purpose meaningful both in a day-to-day measurement and throughout the journey.
Image planning to put a rail line across the continent. That was a strategic initiative. You knew the destination but encountered many unknowns along the way. A certain destination kept the purpose clear throughout a very challenging task.
Tom Brady’s recent car crash uncovered some interesting facts. He was driving an Audi that was donated by local car dealer in response to his willingness to serve as honorary chairperson of the Best Buddies nonprofit in the Boston area. It raises interesting questions.
How have you used celebrities to further your enterprise?
Does you organization or cause hold the equivalent of a ‘back to school night?’ A chance for members and customers to come and interact with your staff and get a sense of what programs exist. Is is scheduled at a convenient time with some headline event or announcement? Is there a chance for the attendees to connect with each other and share their passion? Do you ask your audience if they would recommend the organization and the event? Do you announce new programs or enhancements to your most popular services?
Done well, it can really be an exciting evening.
How do you draw attention to your cause, especially when it is the welfare of your family? In the case of Shane, Sarah, and Josh, the three Americans being detained in Iran their families have turned to social media as vehicle to develop a tribe of supporters and donors. Using the website Free the Hikers they have communicated the journey and provided a personalized portrait of the individuals being held on charges of spying. The national media outlets have run numerous stories this week as the possibility of one of the hiker’s release appeared imminent. It is easy to be a Facebook fan. A deeper level of involvement includes signing a petition or making a donation.
How does one help? What is the tipping point? What is the next move?
What-if-concepts 