Inviting a donor into your charity’s mission is vastly easier when the board, CEO and staff are working strategically, communicating well, and are mission-focused.
When the:
● CEO calls donors, thanks them, and takes the time to talk about dreams for the future;
● Board member says "Can I introduce you to…?"
● Communications team shares your charity’s compelling stories, with a measurable balance of storytelling, advocacy and asks;
…donors are inspired to share their treasure!
In a “Team Fundraising” charity, the Board is attentive to its governance role. While committed to their role as the organization's ultimate authority, the board wisely delegates day-to-day authority to its staff leader. Members seize both planned and unexpected opportunities to engage people in mission conversations. They are frank and optimistic about the charity’s strengths and the challenges it faces. When a donor shares their passion for giving, the board member speaks confidently about how the charity’s mission aligns with the donor’s priorities. Board members may even open personal and corporate doors for the advancement team to make connections.
In a strong Team Fundraising organization, the CEO is engaged with the advancement team’s goals and the annual, mid-level and major gift initiatives underway. They know the major gift donors and prospects, and they connect regularly and personally. The CEO takes the lead in some donor relationships. When speaking to stakeholders, the CEO consistently emphasizes mission focus, sharing stories and strategies with transparency and passion. Donors take the charity’s pulse when they connect with its leader.
Finance staff and volunteers are also an important part of Team Fundraising. Managing organizational budgets, and communicating financial matters to the board and stakeholders are critical to trust building. Finance has an impartial way of sharing the ebbs and flows of revenue and expenses. Donors gain confidence when they see that the organization is on a strong footing. Done well, financial communication gives donors insight into how their continued giving advances the mission work. It’s a fine balance, and done well, it’s a game changer for fundraising.
Data is king. When database and donor devices managers create accurate databases, moves management, stewardship, marketing and communications unfold successfully. When your database tells you instantly who is (or was) a board member, which company someone owns, and if the donor is current or lapsed, you’ve got a solid foundation for a successful donor connection. Team Fundraising works best when your donor service team enforces data accuracy, is adept at pulling data, and provides informative, timely reports.
Service delivery staff and volunteers deliver your mission daily. Their focus on the work, willingness to share impact stories, and determination to carry forth within the inevitable chaos of charitable work, inspires donors. When front line staff share their stories directly with donors, amazing connections happen.
When the charity’s work aligns with the mission, when there is trust in the leadership, and donors are cared for, watch the support flow.
Sandra Baker has been an employee and consultant in the charitable sector, including the arts, health care, social services and education, for forty delightful years. Sandra is Director of Advancement and Admissions at Hamilton District Christian High, located in beautiful Ancaster, Ontario.
