publication date: Jul 10, 2011
This article by the
late Dr. Ed Pearce appeared during
the first publication year of Canadian
Fundraiser, now Canadian Fundraising
& Philanthropy. His advice is as valid today as it was two decades ago.
CF&P/Hilborn eNEWS is proud of the quality
information we have brought to our readers over the past 20 years. We look
forward to many more years of serving you.
The busy months of winter may have come to an end. Activity
slows down and many experience the summer doldrums. But summer can be a very
special time for your development work. Consider these golden opportunities.
Planned giving
prospects
Summer is a good time to contact your planned giving
prospects. During the winter months, many of these people are outside Canada.
Summer is the time they are home, and attending to their personal affairs. Many
would welcome a visit by a representative of your organization.
Follow up spring
events
Your spring appeal or special event is over. Undoubtedly,
there are volunteers and potential donors that should have been contacted. Take
the time now. Simple follow-up procedures such as a telephone call or letter
may increase total gifts by five or even ten percent.
Prepare for fall
September, October and November are often the busiest months
of the year. In the midst of that rush there is little time for preparation.
Why not reschedule some preparation time to July and August? In the fall you
will be better organized and have a greater sense of control.
Plan for next year
Are you required to produce a development plan for next
year? Often these come due when you are involved in your own fundraising event
and can little afford the time to produce the plan. Prepare a bare-bones outline
of your annual plan now. Later, at the proper time, you only need to flesh it
out.
Clearing the files
Here is the least liked job of all. The filing cabinet is
full, files are in disarray and you have put it off. Attending to this one task
could save countless hours in the fall. [
And
do the equivalent tidying on your hard drive! - Ed.]
Recognize summer as a special time. Take the time to visit,
follow up and prepare. And yes, take your holidays. Enjoy your leisure in the
knowledge that all is in readiness. In the fall you will be able to concentrate
on the real work of bringing gifts to your organization.
In June, 1992 when we published this article, Ed Pearce was bequest and planned
giving officer at Queen's University
in Kingston, Ontario.