Smart ideas delivered every other Tuesday from Hartsook Companies, Inc.

August 7, 2007

While the primary purpose of a campaign is to raise money for a program, building project or endowment, the impact it has on your organization goes far beyond the dollars raised. But getting started can be tough.

Compare it to a diet and exercise plan - you need to lose weight but it's hard work and takes discipline. You know the benefits go far beyond weight loss to overall better health and wellness. Likewise, a campaign is about the fiscal health of your organization.

Take a moment to consider a few of the residual benefits of launching a campaign:

1. Case statement development involves constituencies and staff throughout the organization, promoting a strong team and boosting moral.
2. Reviewing your database and rating prospects deepens connections with existing donors and opens the door for inviting new constituents into your organization.
3. Pre-campaign assessment and general publicity during a campaign can enhance annual appeal through increased community awareness and confidence in the organization.
4. Successful campaigns help organizations attract new volunteers and potential board members.
5. Campaigns require support from everyone associated with the organization which creates ownership and goodwill that carries over into all aspects of your operations.

Just like with a diet and exercise program, sticking to the plan helps achieve your primary goal, but it has a domino effect on nearly every other aspect of your life.

Now where are my running shoes - and who wants join my campaign cabinet?

- Jerry Haus, Senior Consultant (Kansas City) jhaus@hartsookcompanies.com

Another Smart Idea...From the Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM

"Community leadership and involvement means networking!" - Allison McElroy, Adult Development Center (Rogers, Ark.)

If you are interested in Best Practices and smart ideas, see these additional resources from Hartsook Companies:

• "Fundraising Magic - 33.5 Strategies for Turning Board Members into Money Makers" by Robert G. Swanson (2007, ASR Philanthropic Publishing). This book shares proven strategies you can implement immediately to give Board members the confidence and tools needed to cultivate donors, solicit gifts and strengthen your organization's position in the community. To order this book, follow this link http://www.ASRpublishing.com.

• "Reality Fundraising: Proven, Practical Ideas for the Enlightened Fundraiser" by Bob Hartsook (2005, ASR Philanthropic Publishing). The book features great ideas, insights and lessons learned through hundreds of best practices from nonprofit professionals nationwide. To order the book, follow this link http://www.ASRpublishing.com.

• "Best Practices Coast to Coast^SM," a compilation of best practices from every state in the union.

• "Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM," our original collection of 250 best practices and great ideas.

For a free copy of "Best Practices Coast to Coast^SM" or the "Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM", please email Tammy Weinman, tammy@hartsookcompanies.com, or visit our web site at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/bestpractices2.shtml. We also invite you to contribute your own best practice by emailing Tami Druzba, tami@hartsookcompanies.com.

Interested in Speakers?

Hartsook consultants are available to speak to your organization on a variety of topics. To read more, visit http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/speak.shtml or email Tami Druzba at tami@hartsookcompanies.com to discuss the possibilities.

Visit the Hartsook Companies web site for:

• Educational opportunities
• Books/reference articles
• Conference/workshop speakers

Strategies for Success explores smart ideas, connecting with more than 1,500 fundraising professionals bi-weekly. We welcome your contributions or comments. If you'd like a free subscription to Strategies for Success - or its monthly companion, eHartsook on Philanthropy - contact Tammy Weinman, tammy@hartsookcompanies.com. You also can reach her at 316.630.9992.

Our web site is located at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com.