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

January 15, 2008

For small shops, grassroots or volunteer-run organizations, growing your donor base can be viewed as a daunting task. Following are five ideas that will open the door for interested parties to join you in your efforts to change the lives of those you serve:

1. Look Within - Long-time volunteers, Board members and staff know more prospects than you realize. Start building a list that includes friends, family, co-workers and associates at clubs, churches or civic groups who recognize and respect your passion for your nonprofit's mission.

2. Host Intimate Gatherings - Invite family, friends and associates to events, activities and small gatherings where volunteers and supporters of your organization will be present and can share the mission, vision and need for support.

3. Seek Honorarium Gifts - Forego gifts for your birthday, anniversary or Christmas and ask friends, family and colleagues to consider giving to the organization in your honor - these gifts could be cash or in-kind.

4. Recruit Board Members - Each person with a vested, dedicated interest in your organization has their own inner circle of family and friends. You can grow your support base quickly with the addition of only one or two Board members.

5. Tell Your Story - Get on the program schedule of your local Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, women's group, congregation or other civic organization. Educating the leadership in your community about the important role your organization serves can go a long way toward broadening your base of support.

In conclusion - always maintain quality educational information (print materials, DVD/CDs, active and updated web site) for when those potential new supporters ask to know more about your organization.

- Jennifer L. Curzon, MSA, Vice President (Kansas City) Jennifer@hartsookcompanies.com

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

"We call all new donors after a first-time gift to welcome them to our organization. We try to make them feel like they are a part of the group." - Erin Sheehan, Camphill Foundation (Hudson, N.Y.)

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.