May 21, 2008

The life of any organization relies heavily on the staff.  This is especially true during a major gifts campaign.  The executive director - already a fully engaged executive - faces increased expectations from the public, donors and Board.   

Though the responsibilities outlined below are usually shared by staff members, the executive director is responsible for their supervision.  Staff structures vary, but it is imperative that the executive director allocate a portion of each workday to the campaign throughout its duration.  Ultimately, the success of the campaign rests on the shoulders of the executive director.   

The executive director should:

1. Envision and be prepared to articulate the campaign’s impact on the organization in terms of future annual support dollars and program staff
2. Obtain internal support for the campaign’s goals
3. Work with the Board to identify and invite individuals to the Campaign Leadership Committee (CLC), and identify and recruit Campaign Co-chairs
4. Design a campaign budget
5. Facilitate the design of campaign support materials with counsel’s advice
6. Recommend campaign policies to the Board of Directors with counsel’s advice
7. Create and fine-tune the chart of giving, estimating who will give what amount and comparing that with actual gifts received
8. Implement the quiet phase of the campaign
9. Implement recognition and acknowledgement programs
10. Work with the CLC to implement major gift strategies with counsel’s advice
11. Prepare periodic campaign reports
12. Implement annual gift programs and solicitations
13. Implement the public phase of the campaign when 60 to 80 percent of funds are raised
14. Prepare and distribute public announcements of campaign progress
15. Celebrate and summarize the campaign in coordination with the CLC and campaign counsel

Of course, the staff, Board of Directors and the CLC will work supportively with campaign counsel and each other as partners throughout the campaign.  The executive director inspires, motivates and creates momentum during the life of the campaign.  Then, when the campaign succeeds, it will be because of the dedication and determination of the volunteers involved.  If it fails, the savvy executive director knows where “the buck stops.”

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

"For easy donor cultivation, send out a one-page newsletter when news is fresh and timely." - Audrey P. Kintzi, CFRE, Girl Scout Council of St. Croix Valley (St. Paul, Minn.)

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" or the "Hartsook Best Practices Collection", 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.

Career Booster!

Looking to advance your career? Look to the Hartsook Consulting School: September 25-27, 2008. This intensive three-day program provides an opportunity to work intimately with our finest consultants who will share practical, experiential and theoretical wisdom with fundraising professionals who are ready to take their profession to the next level. Email tammy@hartsookcompanies.com for more information.

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. Send to Strategies for Success and eHartsook Editor Karin Cox, MFA, Senior Vice President (Wilmington, NC), kcox@hartsookcompanies.com. 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.