Smart ideas from Hartsook Companies, Inc.

August 26, 2008

Maximizing your Campaign Leadership

A campaign is a significant milestone for any institution. The benefits extend far beyond the financial support received. Campaigns result in new friends being invited into the life of your organization, greater awareness within your community, additional volunteers and more.

As you embark upon a campaign one of the first steps is to recruit a Campaign Leadership Committee (CLC.) This group of individuals will guide your organization through the three-to-five year campaign process. They should be viewed as "leaders" in the community, with influence and affluence, and should have an appreciation for your mission.

This responsibility should not be taken lightly. Before enlisting members to the CLC, meet with each person individually to explain the committee's responsibilities, including their individual duties and time commitment.

Here are a few tips I've learned through my experience with numerous campaigns and Campaign Leadership Committees:

1. Appreciate them - CLC members are volunteers and need to be told they are appreciated
2. Listen to them - they are your lifeline to the community
3. Engage them - busy volunteers are engaged volunteers
4. Provide them with the tools they need to be successful
5. Include them in decision making - ownership in the campaign is essential

Your Campaign Leadership Committee should be a breeding ground for future Board members. After all, CLC members know all about your organization - the services it provides, the clients it serves and its mission ... just as a Board member should.

By maximizing your campaign leadership, your fundraising effort will be successful, your institution will be stronger and you will have powerful leaders for long-term benefits.

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

"Be transparent and honest with donors, volunteers and partners." - Anonymous

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

• Getting Your Ducks in a Row! . . . Proven Strategies for Exceeding Your Capital, Endowment and Operating Campaign Goals. No development officer should be without this book. Bob Hartsook's guide brings together outstanding authors and sources providing a tool box of strategies for effective campaign fundraising. Each page is filled with ideas, concepts, plans, strategies, approaches and suggestions that result in success. Available for $19.95 (plus $3 S&H) through ASR Philanthropic Publishing by calling toll-free 1-866-630-8500.

• "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. We also invite you to contribute your own best practice by emailing Tami Druzba, tami@hartsookcompanies.com.

Career Booster!

Looking for ways to invest in your organization's future? Join us for a seminar packed with valuable fundraising strategies! Whether you're on the West coast, East coast or somewhere in between, plan to participate in the Hartsook Companies, Inc. Fall Seminar Series:

Santa Barbara, Calif.
Detroit, Mich.
Raleigh, N.C.

This full-day seminar provides an opportunity for you to learn from some of our top consultants; network with fellow fundraisers, nonprofit professionals and volunteers; and gather valuable ideas you can implement immediately. Visit the Hartsook Companies website at www.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. 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.