Take Stock of Your Fundraising Habits - The Time is Now

PART I

We all have habits - some good and some not so good - and they include the way we conduct fundraising for our organizations.

The current economic downturn presents an excellent opportunity - or possibly a nudge - to take stock of our fundraising habits and make course corrections that will help us navigate through this slow economy, and even prepare us for greater success when the economy rebounds.

Here are some new habits to pick up:

1. Deferred Giving - If you don't already have a deferred giving program, now is a good time to formalize one. Individuals continue to be the best source for significant funding through outright gifts and bequests. This has proven to be true during other times of economic unrest such as The Great Depression - according to The New York Times, April 3, 1939: "Although [outright] gifts showed a decrease in depression years, the amount of bequests showed a sharp increase." The same was true in 2001 following the attack on 9/11 when we watched Americans continue in their generosity. An added benefit - planned giving options provide nonprofits with a smart strategy to hedge themselves against hard times.

2. Board Training with Fundraising Intent - Developing a Board whose members know the importance of and are involved in raising funds and who give personally are important fundraising strategies. Nonprofits with a well-equipped fundraising Board have better financial practices and withstand shifts in the economy better than those whose Boards do not view fundraising as one of their primary responsibilities. Board members should be as familiar with your finances as they are about the organization's mission and service.

The needs of your clients will not go away. Your organization's mission and purpose remain important and it is the perfect time to stay the course, keep asking for gifts and, whatever you do, don't quit! Now is the time to ramp up - not dial down - your fundraising efforts.

Organizations that continue to work strategically during times of financial uncertainty will not only be forming good habits, but when the economy turns around - and it always does - those organizations will be poised to realize even greater financial gains in the future.

- Norma Murphy, Executive Vice President (Kansas City) norma@hartsookcompanies.com

(NOTE: Look for the November 4 issue of Strategies for Success for more fundraising habits to pick up!)

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

"Maintain individual and personal contact with Board members and volunteers." - Jean Jenkins, Community Medical Center Foundation (Missoula, Mont.)

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

Bob Hartsook's first book, "Closing That Gift!" is now in its fourth printing. Reviewers have said "impressive...an important hands-on guide...serious fundraisers won't just read this book, they'll use it every day." Available for $15 (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 Gretchen DiGiovanni, gretchen@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 or East Coast, plan to participate in one of the Hartsook Companies, Inc. seminars. Each seminar will begin the day with Hartsook Companies' proprietary "Integrated Fundraising Campaign^SM" and will conclude the day with a bonus session.

December 5 - Santa Barbara, Calif.
December 12 - 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 Gretchen DiGiovanni, gretchen@hartsookcompanies.com. You also can reach her at 316.630.9992.

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