Take Stock of Your Fundraising Habits - The Time is Now

PART II

We all have habits - some good and some not so good - and they include the way we conduct fundraising for our organizations. In the October 21 issue of Strategies for Success, Part I of this article explored two new habits to pick up - Deferred Giving and Board Training with Fundraising Intent.

Below are two more habits that will help prepare your organization for the uncertainties of the current economy and position you for greater success when the economy rebounds.

1. Foundation Research and Development - According to a Council on Foundations survey of more than 300 foundations and corporate giving programs conducted in April, 2008, the philanthropic sector is providing broad support for families hit by the economic downturn. The survey further shows that 86 percent of the foundations surveyed support grant making that aids families, provides human services, assists lower income populations and/or supports economic development. Thirty-one percent of these foundations increased the value of their grant making in this area in 2008; and 5 percent have added this as a new grant making priority.

2. Annual Fund Campaigns - Given the proper structure, a well-organized annual fund campaign can have a substantial impact on ongoing support for your organization. That structure includes:
a) a well-defined purpose
b) good planning
c) talented volunteers
d) substantiated but achievable goals
e) a realistic timetable
f) multi-year pledges
g) meaningful benchmarks
h) realistic assignments
i) logical order of solicitation - to include face-to-face solicitations

If your organization does not have a formalized grant development plan or has not conducted an annual fund campaign - now is a good time to do so.

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!

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

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

"Invite foundation givers to not only shake your hand and give the check, but to participate in the actual program they support. An example: Foundation members attended a day of 'Sprout Camp' and helped sow new plants in the Children's Garden." - Mary McFadden Craft, while with the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden (Belmont, N.C.)

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 with Hartsook Companies' proprietary "Integrated Fundraising Campaign^SM" and will conclude with a bonus session.

December 5
Santa Barbara, Calif.
Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort

December 12
Raleigh, N.C.
Hilton North Raleigh Hotel

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.

SPECIAL "BOGO" OFFER
for Strategies for Success Subscribers!
With each paid registration you get one free registration!
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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.