Have You Had Your Annual "Check Up"? Now's the Time!

End of year is a great time for a database "check up" during which you should review your donor and gift records and ask yourself these questions:

1. Growth. Is your fundraising program growing each year? A simple donor and revenue overview looks at the number of donors contributing and the total revenue for the past year.

2. Acquisition. Do you have a strong acquisition plan in place? A healthy percentage of new donors will offset the natural attrition that occurs and will help grow your donor base.

3. Major Donors. Are you paying attention to your major donors? Conventional wisdom (the 80/20 rule) suggests that 80 percent of your revenue will be contributed by 20 percent of your donors. A well-planned and executed strategy for this group of donors will ensure they feel appreciated; strengthen their affinity for your mission; and pay off with continued support at the highest level.

4. LYBUNT / SYBUNT. Who gave "Last Year (or Some Year) But Unfortunately Not This Year?" Identify these donors and develop a plan to re-engage them, perhaps by having Board members call them personally. Remember, it is much easier to reactivate a lapsed donor than to acquire a new one. And better yet - their average gifts tend to be of higher dollar values.

5. Milestones. Who are your most loyal donors? Donors who contribute consistently are the lifeblood of your fundraising. They have stayed true to your mission and express their support through continued donations. Recognize these donors and their giving milestones - such as five or 10 years of consistent giving - by creating a club or giving category honoring them. These donors are good candidates for your planned giving program as well.

Use these tips to help you develop strategies that will ensure fundraising success in 2009 and beyond.

- Danny Kohrs, Vice President (Kansas City) dkohrs@hartsookcompanies.com

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

"Data management is an integral part of the process to convert prospects to donors and donors to major supporters. Set policies for data management and step-by-step procedures to ensure information entered is consistent, accurate, logical and extractable. Inaccurate and incomplete data that is perceived to be accurate can be more harmful than no data at all." - Judy Turner, Truman Library Institute (Kansas City, Mo.)

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 $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!

SPECIAL "BOGO" OFFER
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Looking for ways to invest in your organization's future? Join us for a seminar packed with valuable fundraising strategies! The seminar will begin with Hartsook Companies' proprietary "Integrated Fundraising Campaign^SM" and will conclude with a bonus session.

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.

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 1,700 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.