Involvement Leads to Investment

Research shows that major donors usually become involved in some way with an organization before they make a gift - especially a significant gift. So before you ask, create opportunities or take advantage of everyday activities to involve donors with your organization and your mission. Following are a few examples.

Involve donors in the creation and start-up of new programs. Involving donors from the start instills pride and ownership in your programs - especially with the 30- to 40-something generations who demand an active role and tangible results from the organizations they support.

Involve donors in film and photo opportunities as you produce videos, annual reports and other media that tell your organization's story. They will gain a sense of inclusion as a member of your "family."

To the extent possible, involve donors in activities that allow them to experience your mission first hand. One nonprofit invites the volunteer and candy executive whose company donates its fine chocolate to distribute personally the gift boxes to clients at the annual Christmas feeding program.

As you cultivate and nurture relationships, learn what interests your donors individually and seek opportunities to involve them accordingly. Whether serving on a Board, chairing a committee or engaging in more visible and "hands-on" activities, their greater involvement can become a sure motivator to greater investment in your cause.

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

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

"Remember that marketing strategies and cultivation strategies are not synonymous. While both are important, cultivation is the thoughtful, targeted and personalized approach for creating relationships with prospects and donors. Understanding the difference is critical to fundraising." - Robert G. Swanson, President, Hartsook Companies, Inc.

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, visit the Hartsook store.
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 toolbox of strategies for effective campaign fundraising. Each page is filled with ideas, concepts, plans, strategies, approaches and suggestions that result in success. For more information, or to order a copy, visit the Hartsook store.
"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 Cathy Rutz, cathy@hartsookcompanies.com, or visit our web site. We also invite you to contribute your own best practice by emailing Shelly Chinberg, shelly@hartsookcompanies.com.

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 1,600 fundraising professionals bi-weekly. We welcome your contributions or comments. Send to Strategies for Success editor Annette Lough, annette@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.