How Does Your Garden Grow?

While researching plants for a new backyard landscaping plan, I found myself thinking about how important it is to care for each breed or variety based on its unique characteristics and needs. So many variables - water, sun and soil - can impact their ability to thrive in a given location. And it occurred to me that major gift donors are similar in that they require special care and cultivation to maintain a healthy and productive relationship with your nonprofit.

In the spring garden, everything is new and exciting and we can't wait to get our hands in the soil. But then as spring turns to summer and the temperature increases, it becomes more of a chore to get outside and care for the plants. Likewise, successful fundraising professionals are energized when they identify new donor prospects. But once the relationship is established and the gift has been received, a supporter's involvement can sometimes be taken for granted.

Major gift donors, just like gardens, need consistent attention and care. Know your supporters well, understand their interests so you can identify areas within your organization where they will thrive if given the opportunity, and nurture each one based on his or her unique needs.

Have you tended your garden lately?

- Laurie Walker, Senior Vice President for Business Development and Resource Management

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

“My best practice is creating an informal coalition of Executive Directors in my city to share ideas and challenges. We also have a list serve where we can post questions of each other.” - Marisa Galick, Executive Director, Joy of Music School, Knoxville, Tenn.

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.
"Reality Fundraising: Proven, Practical Ideas for the Enlightened Fundraiser" by Bob Hartsook (2005, ASR Philanthropic Publishing). The book features great ideas, insights and lessons learned through hundreds of best practices from nonprofit professionals nationwide. To order the book, 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 Annette Lough, annette@hartsookcompanies.com.

Interested in Speakers?

Hartsook consultants are available to speak to your organization on dozens of topics. To see how our topics could benefit your group, visit our web site or email Annette Lough at annette@hartsookcompanies.com to discuss the possibilities.

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 2,000 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 Cathy Rutz, cathy@hartsookcompanies.com. You also can reach her at 316.630.9992.

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