Smart fundraising ideas from Hartsook

January 25, 2012

Funding Source Updates

Once your organization receives a "charitable investment" from an individual, foundation, corporation or organization, consider sending a Funding Source Update Letter that shows how their investments are being used. In addition to reporting on the amount of contributions (knowing that others are supporting your organization validates their decision to support you) always report on the residual benefits to the clients you serve. (Please remember not to use individual donors' names without their permission. You can report on individual donations collectively).

Prospects, Too!
Funding Source Update Letters also can/should be mailed to those individuals, foundations, corporations and organization that are considering a proposal you have submitted to them. Again, this demonstrates to the prospective donor that your organization is committed to being good stewards of the funds entrusted to them and that you understand the importance of reporting back to donors who have chosen to invest in your mission.

That's Validation!
During an integrated campaign for which Hartsook served as the on-site consultant, periodic Funding Source Update Letters were mailed. Following the dedication ceremonies at the end of the campaign, a Trustee from a major private foundation sought out the on-site consultant to say how much he and the other Trustees enjoyed her letters. He said, "Too often, the only communication we receive is a formal thank-you and the mandatory report required to receive our grant. Other than that, we do not hear from the organization until they want more money."

Those who are responsible for securing private support for their organization understand the importance of relationship building. The Funding Source Update Letter is a very effective way to correspond with donors. While you never want to overdo a good thing, most people feel good knowing they are appreciated and that their contributions are truly valued by the organization.

People give to organizations because they want to change lives. Take time to let them know how their "Charitable Investment" made a difference.

Norma R. Murphy, Executive Vice President, (Wichita, Kan.), norma@hartsookcompanies.com

Growing Philanthropy Tour

Next stops on the road to achieving our mission of growing philanthropy by 25 percent in the next 20 years:

Richard Potter will present "The Integrated Development Plan" on February 8 at the Association of Fundraising Professionals Northeast Iowa Chapter Meeting. Participants will gain insight into maintaining and even increasing annual fund contributions as part of an overall fundraising strategy that includes operating, capital, endowment and special project goals.

Norma Murphy and Richard Potter will present, "Components of a Comprehensive Fundraising Campaign" to the National School Foundation Association on February 23 in Ames, Iowa. Participants in this 90-minute workshop will increase their understanding of capital campaigns, the annual fund, alumni fundraising, corporate and foundation relations, and strategies for developing a major donor program. Click here to register.

To see the rest of the Growing Philanthropy Tour, click here. For Tour photos and updates, "like" the Tour on Facebook.

Resources for Smart Fundraising Available on Kindle

Keeping up to date on the latest fundraising trends has never been easier with the Kindle ASR Media collection. Titles from Hartsook Companies' Chairman and Founder Bob Hartsook include:

• Getting Your Ducks in a Row - a tool box of strategies for effective campaign fundraising, including ideas, concepts, plans, strategies, approaches and suggestions that result in success
• Million Dollar Gifts - 101 strategies of amazing real-life stories of million-dollar gifts made by average Americans
• Closing that Gift! How to be Successful 99% of the Time - a reveal of the 29 secrets to closing a gift and the top 10 solicitation mistakes

Book Deal of the Month

Reality Fundraising: Proven, Practical Ideas for the Enlightened Fundraiser (2005, ASR Media) - More than 200 fundraisers from across the country and beyond lend their best practices and great ideas. Some are brilliant, others quite simple. But all are shared by professionals with a passion for their organization and a dedication to their profession. To get this book at a special rate of $10 (plus $5 for shipping and handling), click here.

On the Web

	Timely Tips and Tweets! Follow us on Twitter at HartsookTips and at MattBeem for tips and giveaways. Recent Tweet, "Have a board member or other volunteer call donors of a certain level and above to tell them how much their gift is appreciated."
	Facebook: Become a Fan and a Friend. Fundraising tips, event photos, news and updates - see what's new at Hartsook Companies by becoming a fan of us on Facebook. "Friend" Hartsook Founder Bob Hartsook, CEO Matt Beem, or Chief Creative Officer Karin Cox for even more updates!
	Lessons from Bob's Blog. In Chairman Bob Hartsook's latest blog, "Are You Ready for John Shamberg's Call?," he reflects on his young fundraising career and a phone call that changed the way he looked at New Years Eve. Click here to read more and post your comment.
	Examine This. President and CEO Matt Beem's article, "Gifts from all my grandparents" was featured in the Examiner. Sharing a story of the beloved lessons taught to him by his grandparents, Matt realizes the greatest gift one can give. Visit our website to find out what the gift is and read the entire article.

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

"Create a membership category for distant friends of your organization - those who have moved to other communities. Keep them engaged through a low-cost newsletter 'from the desk of the president or executive director.' Ask other donors who know them to mention your organization's good work. Continue to invite them to events as if they lived in the area" - Lynn Hawks, MA, Vice President (Santa Barbara, Calif.), lhawks@hartsookcompanies.com

Interested in Best Practices and smart ideas? See these additional resources from Hartsook Companies:

• "Best Practices Coast to Coast," a compilation of best practices from every state in the union.

• "Hartsook Best Practices Collection," 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 Julie Sommerhauser, julie@hartsookcompanies.com, or visit our website. Would you like to be included in our next Collection? Send your Best Practices and smart ideas to Julie.

Visit the Hartsook Companies website 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 best practices contributions or comments. Send to Strategies for Success editor Karin Cox, kcox@hartsookcompanies.com. If you'd like a free subscription to Strategies for Success or its monthly companion, eHartsook on Philanthropy, contact Julie Sommerhauser at julie@hartsookcompanies.com or 866.630.8500, Ext. 8224.