Smart ideas delivered every other Tuesday from Hartsook Companies, Inc.

January 10, 2006

Below are "New Year's resolutions" you will want to build into your 2006 plan:

• Update records to include progress made throughout 2005
Document the actual impact of your work beyond raw statistics.  More detailed information is important for three key reasons:

1. Foundations, corporations and individuals want to know how their contribution made a difference.
2. Donors want to know your plans for the future. Good records help determine the areas needing work and support.
3. Reliable data builds confidence among donors and clients.

• Research and initiate grant funding for 2006 and 2007 - get on their radar today, it's not too late... and it's never too early
Utilize your database to alert you to proposal deadlines, funder contacts and prior support.  Call funders to say "thank you" (again) and inquire about changes to due dates or guidelines.

• Review and refresh your case for support - it should differentiate you from other organizations
Revisit the reasons you do what you do and the benefits you provide to clients.  Review success stories from 2005 and use them to refresh your case for support.

• Call past donors to wish them Happy New Year - you may be the first to do so
Don't ask for money; this will make the call much more meaningful.  If you have too many donors to call, segment them by gift level and email those giving at lower levels.  Take this opportunity to confirm or update donor information in your database.

• Get your annual giving program in order
Review your list of 2005 donors; look for donors who have given year after year, those who gave multiple gifts in 2005 and those who increased their gift from previous years.  It may be of benefit to develop unique cultivation, solicitation and appreciation strategies for these donors.

• Ask
People rarely give if they haven't been asked.

- Judy Turner, Research and Data Management Specialist (Kansas City) judy@hartsookcompanies.com

Another smart idea...From the Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM

"Keep a beginner's mind.  Never assume there is nothing anybody can teach you." - Nicole Turner, Summit R&D (Lenexa, Kan.)

If you're interested in Best Practices, check out Bob Hartsook's latest book: "Reality Fundraising: Proven, Practical Ideas for the Enlightened Fundraiser" (2005, ASR Philanthropic Publishing). The book features great ideas, insights and lessons learned through hundreds of best practices from nonprofit professionals nationwide. For more information, or to order the book, follow this link: http://www.asrpublishing.com.

Hartsook Companies' "Best Practices Coast to Coast^SM" features a best practice from every state in the union. We also offer a special addition to the Collection, "Another Two Dozen Best Practices and Great Ideas^SM," which features suggestions from 24 Hartsook Companies consultants. If you'd like a free copy of either of these publications, please email Erika Turner, erika@hartsookcompanies.com or visit our web site at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/bestpractices2.shtml.

For even more best practices and great ideas, check out the "Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM" on 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.

Interested in Speakers?

Hartsook consultants are available to speak to your organization on a variety of topics. To read more, visit http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/speak.shtml or email Tami Druzba at tami@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 1,000 fundraising professionals bi-weekly. We welcome your contributions or comments. If you'd like a free subscription to Strategies for Success - or its monthly companion, eHartsook on Philanthropy - contact Erika Turner (erika@hartsookcompanies.com). You also can reach her at 316.630.9992.

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