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

January 24, 2006

In the world of philanthropy and fundraising cultivation events are utilized in three very different ways.

1. "Friend" raisers
   Designed to introduce and educate members of the community to the organization, these informal, fun-filled events can be held throughout the year at various locations to attract a wide and diverse audience.
   
   
2. Volunteer recognition and awards
   These events are intended specifically to make donors feel special and to reconnect them to your organization's mission. Always encourage donors to bring friends and family as guests - but these events are not designed for educating prospects.
   
   
3. All-in-one event
   Combine aspects from each of the above events for a feel-good/educational cultivation event. 

Whichever of these options you choose to pursue, consider these tips before you begin work on any type of event:

• Consult your community calendar to select a month with the fewest events already scheduled
• Reserve the best place in town to accommodate the elements of your event - formal dinner, swing band, donor/community awards and/or professional PowerPoint presentation
• If your event includes a PowerPoint presentation, make that presentation before dinner and always remember the 10-minute rule
• Ask a local business to underwrite the event, give them generous program space for advertising, and of course, an invitation to the event itself
• For a low-profile event, try a luncheon - charge a per person fee for the lunch and schedule a fabulous speaker to draw additional attendees

By staying focused on your goal and getting organized early, you may be surprised how successful and fun these events can be!

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

"In many cases, appreciation is your best way of cultivating future donors. We were looking for creative ways to engage and interact with our military alumni. To do so, we instituted a donor program where once a year we mailed a personalized 'Military Salute' to all our military alums. It recognized their service to our country. No solicitation or ask was involved in the salute, but the response - both in total gifts and total dollars - was tremendous." - Brett Blackwelder, MHSA, Park University (Parkville, Mo.)

If you're interested in Best Practices, check out these additional resources from Hartsook Companies:

• "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, follow this link: http://www.asrpublishing.com
  
• "Best Practices Coast to Coast^SM," a complilation of best practices from every state in the union
  
• "Another Two Dozen Best Practices and Great Ideas^SM," a special edition which features suggestions from 24 Hartsook Companies consultants
  
• "Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM," our original collection of 250 best practices and great ideas

For a free copy of any or all of the "Best Practices" collections, please email Erika Turner, erika@hartsookcompanies.com or visit our web site at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/bestpractices2.shtml. 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.