So, you’re planning a fundraiser for your nonprofit.

The cause? Check. The enthusiasm? Check. The planning……….

The key to a successful nonprofit fundraiser: proper planning. If you're not familiar with planning events, you might need some help deciding where or how to start. I would say no matter how big or small the event you should start planning AT LEAST 6 months, if not a year out from the event. 

In this first blog of 2016 I thought we might take a moment to view the overall nonprofit fundraising landscape. I know that your strategic plan and operating plan have already been written, but I thought this might be the perfect opportunity to do your first edit. The best plans are living documents always awaiting amendment.

After reading the recipe I looked up at this public relations legend and said, “Of course - seems obvious when you put it like that”.  Core Values and walking the walk seems to be more attractive to donors than a bunch of advertising.  

When a nonprofit can find a more effective way to ask for donations (and get them), it’s a big win. In early May, I attended a conference in Minneapolis focused on marketing and business. The conference is held once a year, and attendees learn about what’s working in the marketing industry. It’s a great place to pick up new ideas. One speaker, in particular, really caught my attention. He discussed a powerful marketing technique that I thought would work exceptionally well when applied to nonprofits. 

MEASURING NONPROFIT OUTCOMES 

The key to great fundraising is to get people excited about your non-profit.

Part of the difficulty that arises for non-profit human service organizations seeking funding, particularly through grant writing is the need for quantifiable ways to illustrate that goals are being met. There are many human success stories which can be compelling, but for those from whom non-profits seek to fund their mission, there should be a measurable benefit to the community coming from a particular human services organization.

This video post comes to us from our friends at MovieMondays. 

1. Stage a Board Member Thank-a-Thon
2. Never Apply for a Grant Without Contacting the Foundation First
3. Make Specific and Direct Asks for Money
4. Map Donations to Impact
5. Make Your Donation Button Shine
6. Create and Tap Your Social Network
7. Pursue In-Kind Donations, Contributed Media, and Technical Expertise
8. Apply for a Google Grant
9. Create a Winning Budget
10. Understand the Social Capital Market

Compiled from Darian Rodriguez Heyman, ed., Nonprofit Management 101: A Complete and Practical Guide for Leaders and Professionals