Mentors are not just for children.  In the course of our day to day lives there is often little time to reinvent the wheel. Combined with a limit to the number of hours in any given day, professionals often miss out on the opportunity to learn from someone who has already been there.  While there are countless ways that technology and evolved practices can impact the life of an executive director or leader, neither can replace the impact of connectivity with someone who is accomplished, transparent and humble in their walk.  Years of fundraising experience and differing styles have made me more appreciative of my early mentors.  I can imagine the guru of fundraising reiterating to me "there is nothing new under the sun."  While it may not be new, just as in consignment, new practices can be indeed "new to you."  Proverbs 27:17 states it best, and rewriting excellence has never been our charge. 

SHAKING THE TREES: Raising Resources to Sustain Nonprofit Agencies
Tips to reinvigorate the way we raise resources, while maintaining your joy.

JOY 1: the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires  

For many of us, shaking the trees for resources can seem like a never-ending challenge.  Yet, challenges breed creativity and resilience.  Successful development professionals at their best, bridge people with resources to projects that exemplify their passion and interests.  There is joy in being able to help two very different audiences meet their individual needs.  We as people are always seeking ways to make a difference in this life.  When you are committed to the work that you do, understand what resource development is and is not, there are ample opportunities for immense joy.

ALlyd approaches fundraising and strategic resource development with JOY.  Fundraising is not a perfect science and the consultants within our firm have learned as much from our successes as our failures.  There is a tremendous opportunity that exists in the field of fundraising.  When done well - fundraisers have the distinct honor of helping everyday philanthropists realize their dreams. 

There is no one way to make an effective solicitation.  The most effective solicitation is often the one that yields the necessary support to impact lives.  However, there are tips and tools that can serve as a guide for using the time and resources of any agency in a way that yields results.

1. Clearly articulate what you are seeking from a prospective supporter.  Burying the request in a letter or series of attachments doesn't best serve anyone.

2. Demonstrate need, approach and the basis for investment.  Individuals and businesses alike want to know why there support is needed, how their support will be used, and what can be expected as a result of this program, project or event.

3. Summarize the facts. Flowerly language, insider terms and assumptions have no place in your final documents.  A team of collaborators can draft, edit and revise materials based on a shared commitment to produce a standard set of materials to reach the final goal.

4. Express deadlines, dates and timelines without reservation.  Personal follow-up is always required to confirm that materials were received, answer any questions and stay on track with requests.

5. Target your audience. Every document is not for every audience.  As a starting point, many solicitation packets include: a letter of introduction, an event/program FAQ (Frequently asked questions) reference sheet, a listing of support categories and benefits, and a reply form for capturing key contact information and commitments.

Each of these recommendations can serve as part of an overall commitment to reach new & existing audiences for support.  When we focus on one way to do anything, we often lose before we start.  Information sharing, relationship building, track record and transparency  all have their place in the personalized art of solicitation.  Ultimately, solicitation is the process of offering an opportunity to make an impact to those who have both the interest and capacity to make a difference through their support.  The art and science of requesting support rests in treating others in the same manner we would want to be treated. What do you need before providing your support? Let that be your guideSolicitation Art & Science:
There is no one way to make an effective solicitation.  The most effective solicitation is often the one that yields the necessary support to impact lives.  However, there are tips and tools that can serve as a guide for using the time and resources of any agency in a way that yields results.

1. Clearly articulate what you are seeking from a prospective supporter.  Burying the request in a letter or series of attachments doesn't best serve anyone.

2. Demonstrate need, approach and the basis for investment.  Individuals and businesses alike want to know why there support is needed, how their support will be used, and what can be expected as a result of this program, project or event.

3. Summarize the facts. Flowerly language, insider terms and assumptions have no place in your final documents.  A team of collaborators can draft, edit and revise materials based on a shared commitment to produce a standard set of materials to reach the final goal.

4. Express deadlines, dates and timelines without reservation.  Personal follow-up is always required to confirm that materials were received, answer any questions and stay on track with requests.

5. Target your audience. Every document is not for every audience.  As a starting point, many solicitation packets include: a letter of introduction, an event/program FAQ (Frequently asked questions) reference sheet, a listing of support categories and benefits, and a reply form for capturing key contact information and commitments.

Each of these recommendations can serve as part of an overall commitment to reach new & existing audiences for support.  When we focus on one way to do anything, we often lose before we start.  Information sharing, relationship building, track record and transparency  all have their place in the personalized art of solicitation.  Ultimately, solicitation is the process of offering an opportunity to make an impact to those who have both the interest and capacity to make a difference through their support.  The art and science of requesting support rests in treating others in the same manner we would want to be treated. What do you need before providing your support? Let that be your guide.

WORKSHOP SERIES INTRODUCTION In a basic workshop about the fundamentals of fundraising I have the opportunity to talk about cherries.  Cherries are small, bite sized tips & tools that individuals and organizations can use to expand their understanding of fundraising.  Fundraising is as much art and science, and any introductory workshop should provide a foundation from which a full understanding about the craft can be built.  Cherries taste great, travel well, and come in many varieties.  There are also pits hidden within each one.  Often times people ignore very basic fundraising concepts for more exotic strategies to raise money.  Don’t forget that there are hidden pitfalls that exist within all strategies, and maintaining your joy requires a commitment to work through failure.  When mistakes happen, how do you respond to crisis and obvious missteps?  What could you do within the next 90 days to reaffirm the basics of resource development? Cherries To Go …. Each of the principles and activities that generate resources are interconnected and rely on each other - Are you focusing on one strategy to the detriment of other opportunities within your organization? Every person affiliated with and employed by the organization is responsible for raising resources for the agency - Are you upfront and honest with Board Members, Volunteers and Staff about their specific roles and responsibilities in development? The personal touch is not optional – resource development starts and ends with people - What concrete ways do you show donors and investors your gratitude and the value for their support? Good Stewardship demands that as much energy be put into minimizing costs and conserving resources, as raising money - What are you doing to minimize costs and effectively disperse funds within your organization?  What does the audit demonstrate about your priorities?  Resource Development is the process of matching money, people and goods to the needs that exist within the community - Are you identifying people and businesses that are a match for the work that you do?  Are you retaining people once that make a match?  There are opportunities everywhere if you ENGINEER  it - What have you done in the last 60 days to create new opportunities to raise resources?  Are you stagnant in creating opportunities?  For more information, contact ALlyd Image Solutions or Enhancing Your NonProfit for this collaborative workshop first launched at the Michigan Nonprofit Association Spring Conference series.

Capacity building is the process of strengthening the infrastructure of an agency - planning & evaluation, governance, human resources, fundraising, finances, technology and communication.  The process requires a clear assessment of both internal and external operations - and volunteers are key to both! Volunteers are an incredible resource, offering time, skill and financial resources to address core community needs.  Managing volunteer relationships is one of the most challenging and most rewarding responsibilities of any leader.  Establishing boundaries can ensure a quality long-term relationship.

There are many tools and resources dedicated to volunteer recruitment.  The ability to attract, retain and cultivate volunteers is an essential element in building public investment in the success of an agency.  Equally challenging is learning when to say good bye to individuals who have transitioned from asset to liability during the course of their involvement. Just like the life-cycle of an organization, volunteers often have a life-cycle. During different seasons we are naturally able to offer different benefits to the groups we support, as agency needs change so do our roles. Have you ever considered the signs that indicate a relationship may be overdue for evaluation? Here are a few questions for your reflection.

1. Does the individual attract or repel interested people to the work that you do?

2. Are the contributions offered (time, skill, resources) greater than the problems and obstacles that are created by their presence?

3. What language does the volunteer use when speaking about the work? Do their words build up or tear down the progress that is being made?

4. Have terms of service been adjusted, changed and avoided to address a lack of staggered terms or effective rotation?

5. Would you benefit from 10 additional volunteers just like the one you are reflecting on? 

While organizational gratitude and volunteer engagement are key for long-term success, so is having the right team.  Individuals do not have to agree or share every approach to be a benefit to the agencies they serve. Yet, a good rule of thumb asks you to consider the time that someone invests and the legacy they leave as a result of their service.  A fluid team means that an agency pays careful attention to the resources it has and leverages them for the greatest organizational impact.  Part of that responsibility rests in being able to engage volunteers in meaningful ways.  Part of that responsibility rests in the ability to redirect volunteers who no longer contribute  to the overall mission & vision of the organization.  To every person their is a season - and it holds true for volunteers, staff members, consultants and leaders alike. Building capacity includes building people to affect change.

FREE INFORMATIONAL SESSION Are you interested in leaning more about fundraising?  Would you like to eliminate the fear that comes to your mind when you think about asking someone for money?  Is there a tremendous idea that you have been too scared to embrace to generate additional funds?  ALlyd offers a free 1 hour informational session to explore what your basic needs are related to: Fundraising Strategic Resource Development Organizational Development Professional Management Coaching Project Management Public Relations/Marketing If you would like more information about the assessment questionnaire, phone survey or on-site information session contact us today.