45+ great fundraising ideas you can do! presented by jean block jean block consulting, inc. 2015...

2015 Jean Block consulting, Inc. www.jblockinc.com 1

45+ Great FUNdraising Ideas

You Can Do!Presented by Jean Block

Jean Block Consulting, Inc.


About Your Presenter

More than 45 years in the nonprofit sector as board and staff leader.

Jean Block Consulting, Inc. since 1996, Albuquerque NM

Social Enterprise Ventures LLC since 2006, Albuquerque, NM

Author:

FUNdraising! 180+ Great Ideas to Raise More Money

The Invisible Yellow Line: Clarifying Board & Staff Roles

The Nonprofit Guide to Social Enterprise: Show Me The (Unrestricted) Money!

Fast FUNdraising Facts for Fame & Fortune

The ABCs of Building Better Boards


Great Ideas for the “Annual” AppealWhat if I never receive your “annual” letter?

Do I really read it? Don’t I already know what you want?


2 Ideas to Get the Envelope Opened

1. Size and shape matters• #10 business size? Maybe not …

• Window envelope? Definitely not!

• Monarch size? Maybe?

• Label versus imprint …

2. Slant something on the envelope• Call to action to open …

• Photo?


5 Ideas for the “Annual” Appeal

1. Change to quarterly appeals. 2. Don’t get lost in the clutter of traditional

year-end appeals. Change the timing. 3. Vary the format (letter, card, email, etc.). 4. Volunteers write notes, use post-its. 5. Include a mission-related enclosure.


4 More Ideas for the “Annual” Campaign

1. Start a fundraising blog to promote what you need, what you do, etc.

2. Do you accept contributions on your web page?

3. Start a Giving Club – let it get ‘viral.’ 4. Set a goal to double the size of your

database by year-end.


8 Ideas to Get the Letter Read

1. Powerful messaging – Mission and Purpose. 2. Donors need to see results and outcomes. 3. Focus on the positives. 4. Build enthusiasm. 5. Make it personal – connect with donors. 6. People give to people – use the best ‘asker’. 7. Keep it short and sweet – one page. 8. Make it easy to read – wide margins, bullets.


5 More Ideas for the “Annual” Appeal

1. Personalize the appeal – No “Dear Friend”

2. Segment the donor list. Thank for previous gift.

3. Ask for a specific amount or increase. 4. Make it easy – pledge and payments.5. Aim for Tuesday delivery.



1. Connect the donor with the result of his gift: $25/month will ….

2. Give specific examples and uses for the donation.

3. Include testimonials from clients in the appeal.

4. Tell a story.5. Thank you calls to top % of donor list before

appeal is sent.



1. Use stamps, rather than metered mail.2. Use first class postage for higher

donors.3. Check and recheck spelling and

punctuation!4. Give donors a reason to give…but be

careful about ‘urgent’….5. Sell what’s working – no begging and

whining!


5 More Ideas for the “Annual” Campaign

1. Allow for pledges and payments.2. Encourage ‘memorial/honor’ gifts.3. Ask for non-cash (in-kind) donations.4. Consider enclosures and premiums.5. Be legal! Check IRS Publications 598

and 1771 (www.irs.gov) for rules and regulations.

http://www.irs.gov/



1. Make thanking a PRIORITY!2. Strive for 48 hour turn around.3. Include a memento that connects donor

to your mission.4. Phone calls and visits to major donors.


Final Idea: The Powerful You:Me Ratio

You = donor

Me = you

Homework: red and green pens and circles


Ideas to Make Your Special Events Special


5 Ideas for Special Events

1. Change the venue. Change the date. 2. Change the theme. Add a theme. 3. Resist the urge to speak… 4. Spiff up the silent auction with a roving

reporter. 5. Use a local ‘celebrity’ for the live

auctioneer.


5 More Ideas for Special Events

1. Consider theme baskets. Sell an arm’s length of tickets. Raffle them and draw throughout the event.

2. “Sell” the auction items in a handout or program.

3. Add fun side events to generate interest and enthusiasm…bored guests leave early.

4. Save the ticket stubs…build your database. 5. Collaborate with another nonprofit.


Ideas to Enhance Sponsorship Revenue


5 Sponsorship Ideas

1. Seek mission-matches with sponsors. 2. Brainstorm: Who wants/needs visibility/access

to our products/events/attendees? 3. Give sponsors benefits they really want! 4. Over deliver what you promise. 5. Thank sponsors at least 3 times.

When they say Yes, when you get the check, afterwards to report on results.


Ideas to Get Volunteers Involved


8 Ideas to Get Board Members Involved 1. Hold a Thank You Campaign. 2. Sign and make notes on appeal letters. 3. Research and report on their company’s giving

programs. 4. Make an Internet giving page. 5. Host an event at their home or office. 6. Pay for the cost of an appeal campaign. 7. Make a planned gift. 8. Download the Menu of FUNdraising Opportunities

for Board Members at www.jblockinc.com


Resources

Available: Amazon Available: jblockinc.com


Thank You!

How Can I Help You?

Visit my website for free forms to download, sign up for my free e-newsletter and more

great ideas: www.jblockinc.com

Email me: [email protected]

http://www.jblockinc.com/

45+ great fundraising ideas you can do! presented by jean block jean block consulting, inc. 2015...

Documents

annual appeal

great ideas

great fundraising ideas

annual letter

annual campaign

business size

higher donors

monarch size