5 Fundraising Focus Sharpeners: Continuing the Conversation—A Guest Post by Roxie Jerde

What a pleasure it was to see representatives from so many local nonprofit agencies at the May AFP meeting. I enjoyed the opportunity to share some of what I’ve learned about donors in my time at the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation and now at my new home here at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Thank you for welcoming me with such warmth and enthusiasm.


As a follow up to our conversation, I wanted to pose a few thoughts that may help guide you in building and sustaining funding for your nonprofit’s mission. Consider using these questions as a reference in your evolving development plan, or feel free to post your thoughts and comments right here on the AFP blog:

1. Do our development efforts align with the breakdown of the $303.75 billion in charitable giving? More than 80% of all charitable giving comes from individual donors and bequests, and this is where the lion’s share of your time should be focused.
2. Is our organization addressing what high net worth households—representing 2/3 of all individual giving—want in charitable giving? They need to believe their gift will make a difference and that your organization is efficient in its use of donations. Being over-solicited is a leading reason high net worth households stop giving. 
3. If/ when special events are part of our development plan, are we capitalizing on this time to cultivate major gift prospects and truly convey the purpose and impact of our mission? Following up with your guests, using board members as ambassadors at your event and driving your mission home with a mix of compelling stories and facts are integral.
4. Do we know each of our donor’s motivations for giving and are we using this to build our relationship with them? Hope Neighbor, Money for Good researcher, classifies the motivations for giving into six categories—repayer, seeking to “give back” to a cause close to the heart; casual giver, giving to well-known nonprofits because it’s simple; high impact, supporting nonprofits the donor believes are doing the most good; faith based, giving to support religious institutions and/or beliefs; see the difference, giving to small and/or local organizations where the donor feels they are making a difference; and personal ties, giving when the donor has connections to the organization’s leaders.
5. Are you a “Double E”—effective and efficient—nonprofit? Answer this question by taking a look at your program effectiveness, operating budget, financial transparency and board engagement. Consider your administrative and fundraising expenses—ideally less than 25% of your budget—and the retention rate of senior leadership, which is considered favorable if it’s more than 75%.

I’m impressed with the caliber of professionals in the Southwest Florida chapter of AFP and know that you have strong resources right in front of you. You’ll also find continuing support for professional development and knowledge through the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s Nonprofit Resource Center and online in national studies, blogs and philanthropic publications.

Here are a few of my favorites we talked about at the meeting:

• Bank of America 2010 Study of High Net Worth Philanthropy 
• Hope Consulting’s Money for Good Report, May 2010 
• Sean Stannard-Stockton’s Tactical Philanthropy Blog

I’ll look forward to seeing you out in the community and onsite at your nonprofit over the coming months and year.

 

 

 

Roxie Jerde became the president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County on March 1, 2011. Learn more online at www.CFSarasota.org. 

You're Perfect for the Mentoring Program.Take a Look at What AFP Has to Offer...

The Mentoring Program matches advanced fundraising professionals with AFP members who want to develop their skills in a particular area--from annual fund to major gifts to event planning to career development--to name just a few of the possibilities.  Your mentor will then meet with you regularly throughout the year and provide you with personalized feedback, direction and nurturing to help you build your career.

Mentees gain valuable skills and personalized career-building support through a one-on-one mentoring relationship.  You can focus on a fundraising topic of your choice that has practical application to your job.   It’s like having a free consultant dedicated to advancing your career.

Mentors have an opportunity to share their professional expertise and to nurture rising stars within our profession.

How does the AFP Mentoring Program work?

• People who would like to be mentored identify themselves to the program facilitator.  Mentees complete an enrollment form and skills/needs survey that helps them establish goals.
• People who would like to be mentors also let us know of their interest.  Mentors should have 5+ years in development, a desire to help other fundraisers, and a willingness to focus on the mentees goals and needs and help him/her achieve them.
• The facilitator matches mentees and mentor, considering geography, subject matter to be worked on and matching people from organizations that are mutually illuminating while not being competitive.
• Mentees identify a project or 1-3 specific goals they hope to accomplish during the year.  Where do they want to be in their careers in 2 years?  What specifically do they need to master to serve their institution more effectively?
• These goals should also mesh with the AFP Knowledge Areas and Curriculum Framework.
• Mentors and mentees agree on the goals and basic format for their meetings beforehand and sign an agreement.
• Mentor/mentess meet at least monthly and probably connect more often via phone and/or email.
• Communication is confidential and structured enough to ensure progress but open enough to foster communication and evolve as needed.
• Both members of the pair need to have a sense of purpose and accountability.
• The pairs should meet somewhere they both feel comfortable to speak openly.
• The facilitator checks in with all program participants monthly and convenes the entire group every other month so they can report back on their progress and experiences.
• The program is for AFP members, and it is free. 

What time commitment is involved?
Mentor/mentess meet at least monthly and probably connect more often via phone and/or email.  The entire group meets for an hour every other month so they can report back on their progress and experiences.

Is there a cost?
No.

Do you have to be a member of AFP to take advantage of the program?
Yes.

How do I get involved?
Please contact Mary Saionz, Mentoring Program Coordinator, 917-1203/ mary-saionz@smh.com.