Steven Screen, partner at The Better Fundraising Co., writes some of the most practical fundraising advice out there. He cuts right to the chase and explains what needs to be done. Two of his frameworks come up in my coaching and presentations all the time.
1) Become great at three things
Before chasing anything new, Steven argues every fundraising program needs to be great at three basics: asking, thanking, and reporting. Ask clearly and specifically. Thank donors in a way that’s about them, not your organization. And show them, through regular newsletters and stories, what their gifts made possible.
Read the article: The Three Things to Become Great At
2) Know when to innovate
I talk a lot about the need for innovation in fundraising. In several of my presentations I show a photo of a grumpy committee member with a speech bubble saying “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” followed by a chart showing the law of diminishing returns. My honest belief is that if we don’t innovate, our fundraising will eventually turn in the wrong direction.
However, not every nonprofit is ready to innovate. If an organization is just getting started, hasn’t implemented best practices, or is an organizational train wreck, it might not be the right time. Steven’s “Stabilize, Optimize, Expand, Innovate” framework is a great way to figure out where you stand.
Read the article: When to Attempt to Innovate
Where does your organization stand? If you aren’t great at asking, thanking, and reporting yet, that’s your starting point. Innovation can wait.