Question:
What are the three most effective strategies for planning a successful fundraising campaign?
Answer:
* Develop your case.
Have a clearly defined and easily understood campaign case – what the organization is raising the money for. That case also must distinguish the organization from others in the community.
* Cultivate support.
A nonprofit must have buy-in and support from key stakeholders. These stakeholders can include board members, senior staff and others in the organization. It is important that they support what you are intending to do.
* Make sure you have the horsepower.
Ask, “Does the organization have the horsepower required to execute the campaign?” A competent staff and the requisite number of volunteers are necessary to run a successful campaign.
— Compiled by Caroline Monday
Dean Jones is senior vice president of financial development at YMCA of Greater Charlotte.