What's been missing from your fundraising plan
- Chris B.
- Sep 23
- 2 min read
Speed is often the enemy of effective fundraising.
It's frustrating, right? Because we need the money today (if not yesterday). And once we've finished a campaign or event it's time for the next one - so there's no real time to stop, to evaluate, or to even pause before we're gearing up for the next round of solicitation.
There's a lot at risk when we keep this pace up. It's a road that leads to staff burnout, sloppy fundraising, and poor program results.
It's also a pace that doesn't leave any room for stewardship - and that hurts donor retention and long-term fundraising sustainability.
So, how do you build in time for that pause? For that moment of gratitude? Here are three things you can do today:
Sharpen your automated systems. Review and revise any thank you messages that are automatically generated to make sure they are up-to date - including any standard acknowledgement letters.
Schedule time for gratitude. Block time on your calendar (and on your ED's / CEO's calendar) to make thank you calls - especially after a campaign or event.
Add 1 stewardship element. Don't get overwhelmed thinking that you need to give every donor a letter, a note, a call, a custom video, a notarized proclamation, and a custom trophy. Start with what can you accomplish and build from there.
Start building a habit of pausing for gratitude.
Start building a stewardship program that is swift, accurate, and meaningful.
Get started!
Ready for more?
My Align & Accelerate program can help you build a better stewardship program (and unlock ways to engage staff and board members in the process). Set up a call today!
Comments