Back to the basics!

Just a few quick thoughts regarding fundraising in these difficult times.

At a speech I gave recently to the Connecticut Council on Philanthropy I encouraged the audience to get back to the basics-to focus on doing the little things right, the blocking and tackling that leads to donor loyalty, major and even planned gifts.

In the parish setting the basics would be offertory. This is an important time to encourage your donors to make reasonable increases in weekly giving if they are able. It is also an important time to share with them the financial state of the parish, the number of regular supporters, the average weekly gift. Focus your parishioners attention on electronic giving, use of envelopes, monthly gifts and making up when they are unable to attend mass.

Next week I intend to post results from offertory enhancement appeals that the firm is running right now-in the heart of the economic crisis-you are going to be very pleased with the results. The generosity of the faithful is always a sight to behold!

If you are a school or other non profit now is the time to master your annual appeal. Analyze giving patterns, increase the frequency of your direct mail solicitations, focus on building donor loyalty, modest increases in annual giving and showing appreciation to your generous supporters.

An intense focus on your annual giving, donor loyalty programs, upgrading gifts, cultivating relationships and solidifying and perfecting your case for support will serve you well in the future when this economy turns around. And make no mistake about it this economy will turn around!

More coming-but hang in there folks! Your parishioners, your donors are not letting you down!