This past Tuesday, I spent the morning in court listening to child abuse and neglect cases. One of the groups that I work with is a CASA chapter (Court Appointed Special Advocates). A CASA volunteer acts as an advocate for the child as they maneuver through the court system. These kids need as many people as possible to stand up for them.
As I sat through case after case, I kept thinking that if everyone had this same experience, they would become a huge supporter of CASA. How could you not be moved by the plight of these children? If everyone could see what I am seeing, every child in the court system would have a CASA volunteer.
Later that day, I went to SOAR Youth Ministries in the Lonsdale community. I love this place. It feels so inviting and fun. There is always some activity going on- kids dancing, laughing and chatting up a storm. I caught myself thinking the same thing: if we could get everyone in the door, they would fall in these kids and support this great organization.
It may not be possible to get everyone into a courtroom or a community center, but you can take these stories and experiences out to everyone. Although it may not have the same impact, invoking an emotional response from current and potential donors is a sure way to increase their connection to your organization.
Telling stories in your newsletter, posting video on your website, including photos in your mailings and sharing powerful testimonials are ways to get potential donors to see what you see.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Questioning your existence
I've been working with a couple of small nonprofits on creating a case for support. It is an essential piece of the puzzle for every fundraising plan. A case for support makes the argument for why someone should give your organization money. Pretty important, right?
Some of the questions that must be addressed to make a strong case for support are not easy to answer. They might even make people uncomfortable. If staff, board and volunteers can't answer these questions, then how in the world can they make a strong case for a gift of any amount?
Here are some of the questions you need to ask yourself when working on a case for support.
1. Why does your organization exist?
2. Who benefits from your organization's services?
3. What effect does your organization have on its clients? On the community? On the world?
4. What makes your organization different from other organizations that serve the same cause?
5. What would happen if your organization didn't exist?
6. What is the recognized social need your organization serves? What proof do you have to show the social need must be addressed?
7. Why should someone give to your organization?
Tough questions, huh? Well, they should be. This process isn't something to do over lunch or during a single staff meeting. It is meant to really expose the urgent needs and value of your organization. Everyone should be involved, from staff and board members to key volunteers and select donors. Yeah, it is THAT important.
Some groups go through the process only to learn that no one is on the same page. Imagine getting five different answers for each question. What then? Obviously, there needs to be a realignment and reevaluation of the mission, and quick. You can see how valuable this process can be.
I would like to encourage each of you to take a look at your website, membership brochures, donor appeal letters, grant proposals, and all other external materials, and see if the questions above are answered in those materials.
If not, then it is time to begin the long, rewarding process of creating a case for support. Good luck!
**Check out "Developing your case for support" by Timothy L. Seiler for a step-by-step guide to creating your case for support. It is one of my favorite books on the topic.
Some of the questions that must be addressed to make a strong case for support are not easy to answer. They might even make people uncomfortable. If staff, board and volunteers can't answer these questions, then how in the world can they make a strong case for a gift of any amount?
Here are some of the questions you need to ask yourself when working on a case for support.
1. Why does your organization exist?
2. Who benefits from your organization's services?
3. What effect does your organization have on its clients? On the community? On the world?
4. What makes your organization different from other organizations that serve the same cause?
5. What would happen if your organization didn't exist?
6. What is the recognized social need your organization serves? What proof do you have to show the social need must be addressed?
7. Why should someone give to your organization?
Tough questions, huh? Well, they should be. This process isn't something to do over lunch or during a single staff meeting. It is meant to really expose the urgent needs and value of your organization. Everyone should be involved, from staff and board members to key volunteers and select donors. Yeah, it is THAT important.
Some groups go through the process only to learn that no one is on the same page. Imagine getting five different answers for each question. What then? Obviously, there needs to be a realignment and reevaluation of the mission, and quick. You can see how valuable this process can be.
I would like to encourage each of you to take a look at your website, membership brochures, donor appeal letters, grant proposals, and all other external materials, and see if the questions above are answered in those materials.
If not, then it is time to begin the long, rewarding process of creating a case for support. Good luck!
**Check out "Developing your case for support" by Timothy L. Seiler for a step-by-step guide to creating your case for support. It is one of my favorite books on the topic.
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