As technology has evolved so has the complexity of following the best practices in fundraising. People receive information from so many different channels and each channel has its own set of rules. In the information age, how much is too much and when is it not enough? Having a development plan with structured guidelines and goals can help you to be more effective in your practices.
Engaging & Keeping Supporters
Thanking Donors
Allegra Marketing shared this tool for identifying ways to strengthen your relationships with donors.
You've written a beautiful thank you letter. Before you send it, run through this checklist to dot your i's and cross your t's.
A sample thank you letter from a summer camp program.
A sample thank you letter with an impact story.
Board Fundraising Role
There is no one-size-fits-all model of funding. This document reviews a number of models as identified in an SSIR article.
There is so much more to fundraising that being the person who "makes the ask." Share this list with your board members to help them engage more fully in the fundraising process
Use this checklist of ideas to bring new life to your fundraising.
This worksheet identifies the fundraising responsibilities of the board as a whole, individual board members and the fundraising committee.
Complete this worksheet in the boardroom to help board members Think through and write down ideas to formulate their "elevator speech."
Take this board fundraising quiz to determine whether your board is as effective at fundraising as it wants to be.
Modify this dashboard with meaningful measures from your own organization to give your Development Committee or Board a good picture of their progress in fundraising.
Use this form to give your board members more concrete ways to fulfill their commitment to support the organization.
Working with Consultants
This sample RFP was to find an evaluation consultant for NonprofitNext.
Before you send out that RFP, use this checklist to make sure you've included everything you need.
Finding the right consultant and developing a strong working relationship can have great results. This documents offers some key points on working with consultants.
Development Plans
Check out this sample development plan for ideas to develop your own.
A sample development plan for a preschool.
Charitable Deductions
This template for a receipt for a cash donation can save you some time.