Use Your Network for Getting Those Donated $$$
Linda Saul
In looking at fundraising dollars many of us think that “bigger is better”. But in capturing fundraising dollars for your organization, most of us already have a goldmine of resources just waiting to be tapped—our network of friends, family, colleagues and business associates. In a recent brainstorming session of a fundraising committee I attended, many of participants were concentrating on looking for names of those who would be able to deliver the “big” gifts—in terms of sponsorships, buying tables at an event, raffle tickets, and journal space. At the beginning of the meeting, everyone seemed adamant in their pursuit of attracting well-known names from the media, entertainment, and financial services industries that could make a substantial donation to the organization. Rather than helping the committee tick off a list of celebrities, the fundraiser was about to show us the amount of value we had in our own network.
Think Inside the Box
The fundraiser asked each person to think of one or two people we already knew who might be good candidates to help raise money for the organization. The candidates necessarily did not have to be high profile, but should have a genuine interest in the mission of the organization. After a few minutes following this train of thought, the director named a published author of children’s books who lived in her building. A board member gave a name of a fellow church member who worked for a large philanthropic foundation; another remembered that her accountant served on a nonprofit board advisory council. The committee’s thinking started to expand their circle of giving. By the end of the meeting, we had a list of more than 25 people. The bottom line: the committee discovered their own potential “A” list givers.
Let The Network Work For You
The network of people you know will naturally expand into a wider circle; the more people you know; the larger your circle of potential funders. Your supporters will start to spread the word—they will become your “advertising agency” as they know about your organization, its good works, programs and future goals. As they talk to other people about your organization; interest is generated; and the potential for a new source of donated dollars exists. Most of us are likely to give to an organization or cause that we are already familiar. So, look into your own network before you start to divert your fundraising resources and time. As your network support grows, you might eventually capture the eye and interest of those larger corporations you initially set your sights on.
Linda Saul, is a grant writer, for Round-The-Clock Nursery, Inc, NYC’s only 24 hour /7 day a week, NAEYC accredited childcare and crisis nursery.
|
