July~One Powerful Thing You Can Do Today to Fund Your Cause

Margaret Macleod ~ Independent Fundraising Consultant ~ July 2018

Cash in on the Currency of Momentum

Remember what we talked about last month? I advised you to pick up the phone and make a real-time connection with one of your major stake-holders. I recommended you call “Jane,” a stakeholder that was easy to talk to, loves your mission, and loves how you’re delivering it.

So now, riding that high of a great connection with an important friend of the organization, call another stakeholder on your list. Momentum is powerful energy, leverage it !

This time, call the one you’re a little more nervous about calling, the one you don’t know quite as well as "Jane." You’ll know it’s exactly the right person from your list if you find yourself looking for distractions in order to avoid making the call. But pick up that phone, my friend.

While it’s most powerful to do this immediately after you talk with "Jane," as soon thereafter as possible will work. Remember, ride the energy and enthusiasm of the great connection you had with "Jane." (Scroll to the bottom of this email for a review of the call strategy.)

Then, Seal it with That Mighty Cultivation Tool

You want to get closer to this prospect/donor, so, after you get off the phone call, seal your developing relationship with a handwritten note sent to their home address. A note is just the right amount of added attention, without appearing obsequious. You might write something like “Great to catch you by phone, thanks again for being a champion for [your organization]. I look forward to keeping you informed of our news.” And, of course, make it relevant to your phone conversation.

The Nugget

That great, positive energy you pick up from a home-run conversation with a supportive donor/prospect is CURRENCY. But it’s currency with a time limit.

Let it burn a hole in your pocket straight away by connecting with someone that you’re not quite as comfortable talking with. Your positive energy will shine, and it will help you cultivate the other prospect by bringing them closer to the organization.

Good job, You !

You advanced your cause today.

Powerful Strategies to

Advance Your Cause

~ Build an actionable

development plan

~ Design & strategize campaigns

~ Write a winning grant proposal

~ Plan or manage your event

~ Rally your board & staff

~ Coach your committee

~ And more !

Review of the Call Strategy

Share one thing

Share one “win” or accomplishment that your organization has had in recent weeks or months, and explain that it couldn’t have happened if not for his/her dedicated support. Thank them profusely for this. Thank them for making your job easier.

Ask one question

Ask the donor/prospect what interests them most about your organization for this year. You may have already asked, but you never know when their answer may change, progress, or shift. Listen carefully to the answer and make notes in their database entry so you’ll remember the next time you talk to them.

Margaret Macleod ~ Independent Fundraising Consultant

(207) 632 - 8472 ~ mlmacleod16@gmail.com