When nonprofit fundraising seems boring . . .
Here’s what I hear from fundraisers fairly often . . . “This feels like the same cycle every year. Honestly, it’s monotonous and not inspiring.”
I get it. We all can get tired of the routines required to successfully fulfill our jobs.
So, let’s ask ourselves two things . . . and they may even sound a little contradictory.
1️⃣ First
Is it really the same thing every year?
If so, you need to mix things up. If you’re feeling bored with #fundraising, your donors might also be! Ask yourself if you could further segment your donors to provide more customized donor experiences? Think segmented appeals, segmented events, and moving your top 30-50 donors into 100% customized engagements.
Tip: Up to 50-75% of your revenue should come from your top 30 donors...and every step with these donors should be customized. That’s how much time you should be spending on customized (not routine) donor work.
Start there.
2️⃣ Second
Is it really a bad thing if it feels routine?
You know what KEEPS organizations from fully funding their organization every year? Not being in a routine.
The rhythm of major-gift specific development activities is the greatest factor in generating an impressive return on investment over the long-haul. Fundraising takes discipline. It takes repetition. Consistency is the name of the game.
My teams who raise the most money? They’ve shifted their hours to this fine balance of creativity + rhythm.
Fundraising is art AND science. You shouldn’t trust anyone who tells you this balance is easy.
But, you can find the balance. It’s a paradigm shift in how you approach funding your organization every year, but I see my teams make this shift every day.
Whenever you’re ready, here are THREE things you can do next:
👣 Follow me on LinkedIn where I give away insider info every week - the same lessons I teach my clients about attracting larger gen-ops dollars and adding 7-figures + to their bottom line.
🍎 Read my GUIDE! THE TRUTH ABOUT GIVE/GETS :: Top 5 Reasons Your Board’s Give/Get Is Leaving Thousands (Sometimes Millions) on the Table. See how limiting board members to the Give/Get model restricts gifts in so many ways and keeps your staff from reaching their full fundraising potential. Here to get it.
📈 Work with me to fund your organization’s Strategic Plan and scale your budget by 2 - 5X // If you’re a business-minded CEO already raising MILLIONS but still need more general-operating revenue from individuals and family foundations to invest in growth, you can apply to work with me here.
