Report on Stewardship: Finding New Dollars

George Stanois

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The Vigilant FundraiserEdited by

George Stanois

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INTRODUCTION

Stewardship is undeniably an

essential part of any development

effort, whether for annual fund,

capital, or planned giving support.

Good stewardship means sending

out an appropriate thank-you letter

immediately after receiving a gift.

“Thankfulness is the beginning of

gratitude. Gratitude is the

completion of thankfulness.

Thankfulness may consist merely of

words. Gratitude is shown in acts.”

— Henri Frederic Amiel, 19th century

philosopher and poet.

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INTRODUCTION

As Henri Frederic Amiel pointed out,

gratitude is about much more than

simply sending a thank-you letter.

Organization need to demonstrate

that they truly appreciate the

support of donors

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DEVELOP YOUR FUNDRAISING CASE FOR SUPPORT

STEP1

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CASE FOR SUPPORT

What sets your organization apart

from all the others?

What are the specific needs that

you meet?

What impact are you making and

are you successful?

What are your priorities at this

time?

How will the funds raised be used?

How will the funds specifically

benefit those you serve?

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DEVELOP A FUNDRAISING PLAN/STRATEGY

STEP 2

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FUNDRAISING PLAN

Key principle to a successful and

sustainable practice?

Having a fully integrated

fundraising program where annual,

special events, major gifts and

planned giving programs effectively

work together to provide the best

possible donor experience.

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SPECIAL EVENTS

STEP 3

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SPECIAL EVENTS

Is hosting an event imperative to

raising funds or would it be a novelty?

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STEWARDSHIP

STEP 4

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STEWARDSHIP

In our 2010 survey, Dodging Tough

Times: How Stewardship Programs

Can Make all the Difference, 70% of

respondents indicated they have

different programs in place to thank

donors.

Donors are most frequently thanked

through mass distribution

approaches such as thank you

letters, reports and newsletters.

Major donors are thanked through

more personalized techniques such

a one-on-one meetings, special

events, and telephone calls from

the Board.

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CREATION OF A FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE

STEP 5

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FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE

With the right training, these

volunteers will:

Lead your campaigns

Support staff initiatives

Rally even more volunteer support to

your cause

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VOLUNTEER TRAINING

STEP 6

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VOLUNTEER TRAINING

1. Volunteers are waiting for your

direction and training.

2. Training provides a positive

environment for both staff and

volunteers where the sharing of

best practices is both encouraged

and valued.

3. The better the training, the more

money will be raised.

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IDENTIFY YOUR STAKEHOLDERS

STEP 7

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IDENTIFY STAKEHOLDERS

Are you able to easily produce an

accurate list of your key stakeholders,

your most loyal donors and your best

prospects?

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PLANNED GIVING

STEP 8

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PLANNED GIVING

Whether you choose to refer to it as

planned giving, a bequest program, or

a legacy program, it is simply the

name applied to a program to inspire

donors to establish tax-wise gifts of

support through their financial and

estate plans.

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COMMUNICATIONS PLAN

STEP 9

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COMMUNICATION PLAN

In our 2009 survey, The Current State

on Non-Profit Charitable

Organizations in Western Canada, we

found that those organizations that

reported a coordinated and active

communications plan in place during

the last recession reported little or no

impact in their fundraising programs.

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NEWSLETTER

STEP 10

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NEWSLETTER They work.

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PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL

STEP 11

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PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL

Brochures / pamphlets

(as leave-behinds)

Annual Report (think stewardship)

Website

What else?

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BE VIGILANT!

STEP 12

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BE VIGILANT!

Capitalize on public awareness opportunities.

Speakers bureau

Publicity of donors

Annual thank you event

What else?

THANK YOU!