Nonprofits planning fundraising events are faced with unique challenges as COVID-19 seeps into the summer months. While each state is different in their social guidelines, one thing is certain—nonprofits must continue the impactful work they do around the globe.
Of course, your next fundraiser may not look like anything you’ve organized in the past. The event may be 100% online, or perhaps it involves seating and activities that are 6 feet apart. In many cases, it’ll be a mix between a virtual and on-site event.
With the various factors piling up to orchestrate a safe and impactful fundraiser, it’s vital that you have a plan (and powerful donor management tools) to ensure success. Every element must work cohesively to inspire donors to participate and be generous.
If you’re creating your first success plan, or updating your current one, here are 4 reasons why it’s essential you don’t skip this step. Plus, we’ve included a few tips to help you get moving in the right direction.
Elevate your work, and in turn—your fundraiser’s success
A fundraising success plan has been used by countless nonprofits to grow and further their vision. Studies show organizations are twice as likely to succeed with a plan and 10X more likely to reach specific goals when they’ve been written down.
Success plans include setting specific goals with actionable steps to reach them. When these goals are in place, productivity naturally increases, and your nonprofit is simply more effective in outreach efforts. You save time and energy daily since your purpose is clear. And the best part is, as you elevate your work, you’ll see it reflected in your nonprofit’s success as well!
Identify tools that create a culture of ongoing generosity and engagement
The digital tools used to cultivate generosity and engagement must be chosen carefully. When it’s easy to purchase products, register for events, set up one-time and recurring donations, and connect with your nonprofit online—more people in the community will.
While planning for success, identify gaps in your current solutions. Note digital tools that need to be invested in or updated. Check to see if your donor management CRM actually helps build relationships and reduces burden. You should be able to do all of the following (and more) using one system.
- Save time with automation
- Nurture donors with personalized letters and gifts
- Keep databases clean
- Provide detailed reporting
- Segment lists
- Streamline workflows
- Manage volunteers
- Create donor profiles
- Track donations
Also, look at the built-in integrations of popular software you already use like Microsoft, Google, and PayPal. The best donor management solutions will partner with reputable companies to ensure you get the pre-built integrations that make your life easier when planning fundraisers.
Heighten communication to a new level
When leaders, staff, and volunteers don’t communicate clearly with each other, it can cause a disconnect between those running the fundraiser and those participating. Planning heightens your level of communication, so no one is left second-guessing about what the upcoming event entails, how to give, buy a product, and other activities.
If you’re hosting the event off and online, use clarity in your communication so everyone knows where to show up and what to expect. After you send invitations, be sure to set up email reminders for those who may forget how this fundraiser is unique from last year.
Gain clarity on your overall mission throughout the year
Throughout the year, efforts can get muddled because other tasks pop up on the calendar and distract us from the bigger picture. With a success plan, you can easily regroup and regain clarity when life takes you a little off track.
Every so often, look back at your plan and adjust any areas that are unclear or too vague. Document the results for better forecasting in the future. At DonorDirect we can help you learn the best ways to utilize reports and identify attendance patterns.
By taking a few hours to plan for the success of your next fundraiser, you’ll encourage growth and see the needle move in the right direction. Just remember to set goals with actionable steps and use donor management tools that help enhance your plan.
Ready to plan your next fundraiser? Let us show you how DonorDirect can save time and enhance communication. Schedule a free demo today!