We recently wrote about the new challenge of learning to fund-raise for our organization. We’ve built a new home office on a new 61-acre campus and, in Team Expansion, there’s no history of a donor list, nor any kind of legacy of fundraising for Int’l Services. So it’s been a learning experience — starting from scratch. Today, my son and I sat down with an extremely nice couple. I was just honest: “Hey, I don’t have a clue what I’m doing.” They were very kind and forgiving. Lessons I learned today?
- Learn something about the prospective donors before you go. We had researched enough to ask some informed questions about their background. It made for great conversation while we were eating lunch.
- Clarify your goals in advance, before the meeting. I had told the couple today that we weren’t going to ask for any money. Rather, we would just share the great stuff God was doing around the world through Team Expansion workers, give them some options for getting involved, field any questions they had, then set a follow-up appointment for later. I explained by phone in advance that at that follow-up appointment, we would actually make some kind of informed request. The couple gave good feedback that they liked that approach. It seemed to take the pressure off today’s meeting. By the end, they were already talking about options anyway, without us even asking.
- Pray, Pray, Pray. In our case, we’re facing some pretty steep challenges. I’m pretty sure this would feel like climbing up a steep rock face if it weren’t for God’s faithful encouragement lifting us up. ‘Course, ask me how I am next month when the mortgage payments actually have to start! :-)
So what lessons are you learning in fundraising? What tips could you offer that haven’t already shared at the previous BackPage editorial? What observations have you drawn about the economy’s effect on your organization or your mission work, if any? Please share your feedback by commenting in the box below. Thanks in advance for taking time to give your thoughts.
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