From Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) DC Chapter President Tycely Williams in the lastest issue of The AFP DConnection:
April marks Autism Awareness Month highlights the growing need for concern and awareness about autism. Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science, research and advocacy organization actively engages families, children and teens in fundraising.
This month, Sophia, an 11-year old is learning how to raise money for a charitable cause. Sophia’s goal is to raise $900 for Autism Speaks during the month of April. Sophia is making and selling keychains in honor of Lucas, her 2-year-old brother with autism. Within Sophia & Lucas’ story are three important lessons for fundraisers of any age.
Lesson #1: Set a quantifiable goal within a defined time period. Of course, you’ve set a goal for your upcoming spring gala or Capital Campaign, but what about those smaller efforts? Take the time to strategically consider human and financial capacity. Quantifiable goals and a specific timeline increase success rates.
Lesson #2: Once you’ve set your goal and timeline, adopt a plan. Sophia’s plan is to sell keychains. Sophia was given a keychain kit for Christmas and has all the resources needed to craft beautiful items. Are you able to secure all the resources needed to support your plan? Plans must be resourced. Secure necessary resources to ensure your plan’s success.
Lesson #3: Sophia is selling keychains because of her love for Lucas. What is your motivation? Does your organization humanize its story? Every mission has motivation. Step out of your office. Ask clients, constituents and those you serve how your work has made a difference. Sprinkled within these stories is the motivation—the impetus for giving.
Sophia and Lucas remind us just how simple fundraising can be. Fundraising is simple, but it is not easy. AFP DC makes it easier. Attend aneducational session, join an affinity group or register for the 2014 BRIDGE fundraising conference to increase your knowledge and know-how. Find out more on the AFP DC website: afpdc.afpnet.org
April marks Autism Awareness Month highlights the growing need for concern and awareness about autism. Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science, research and advocacy organization actively engages families, children and teens in fundraising.
This month, Sophia, an 11-year old is learning how to raise money for a charitable cause. Sophia’s goal is to raise $900 for Autism Speaks during the month of April. Sophia is making and selling keychains in honor of Lucas, her 2-year-old brother with autism. Within Sophia & Lucas’ story are three important lessons for fundraisers of any age.
Lesson #1: Set a quantifiable goal within a defined time period. Of course, you’ve set a goal for your upcoming spring gala or Capital Campaign, but what about those smaller efforts? Take the time to strategically consider human and financial capacity. Quantifiable goals and a specific timeline increase success rates.
Lesson #2: Once you’ve set your goal and timeline, adopt a plan. Sophia’s plan is to sell keychains. Sophia was given a keychain kit for Christmas and has all the resources needed to craft beautiful items. Are you able to secure all the resources needed to support your plan? Plans must be resourced. Secure necessary resources to ensure your plan’s success.
Lesson #3: Sophia is selling keychains because of her love for Lucas. What is your motivation? Does your organization humanize its story? Every mission has motivation. Step out of your office. Ask clients, constituents and those you serve how your work has made a difference. Sprinkled within these stories is the motivation—the impetus for giving.
Sophia and Lucas remind us just how simple fundraising can be. Fundraising is simple, but it is not easy. AFP DC makes it easier. Attend aneducational session, join an affinity group or register for the 2014 BRIDGE fundraising conference to increase your knowledge and know-how. Find out more on the AFP DC website: afpdc.afpnet.org
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