Joss Presentation
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The document discusses how non-profits can manage relationships with donors and maximize fundraising in a difficult economic environment. It recommends strengthening data management to track donors and evaluate fundraising programs. It also emphasizes continuing relationship-building with both current and new donors through effective communication and involvement in the organization's mission. Grantmakers are anticipated to give fewer but larger grants while focusing on existing grantees, making the funding environment more competitive.
Joss Presentation
- 1. Managing Relationships: Donors, Development, and Data By Caroline H. Joss November 14, 2008
- 2. Why I consider myself the Generational Bridge to somewhere….. We have to continue integrating new technology into our relationship building: to manage donors, to maximize revenues, and to make our organizations more effectively serve our constituents. It’s old school combined with new school.
- 3. We have to build that support, that platform, that relationship which is part of our responsibility to our donors and supporters. One way to build it is with data. The other way is development.
- 4. What’s the point? We have to do what we do, in order for our donors and supporters to do what they need to do - give money and resources - in order to meet the needs of our constituents, the people you and I serve. Your specific mission, whatever it may be.
- 5. Specifically I will address How the economic downturn will affect your organization, with information gleaned from the Center for Non-Profit Advancement, as well as the Foundation Center, and Washington Regional Grantmakers. I will concentrate on Foundation and Individual donors.
- 6. What I will address (cont.) I will make the case for why individual donors matter (most). Explain a bit about data management. Give some suggestions for taking care of your donors and continuing to make a case for your organization. Address other fundraising avenues to consider.
- 7. What I will not address: Where to get tickets to the Inauguration. How you can get a job in the Cabinet.
- 8. What’s going on? Data from the Washington Grantmakers October 2008 survey to members: Four out of five respondents (80%) experienced a drop in assets from 2007-2008. More that half (57%) anticipate that their 2009 grants will be the same or only a bit less that ‘08. Nearly half (47%) anticipate making fewer but larger grants in 2009. Half plan to increase funding for general operating support.
- 9. Giving in 2009 Some grantmakers are considering refocusing or reviewing their giving strategies by: Focusing more on their core issues. Increasing multi-year commitments, and advocacy efforts. Scaling back (regrouping) is occurring. Weinberg Foundation = example .
- 10. What’s the bottom line? Grantseekers will find the funding environment increasingly more competitive. Grantmakers are re-thinking their priorities and giving practices as well: Some foundations are allowing grantees to convert restricted grants to general operating funds…
- 11. Of those that will continue to give the same or more grant money in 2009: They will be giving fewer grants but those that are given will be higher dollar amounts. They will probably concentrate on those organizations they have funded previously. Good news if you are already receiving money, challenging if you are trying to get new foundation grants.
- 12. The game has changed. There will be changed circumstances for non-profits as a result of the financial shake-down of the last month(s). Will not be able to rely on some previous players in the equation - like Fannie and the Freddie - whose combined giving to the Washington area was about $47 million. Who else? Banks and other financial services which are gone or have been re-shaped.
- 13. Any Good News here? The good news is your base of individual donors. Why? Ordinary Americans are generous and will continue to give (especially those that give in the mid-range.) Individual donors are the foundation of your giving program…..
- 14. However…. The key to any good development program is to diversify, diversify, diversify. Don’t have all your eggs in one basket. Current donors v. new donors. (Retention v. Acquisition.) They already support your mission, and will continue to make a difference.
- 15. How data management is key to your relationship with donors and part of the life cycle of an organization
- 16. These are the stages of data management in an organization: None Some One
- 17. Why is data organization so important? Consolidates information in one place. Data is relational (all things are related and can be cross-referenced.) Everything is documented: donations, events, volunteering, visits, etc. Can be used to track very specific things.
- 18. Why is that good? Report capabilities give you abilities to look at the data quickly. Interface with other software for ease - word-processing, accounting, and on-line. Data can then be used as a tool to evaluate and track the effectiveness of your fundraising program. Make changes, keep on the course...
- 19. The new economic reality dictates our needs We need to get and keep our data in order. We need to continue to work with our donors. Relationship Building has to get stepped up another notch in times like this. How do we do that?
- 20. How do we do that? Letting donors feel ownership of the mission and a connection to the organization. Providing a platform for success. Involving the donors in being part of the solution. Being positive overall. No “sinking ship” mentality. Keeping your donors informed. Using effective and compelling language in your communication and outreach, especially now.
- 21. Thank your donors. Quickly but correctly Nicely Profusely
- 22. Expanding your donor vision: Other avenues to consider Planned giving Multiple year pledges Collaboration with others: local and federal government agencies, other non-profits. Corporates and special events. Acquiring donations using new technologies.
- 23. Keep informed and active Don’t sit back and roll over. Become aware of the issues and take a stand. Join others in similar organizations and form coalitions. Take an advocacy role - be vocal. Be available to step up to the plate.
- 24. The Transformative Power of continuing to do the Right Thing even in hard times. “ Conscience do Cost.” It may not be easy or feel good all the time. Remember this is a symbiotic and collaborative relationship, between the organization, the donors, and the people that you serve. Your organization is merely a conduit between the donors and your constituents.