It used to be that many fundraising operations
dreaded summer because of the lack of work
they could accomplish because of vacations,
camp and the absence of volunteers. However,
in a “virtual world” we live
in today, fundraising work can be accomplished
even if your volunteers are out of town,
or even out of the country. Below are a
few tips to consider as you plan the summer’s
fundraising agenda.
First, know where your volunteers and potential
funders are during the summer months. Call
them up and ask them when you can expect
them to be in and out of town, make note
of it, and plan your work accordingly. This
is not being nosy, it’s part of doing
your work and cultivating relationships
for your organization.
Second, plan ahead. Know what strategic
fundraising meetings you will need to schedule
and implement over the summer months. Work
with your volunteers to schedule meetings
with key leaders for grant proposals and
submissions. Think about key dates and act
accordingly.
Third, use some down time in the summer
to cultivate new prospects. Make a list
of 25 key prospects you want to meet during
the summer. Sit down with your volunteers
and identify who they are willing to assist
you in connecting with. Then start to make
the approach. Down time during the summer
can be used to bring forward a new group
of potential donors with whom you can “friend-raise,”
before you fundraise. A list of 25 friend-raising
calls should be doable during the summer.
Finally, take some time for yourself. To
keep you on the top of your fundraising
game, you too, must be relaxed and focused.
Take time away from the office during some
down time in the summer to renew and refresh.
Summer can be very beneficial if you plan
ahead and then work your plan.
Enjoy this summer!
