45+ Great FUNdraising Ideas You Can Do! Presented by Jean Block Jean Block Consulting, Inc Jean Block consulting, Inc.

About Your Presenter  More than 45 years in the nonprofit sector as board and staff leader.  Jean Block Consulting, Inc. since 1996, Albuquerque NM  Social Enterprise Ventures LLC since 2006, Albuquerque, NM  Author:  FUNdraising! 180+ Great Ideas to Raise More Money  The Invisible Yellow Line: Clarifying Board & Staff Roles  The Nonprofit Guide to Social Enterprise: Show Me The (Unrestricted) Money!  Fast FUNdraising Facts for Fame & Fortune  The ABCs of Building Better Boards 2015 Jean Block consulting, Inc.

Great Ideas for the “Annual” Appeal What if I never receive your “annual” letter? Do I really read it? Don’t I already know what you want? 2015 Jean Block consulting, Inc.

2 Ideas to Get the Envelope Opened  1. Size and shape matters #10 business size? Maybe not … Window envelope? Definitely not! Monarch size? Maybe? Label versus imprint …  2. Slant something on the envelope Call to action to open … Photo? 2015 Jean Block consulting, Inc.

5 Ideas for the “Annual” Appeal  1. Change to quarterly appeals.  2. Don’t get lost in the clutter of traditional year- end appeals. Change the timing.  3. Vary the format (letter, card, , etc.).  4. Volunteers write notes, use post-its.  5. Include a mission-related enclosure Jean Block consulting, Inc.

4 More Ideas for the “Annual” Campaign  1. Start a fundraising blog to promote what you need, what you do, etc.  2. Do you accept contributions on your web page?  3. Start a Giving Club – let it get ‘viral.’  4. Set a goal to double the size of your database by year-end Jean Block consulting, Inc.

8 Ideas to Get the Letter Read  1. Powerful messaging – Mission and Purpose.  2. Donors need to see results and outcomes.  3. Focus on the positives.  4. Build enthusiasm.  5. Make it personal – connect with donors.  6. People give to people – use the best ‘asker’.  7. Keep it short and sweet – one page.  8. Make it easy to read – wide margins, bullets Jean Block consulting, Inc.

5 More Ideas for the “Annual” Appeal  1. Personalize the appeal – No “Dear Friend”  2. Segment the donor list. Thank for previous gift.  3. Ask for a specific amount or increase.  4. Make it easy – pledge and payments.  5. Aim for Tuesday delivery Jean Block consulting, Inc.

5 More Ideas for the “Annual” Appeal  1. Connect the donor with the result of his gift: $25/month will ….  2. Give specific examples and uses for the donation.  3. Include testimonials from clients in the appeal.  4. Tell a story.  5. Thank you calls to top % of donor list before appeal is sent Jean Block consulting, Inc.

5 More Ideas for the “Annual” Appeal  1. Use stamps, rather than metered mail.  2. Use first class postage for higher donors.  3. Check and recheck spelling and punctuation!  4. Give donors a reason to give…but be careful about ‘urgent’….  5. Sell what’s working – no begging and whining! 2015 Jean Block consulting, Inc.

5 More Ideas for the “Annual” Campaign  1. Allow for pledges and payments.  2. Encourage ‘memorial/honor’ gifts.  3. Ask for non-cash (in-kind) donations.  4. Consider enclosures and premiums.  5. Be legal! Check IRS Publications 598 and 1771 ( for rules and regulations Jean Block consulting, Inc.

4 More Ideas for the “Annual” Appeal  1. Make thanking a PRIORITY!  2. Strive for 48 hour turn around.  3. Include a memento that connects donor to your mission.  4. Phone calls and visits to major donors Jean Block consulting, Inc.

Final Idea: The Powerful You:Me Ratio You = donor Me = you Homework: red and green pens and circles 2015 Jean Block consulting, Inc.

Ideas to Make Your Special Events Special 2015 Jean Block consulting, Inc.

5 Ideas for Special Events  1. Change the venue. Change the date.  2. Change the theme. Add a theme.  3. Resist the urge to speak…  4. Spiff up the silent auction with a roving reporter.  5. Use a local ‘celebrity’ for the live auctioneer Jean Block consulting, Inc.

5 More Ideas for Special Events  1. Consider theme baskets. Sell an arm’s length of tickets. Raffle them and draw throughout the event.  2. “Sell” the auction items in a handout or program.  3. Add fun side events to generate interest and enthusiasm…bored guests leave early.  4. Save the ticket stubs…build your database.  5. Collaborate with another nonprofit Jean Block consulting, Inc.

Ideas to Enhance Sponsorship Revenue 2015 Jean Block consulting, Inc.

5 Sponsorship Ideas  1. Seek mission-matches with sponsors.  2. Brainstorm: Who wants/needs visibility/access to our products/events/attendees?  3. Give sponsors benefits they really want!  4. Over deliver what you promise.  5. Thank sponsors at least 3 times.  When they say Yes, when you get the check, afterwards to report on results Jean Block consulting, Inc.

Ideas to Get Volunteers Involved 2015 Jean Block consulting, Inc.

8 Ideas to Get Board Members Involved  1. Hold a Thank You Campaign.  2. Sign and make notes on appeal letters.  3. Research and report on their company’s giving programs.  4. Make an Internet giving page.  5. Host an event at their home or office.  6. Pay for the cost of an appeal campaign.  7. Make a planned gift.  8. Download the Menu of FUNdraising Opportunities for Board Members at Jean Block consulting, Inc.

Resources  Available: Amazon  Available: jblockinc.com 2015 Jean Block consulting, Inc.

Thank You!  How Can I Help You?  Visit my website for free forms to download, sign up for my free e-newsletter and more great ideas:  me: 2015 Jean Block consulting, Inc.