What Will you do Differently? Report on Stewardship: Finding New Dollars George Stanois

+ The Vigilant Fundraiser Edited by George Stanois

+ INTRODUCTION Stewardship is undeniably an essential part of any development effort, whether for annual fund, capital, or planned giving support. Good stewardship means sending out an appropriate thank-you letter immediately after receiving a gift. “Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.” — Henri Frederic Amiel, 19 th century philosopher and poet.

+ INTRODUCTION As Henri Frederic Amiel pointed out, gratitude is about much more than simply sending a thank-you letter. Organization need to demonstrate that they truly appreciate the support of donors

+ DEVELOP YOUR FUNDRAISING CASE FOR SUPPORT STEP1

+ CASE FOR SUPPORT What sets your organization apart from all the others? What are the specific needs that you meet? What impact are you making and are you successful? What are your priorities at this time? How will the funds raised be used? How will the funds specifically benefit those you serve?

+ DEVELOP A FUNDRAISING PLAN/STRATEGY STEP 2

+ FUNDRAISING PLAN Key principle to a successful and sustainable practice? Having a fully integrated fundraising program where annual, special events, major gifts and planned giving programs effectively work together to provide the best possible donor experience.

+ SPECIAL EVENTS STEP 3

+ SPECIAL EVENTS Is hosting an event imperative to raising funds or would it be a novelty?

+ STEWARDSHIP STEP 4

+ STEWARDSHIP In our 2010 survey, Dodging Tough Times: How Stewardship Programs Can Make all the Difference, 70% of respondents indicated they have different programs in place to thank donors. Donors are most frequently thanked through mass distribution approaches such as thank you letters, reports and newsletters. Major donors are thanked through more personalized techniques such a one-on-one meetings, special events, and telephone calls from the Board.

+ CREATION OF A FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE STEP 5

+ FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE With the right training, these volunteers will: Lead your campaigns Support staff initiatives Rally even more volunteer support to your cause

+ VOLUNTEER TRAINING STEP 6

+ VOLUNTEER TRAINING 1. Volunteers are waiting for your direction and training. 2. Training provides a positive environment for both staff and volunteers where the sharing of best practices is both encouraged and valued. 3. The better the training, the more money will be raised.

+ IDENTIFY YOUR STAKEHOLDERS STEP 7

+ IDENTIFY STAKEHOLDERS Are you able to easily produce an accurate list of your key stakeholders, your most loyal donors and your best prospects?

+ PLANNED GIVING STEP 8

+ PLANNED GIVING Whether you choose to refer to it as planned giving, a bequest program, or a legacy program, it is simply the name applied to a program to inspire donors to establish tax-wise gifts of support through their financial and estate plans.

+ COMMUNICATIONS PLAN STEP 9

+ COMMUNICATION PLAN In our 2009 survey, The Current State on Non-Profit Charitable Organizations in Western Canada, we found that those organizations that reported a coordinated and active communications plan in place during the last recession reported little or no impact in their fundraising programs.

+ NEWSLETTER STEP 10

+ NEWSLETTER They work.

+ PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL STEP 11

+ PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL Brochures / pamphlets (as leave-behinds) Annual Report (think stewardship) Website What else?

+ BE VIGILANT! STEP 12

+ BE VIGILANT! Capitalize on public awareness opportunities. Speakers bureau Publicity of donors Annual thank you event What else?

What Will you do Differently? THANK YOU!