Insights from Nonprofit Fundraising Road Trips
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Chapter 1: Coffee Klatches and Community Building
A recent road trip allowed me to engage with various professionals in the nonprofit fundraising sector.
During my trips, which I take two to three times annually, I meet with current, past, and potential clients, alongside hosting coffee gatherings. These gatherings, affectionately known as coffee klatches, involve inviting nonprofit fundraisers to share their current projects or challenges in a casual setting.
The Altrui coffee klatches have proven to be incredibly rewarding for me personally, as they help build a supportive community in the nonprofit fundraising landscape.
One of the primary insights I gathered from these discussions was the increasing frequency of requests, particularly regarding e-appeals. This is a topic I frequently address with clients, as I often encounter nonprofits that are not asking for support as much as they should.
It's worth noting that most of my clients focus on mission-driven work related to immigrants, unhoused youth, animal rights, and domestic violence. In these sectors, it seems common for organizations to under-ask, though I can't speak to the practices of larger national organizations, educational institutions, or hospitals.
Another recurring theme was the challenges faced with board members, particularly those who lack support. Many participants expressed concerns about board development committees, which they found unproductive. I plan to delve deeper into this issue in a future article.
Regarding donations from individual donors and families, everyone I spoke with felt optimistic about their financial outlook for the current fiscal year, believing they would meet their budget goals. This encouraging feedback stood in contrast to the mixed data emerging from various official reports.
Fundraising Strategy — "Increase Your Support"
The real advice here isn't simply to raise more funds; rather, it's about how to respond to this notion within our fundraising community.
During these coffee klatches, it became clear that everyone involved is dedicated to nurturing relationships with donors and community supporters, which significantly contributes to their success.
As I drove home from Colorado, I reflected on the positivity expressed by every individual I met, even those contemplating leaving their current organizations. This experience left me feeling more hopeful about the nonprofit fundraising landscape.
Here are a few additional insights I gathered from my interactions:
- Most participants indicated the flexibility of working from home at least twice a week.
- Nonprofits need to enhance their 90-day performance reviews and evaluations in general.
- Approximately half of the individuals felt adequately supported in their roles and offered opportunities for professional growth.
- One participant shared the loss of a donor who was unsupportive of their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
- Several individuals mentioned having challenging relationships with their executive directors.
- Six organizations represented at the klatch participate in Thanks for Giving Day, which was delightful to learn.
- One client had developed a standard operating procedure for data entry!
There are numerous topics that warrant further exploration, and I intend to write more articles on these. If you'd like to receive notifications when I publish new content, please subscribe below:
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Until then, I hope these reflections prove useful to those engaged in nonprofit fundraising. Should you have any questions about the information shared, feel free to reach out.
Take a risk. Be of service. Support your friends and colleagues. Be kind.
Chapter 2: Key Mistakes and Opportunities in Fundraising
The video titled "The #1 Mistake Nonprofits Make in Fundraising!" delves into common pitfalls that organizations encounter and offers strategies to overcome them.