Post by dickdriver on May 9, 2018 15:11:02 GMT
I talked to Jim Mayhall. He lives on Ravine Forest and is a golfer on my Lake Bluff golf league team. He has helped lead several fund raising campaigns for his alma mater, Miami University (Ohio). Here are his suggestions:
First: It is very important to be able to clearly state what the funds will be used for. Equally, we need to be able to say that the same situation will not recur in another 2 years and we will be back asking for money. Donors want this information.
Second: Before even announcing the campaign, raise seed money. Identify 10 individuals/businesses/organizations who can contribute $10,000 (maybe they settle for only $5,000). The objective is to have money already in the pot before going to broader groups. This shows that there is already support. For illustration only assume we raise $50,000.
Third: Build a pyramid of donors.
We have the top 10 at $5,000 each. $50,000
List of 20 donors for $2,500 each. ($50,000). Total $100,000 raised.
List of 50 donors who could contribute $1,000 each. $50,000 - $150,000 total.
List 100 donors for $500 each. Another $50,000 - up to $200,000.
Go after smaller donors from $50 to $250 - (600 donors at $100 average) $60,000 total raised $260,000.
Four: Launch campaign targeted at these groups. Follow up with personal contacts.
First: It is very important to be able to clearly state what the funds will be used for. Equally, we need to be able to say that the same situation will not recur in another 2 years and we will be back asking for money. Donors want this information.
Second: Before even announcing the campaign, raise seed money. Identify 10 individuals/businesses/organizations who can contribute $10,000 (maybe they settle for only $5,000). The objective is to have money already in the pot before going to broader groups. This shows that there is already support. For illustration only assume we raise $50,000.
Third: Build a pyramid of donors.
We have the top 10 at $5,000 each. $50,000
List of 20 donors for $2,500 each. ($50,000). Total $100,000 raised.
List of 50 donors who could contribute $1,000 each. $50,000 - $150,000 total.
List 100 donors for $500 each. Another $50,000 - up to $200,000.
Go after smaller donors from $50 to $250 - (600 donors at $100 average) $60,000 total raised $260,000.
Four: Launch campaign targeted at these groups. Follow up with personal contacts.
