3 tips for building a successful fundraising campaign

There are many strategies that a nonprofit can employ to achieve success in a campaign--enough to fill volumes of books. But here are just a few simple thoughts on how you can organize a campaign for fundraising success.

1. Build a good case with your internal and external leadership, and with input from your major donors and prospects. A case is a story that clearly communicates your mission and vision for the future. It conveys a consistent and unique brand to your organization. Know your strengths and where you want to go in the future through strategic planning. Convey your organization's need, and how you’ll use the funds to further your mission in the future. Use this plan to share your story with your audience and see the dollars follow.

2.Define and secure what a leadership commitment looks like for your own organization. Does it mean $500, $1,000, $10,000, or $100,000 or more? Leadership commitments should be uniquely defined by your organization, but often the current top 5% of your contributors are your leadership supporters. Go to them to share your case, and ask them to consider a lead donation at whatever value you deem “leadership,” to build momentum toward your fundraising goal and ask for their involvement going forward your campaign.

3. Involve and collaborate with all your key stakeholders in the planning process so they are invested in the success of your efforts and see their role in achieving the organization’s goal. Volunteer leadership, whether they are our existing boards, staff members for your organization, or group focused on raising the dollars, often referred to as a campaign steering committee, will ultimately be able to help open doors, make peer-to-peer asks, and help leverage your campaign to new heights.