Resources for Fundraisers
We are initiating a new series called PHILANTHROPY COUNTS. Once a week we will post fundraising bits and pieces. The introduction to Case Statements we think are impressive, and videos we feel certain will capture your attention.
Opening Paragraph for Frankenmuth Case PDF | WORD
To compliment the Case Statement Sample we posted last week, we'd like to share with you the opening paragraphs of another Case— this one for Frankenmuth Youth Sports Association. In it, their vision for the campaign is tied to an appropriate theme for their organization. See how this could help your own Case.
Case Samples PDF | WORD
Here is a sample of a Case Statement we prepared for a client. I thought you would be interested in reading the first half-dozen paragraphs. You will notice that the piece does not open with statistics, the date, how it got started, and that type of information.
We want to grab the reader. You can let us know if we succeeded. Just keep in mind these were written for the organization’s constituencies. Please send me a sample of your Case or Campaign brochure.
Previous PS Articles
To Ensure A Campaign PDF | WORD
Can you really guarantee the success of a capital campaign program? Well . . . yes, you can come pretty darn close. Jerry writes about a feasibility study. He explains how to get ready for the examination. Who should be interviewed and how to determine the selection. To begin a major campaign without a thorough analysis prior to launching . . . is to start at your own peril !
Listen! I Hear A Gift
If you have read anything I have written or heard me at a Seminar or Workshop, you know the importance I give to the art of listening. I consider listening the most powerful attribute in your fundraising tool chest. Best of all, it's a talent that can be learned and acquired. Here are some observations I have on the subject. I'd also like to hear from you about your own observations.
ON HIGHER GROUND
This week we would like to show you another capital campaign promotional video. As you'll see, it makes great use of students and volunteers to state the case for support. But moreover, it shows that many lives the organization touches and the far reach of their mission.
Case Statement Sample for the University of Oxford PDF
Here are a few excerpts from the Case Statement we produced for the University of Oxford. You will enjoy some of the wording, perhaps be inspired, and even use some of the phrases for your own situation. The theme of the Case was Audemus— Latin for ‘to dare.’
Storytelling Open the Door to Successful Fundraising PDF
Storytelling is integral in every phase of fundraising. There are a myriad of ways how our work is impacted by this simple, yet profound tool for communicating.
From time to time, we’ll be showing you a video from a campaign we feel is particularly impressive. This one is for our project IMAGINE NO MALARIA (a national campaign for the United Methodist Church). If you have a video you would like to share with an International audience on our blog, please send it to us.
Red Cross SE PA Case for Support PDF
Sample Southeastern Pennsylvania Red Cross case for support.
Somewhere Between ‘Keekee’ and ‘Death’ PDF
The Golden Rules of Asking for a Gift
Bonus Books Special
Open (PDF)>>
Affinity Advancement Assessment
Bill Sturtevant and I have been working on an instrument to measure the ability of a Major Gift Officer (works equally well for a Planned Giving Officer or CEO) to build relationships. We call it The Affinity Advancement Assessment (PDF).
There are only 22 questions that will take you less than five minutes to rate. For as simple a document as it is, it will provide you an amazing understanding of how effective you are in creating an affinity with your probable donor.
We have done some modest field-testing of the instrument. You will be able to measure your score against several hundred we have worked with. Open (PDF)>>
Special Offer
I have a newsletter I find particularly relevant and helpful. It’s called The Major Gifts Report. The publisher is a friend of mine. I asked if I could arrange to have my e-mail colleagues receive two issues free so they can judge for themselves the great value of the newsletter. It’s yours free, no obligation. Try it. jp