Successful fundraising on a tight budget

On a tight budget, the most cost-effective ways to increase donations from individuals are:

1. Focus on Current Donors
Small improvements in the rate of renewal can make a big difference to the bottom line. Do you have a regular eNewsletter? Does it work for you? A valuable eNewsletter can keep current donors feeling appreciated, informed, engaged and involved. The value you create with informative messages pays off the next time you ask for support.

2. Build a Brand
The number one asset you have in building a brand is your vision. A short, simple message about how your organization is going to change the world provides a rallying cry for your constituents (new and old). What is the Big Goal your organization is going to accomplish? If you don’t have a vision yet, get started!

3. Get the Word Out
In today’s world, almost all of your current and potential donors are online. The Web gives you three excellent, cost-effective opportunities to get the word out.

First, foster outreach within your current donor base. With online tools to refer-a-friend or ask for sponsorships it easy to help the organization grow.

Second, step-up your website. Most prospects find themselves on your website soon after hearing about your cause. Is your website compelling? Does it engage potential donors? Is it professionally done? Your website is a direct reflection on how you approach your programs. If your website is not useful and exciting for potential donors they often miss the value of your programs or worse discount your ability to get anything important done. Investing in your website enhances all your outreach efforts.

Third, use email. Email messages are an inexpensive and easy way to encourage grassroots networking.

How many supporter emails do you have? Not enough? Send a postcard asking for their email. Most donors want to hear about the results of their donation and email is the cheapest way. Include an offer or give-a-way if you think you need to sweeten the deal.

Lastly, leverage your vision statement and revved up outreach efforts to gain press coverage and drive traffic to the new website. Include media outlets on your distribution list and you never know when your nonprofit might end up in the news.

Tie it all together and you have a larger more active donor base that is helping you find new sources of funding. What does that do? It further grows the donor base and you have a larger more active donor base that is helping you find new sources of funding. The wonderful cycle continues!

When the economy turns around your organization will have a boat full of supporters whose contributions will rise with the rising economic tide.

Voila! That is successful fundraising on a tight budget.

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Brian Pickett helps nonprofit organizations leverage technology to expand their donor base using Strategic CRM Solutions. Houston, TX based for more information visit www.PickettCRM.com.