Newsletter June 2008
Lori Jacobwith eCommunity Update
Volume 2 Issue 3
A common theme I hear these days is “we are expecting less from our donors due to the high gas prices and the economy.” While I won’t dispute that our dollars will generate less especially when we are filling our gas tanks! I have encountered examples of where key donors are making the same size or larger gifts to organizations they are deeply connected to … because they understand the organization needs it even more!
As you stay in touch with your donors over the summer months remember that the quality of your message and how you share the truth about what your struggles are is critical for inviting deeper participation. Give a face to your concerns with a short real life example. Stay connected to your volunteers and donors. Have a great summer!
Tip of the Month
Using Email Effectively
Monthly or quarterly email messages to your key donors is a great way to keep them informed in a cost effective way. Here are some tips for making email work for your organization:
- Pay attention to the subject line! Keep the subject line of your email messages compelling so readers want to open and read it.
- Make sure the email message has some new information about what is working and what is missing at your organization.
- Always include a link or instructions about how to make a contribution in your email messages.
- Give examples of specific things that would benefit your clients or your organization. Example: $100 will cover the cost of one community organizing meeting that may generate more affordable housing. Or $500 allows one child with arthritis to attend camp for a week.
- Keep the thoughts and paragraphs short.
- Stay in touch on a regular basis … giving meaninful insight into a current struggle or a current success so I feel deeply connected.
- Keep the use of graphics to a minimum to allow your message to pass through spam filters and firewalls.
- Use a personal email address, if possible, from your key contacts. Many organizations and companies have higher firewall settings than personal email accounts … so your message has more chance of making it to the person if you use their personal email address.
What’s New?
Sustainable Strategies
I now offer my Sustainable Strategies as a 1 and ½ day session so your team leaves with a solid start to a customized donor communication plan.
Special added bonus: Participants at the June workshop will be participating in a Listening Effectiveness Assessment Profile. Each team member will take the short assessment and receive feedback on barriers to lisening. This is an added value of over $700!
Hammer Residences, Inc., in Wayzata is our generous host for June.
Thursday, and Friday, June 19 and 20, 2008
Wayzata, MN
You can’t come alone!
The $720 fee covers any size team…but you must bring at least 2 people.
(No registration available, this event has already occurred.)
Sustainable Strategies Condensed ½ Day Session
This is a shorter version of the day and ½ session. An interactive 3 hours that covers: sharing your mission clearly with the community, asking powerfully to generate a yes, donor cultivation and we talk about some ways to engage the board in fundraising.
Wednesday, August 19, 2008
9 am – Noon
Minneapolis
Fee
$81 per person or $72 for two or more from one organization
(No registration available, this event has already occurred.)
Customized Board Sessions
Getting your board of directors excited about participating in fund development can be a challenge. I offer customized sessions that last from 3 hours to a full day. These sessions have been very successful in creating enthusiasm and accountability with boards. Some of the recent feedback: “I feel so relieved about my role in fundraising!” “I now WANT to participate!”
Please call me to discuss a customized board session for your organization. Or find out more here.
Keep in touch to let me know about your fundraising success!
– Lori L. Jacobwith