(Newswire.net — May 21, 2019) –Fundraising can be hard work. Even the smartest fundraiser knows how easy it to screw up. You could be setting yourself up to fail right from the start. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Mistakes are inevitable, but the trick is to do your best to avoid them. Here are a few fundraising mistakes you can avoid to increase your chances of running a successful campaign.
Fundraising Mistakes
Mistake # 1: Tell the Prospect They Should Give Money
Sometimes potential donors have personal reasons to love your mission and capacity to donate towards your cause. However, mentioning explicitly that they should donate may come off as a little arrogant. Instead of using words such as “should”, start by speaking from the heart, listen to your prospect’s interests and make a specific ask only if there appears to be a good fit.
Mistake # 2: Ask for Too Little
Deciding on how much to ask is no easy feat. Some part of it is reading both verbal and non-verbal cues, but there’s plenty you can do to avoid making that mistake. For example, you can leverage services that allow you to look at credit and income scores. Having a general idea of your potential donor’s capacity can help you better make the decision about how much to ask. Ask for too little, and you could be missing out on large donations that can make a lasting impact. Do your homework, be sure to research prospects, and then listen to them carefully and actively; this will help you with your unique fundraisers.
Mistake # 3: Ask When the Prospect Has Brought Company to Lunch
Asking a prospect for money in the company of others is a huge mistake. Donor asks are individual in nature. So, if you find yourself at lunch or dinner with a prospective donor and they come with a plus one, simply adjust your expectations. Resist the temptation to make that “ask”, keep the conversation flowing and see where it leads.
Mistake # 4: Make A Very Casual Ask
Even if a donor is a close friend or relative, avoid making casual requests. The trick with fundraising is to make your request as formal as possible. A formal letter or email should suffice. It goes without saying that if you make a very casual ask, your donor will also give you a causal contribution. Make someone an official request, and the chances are they’ll put themselves in the shoes of the main donors and are likely to donate more money.
Mistake # 5: Ask for Too Much
Ok, this one is a trick rather than a mistake. When making the ask, make sure it’s concrete and specific. Be bold and always ask high. That’s the only way you’re going to make a big break. The last thing you want is for the donor to think you asked for too little.
Bottom Line
Fundraising is way more art than science because it involves building, nurturing and sustaining relationships. You need to be passionate about your cause. Do your due diligence and listen carefully. It also helps to be flexible because you may have to change plans in midstream. Following these will help you have a successful fundraising campaign.