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Individual Donors

  1. Set a goal and work backward. Figure out what your final budget is so you know how much you need to raise. Then start working towards raising that amount.
  2. Create a specific fundraising plan. Then stick to it. Staying organized can save you tons of time.
  3. ASK! You won't get what you don't ask for. They know you are coming to ask for money, have a specific goal and ask for it.
  4. Research every donor. Know exactly what you are walking into with that meeting. Who have they given it too? What do they care about? And how much are they giving?
  5. Ask for money one on one, in person. Set up the meeting with the donor so that you are face to face and can ask them directly.
  6. Make the ask, pause and wait for the response. Noey, can I count on you for 8 billion dollars….YES, Great.
  7. Always follow up with a thank you. Do this immediately and preferably in writing.It will do a whole lot to endure you to the funder.
  8. Don't reach out by hosting events. Events are generally not worth the time or overhead costs. Time is much better spent at asking donors one on one.
  9. Use a host committee. If you are going to host an event, delegate fund raising responsibilities that will help you bring people in and raise even more money.
  10. Diversify your fundraising plan. Create various levels of giving. In this economy asking for 100 dollars a month seems like a whole lot less than asking for 1200 dollars.
  11. Utilize sustainable giving. ___$ per month automatically charged to credit card is a better way to keep money coming in. Get people to commit to having a specific amount deducted monthly or yearly.