First things first!

I work with business leaders who have the drive and desire for optimized organizations. I help guide both for-profit and nonprofit entities and provide direction as to the next actions to take. Nonprofits, like for-profit organizations, always need more leads (traffic), more conversions, and better economics (pricing and customer value).

To me, it is paramount to give value first to prospective customers and donors. Therefore, it makes sense to analyze your pricing model and its related value.

With this in mind, I thought I'd share some strategies that follow the principles of "first things first" and "begin with the end in mind." Even though the language is written for nonprofits, the insights also apply to business owners Hope you enjoy!

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Be a data driven, impact focused organization.

Impact Measurement – The key to unlocking fundraising success

T.J. McGovern - (2) Post | LinkedIn

In today's competitive philanthropic landscape, demonstrating impact isn't just beneficial - it's essential. Here's why:

- Organizations that can showcase their impact are 3X more likely to secure funding compared to those that can't.
- High-profile donors like MacKenzie Scott are prioritizing nonprofits with proven positive outcomes.
- Impact-centric organizations use data to prove they're delivering impactful, equitable, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions.

But here's the challenge: Many social good leaders struggle to quantify and communicate their impact effectively. The solution - A data driven approach.

- Define your logic model.
- Collect meaningful data. (demographics, outputs, outcomes)
- Set SMART objectives.
- Leverage technology for seamless data management.

Remember: It's not about counting outputs. Funders want to know how individuals and communities are better off because of you. By becoming impact-centric, you improve your fundraising odds. You create a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. You measure what matters. Leveraging impact data transforms your fundraising efforts.

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BE FUNDABLE + BE FINDABLE + BE SMART

The secret is your brand is the engine and fundraising is the fuel. Your brand sets the stage. Fundraising fills the seats. Stop chasing donations. Do this…

𝗕𝗘 𝗙𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘

Center on a specific problem.
Serve a defined group of people.
Focus the mission and intervention.
Measure a few outputs and outcomes.
Make your vision powerful and tangible.
Get the right team members in the right seats.
Select a few 3-year, annual, quarterly priorities.
Back your goals with routines & internal comms.

Being Fundable means showing donors why you exist, what you do, where you’re going, who will do it, how to get there, and when it will be done.

This is our theory of change and strategic plan (our brand). Fundraising results follow!

𝗕𝗘 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘

Analyze competition in your landscape.
Determine what makes you unique.
Decide which audiences to target.
Communicate value propositions.
Show off a daring brand personality.
Develop bold messaging and storytelling.
Execute a marketing communications plan.

Partner with corporate CSR to amplify the cause.
Ensure your online presence and website are optimized.

Being Findable means occupying a distinct space in the minds of your ideal funders, plus routinely communicating your promises.

This is your positioning strategy and marketing communications (your brand). Fundraising results follow!

*Source: Kevin L. Brown – LinkedIn.

BE SMART

You don’t raise more money by hiring more development staff, filling out more grant applications, applying for more awards, seeking more foundation meetings, and creating more donor prospect lists.

High-value funders (corporations), high-net-worth individuals, and trust funds are increasingly being proactive in who they fund and accept applications from.

80/20 everything! Analyze your strengths. Reallocate limited resources to the areas of highest return. Execute, measure, and optimize.

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It takes a village to “raise” a donor.

• Program/project staff - track, measure, and articulate the difference they make.
• Evaluation staff - analyze and derive insights from the data.
• Front line workers - capture and share case studies and volunteer opportunities.
• Communications team - translate, create content, and amplify mission impact in plain, compelling language.
• Finance team - breakdown budgets, allocate funds, and monitor funding gaps.
• Senior leadership team - create a credible strategy that donors have faith in.
• Board - provide diversity, governance, and shared experiences to satisfy donors' due diligence.
• IT team - provide systems and tools so everyone can collaborate.
• HR team - create a fair and positive environment for fundraisers and colleagues.

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First be fundable and findable.

Did you know that…

…most things needed by fundraisers to develop relationships and attract revenues are created and maintained OUTSIDE of fundraising?

Along with Board engagement, a database, an accurate email list, a quality website and digital presence, here are a few more items.

✅ A clear, compelling vision
✅ A clear theory of change
✅ Agreed messaging
✅ Case studies

✅ Stewardship experiences
✅ Detailed budgets
✅ Impact data and reports
✅ Volunteering opportunities 

*Source: Kevin L. Brown – LinkedIn