Beginning Donor Cultivation for the Nonprofit Organization

Not everyone thinks they can do it. Some people swear they are willing to do anything else. Others will attempt it and then become so insecure, the job never gets done. Nonprofit agencies, clubs and service groups depend on donations in order to "keep the doors open" but finding people willing to ask supporters for donations is a true challenge. Despite the fact that there are many ways to raise money, the direct, unattached gift is still the most usable donation an organization can get. What can be done to encourage and train individuals to "make the ask" and keep those necessary operating dollars pouring into the coffers?

Planning Comes First! Before anyone asks for a single penny, your organization needs to have a plan. In the big leagues, this might be referred to as a "Development Plan" but it is really just a well-researched plan of your revenue needs, where the revenue is currently coming from and where you are most likely to go in order to fundraise more money. A balanced plan will take into account what your organization is already doing (and how well it's working) and what other activities you'd like to do in order to improve fundraising.