With resolutions and calendaring on everyone’s mind, I would like you to stop and think about the coming year. What would help your nonprofit raise more money in 2017? The list might include:
- Additional prospects
- Time to focus on development
- Additional staff/administrative help
- Additional solicitors
- Upgraded software/technology
- Better solicitation, acknowledgement and stewardship systems
- A better understanding of your current strengths and weaknesses
- Coaching/training
- A stronger development committee
- A new/updated mission statement
- Board support
- Staff support
This year, in this column, I will cover these topics, help you find the necessary resources and reduce your excuses.
Excuses are always plentiful with some people but it is often perspective. A shoestring budget can be a deterrent or an inspiration to get creative. Staff and volunteers who want to learn and grow will achieve more than some seasoned professionals. And, systems, even the most expensive ones, will only work when they are created or tailored with a specific organization – and how they will use it – in mind.
To start the exercise, write down your top three priorities from the list above. If you email them to me by replying to this blog or sharing them on twitter @merskyjaffe, I will collect the results to use as a guide for calendaring the year of articles. Of course, if you would prefer specificities to help your nonprofit raise more money, email or call me (617.285.2557) today.