Start a Non Profit Endowment Campaign
We've all seen signs of an endowment campaign. Often, it is indicated by a graphic of a thermometer with a red line to show growth. As a nonprofit grows, developing an endowment is a good idea for several reasons: First, it will help cover future growth of the nonprofit; it can provide funds needed, but not covered by annual pledge income; and it's a reserve to draw on in times of emergency. It can also show that the nonprofit intends to be around for the long term.
Instructions
Start a Nonprofit Endowment Campaign
1. Be sure you're starting an endowment campaign at the right time. You may need help from a fund-raising consultant to decide this. According to the Association of Fundraising Professionals, to begin a campaign, the nonprofit has to have its mission established, be finished with strategic planning, already have enough funding to cover annual expenses, be established in the community and have enough community support for a campaign. The nonprofit also should have fund-raising software to handle donations and reports.
2. Meet with board members and other volunteers willing to help in a campaign for their input. Establish the reasons for a campaign and a goal for the amount of money you'd like to raise. Evaluate the giving of previous donors and potential donors to contribute toward that goal and decide what levels of donations you'll accept and what amounts "major gifts" will be.
3. Write a case statement that explains the nonprofit's current and future value to the community and the needed funds. Print the statement and other solicitation materials, such as informational letters or brochures; mailing envelopes; pledge cards and return envelopes for checks. Before any mailings go out, announce the endowment campaign to the press. Also continually promote the campaign in all areas-the local newspaper, your website, and social media such as Facebook.
4. Meet with board members and other volunteers or campaign committee to provide them them with contact info for previous donors and prospective donors. Hold solicitation training, if needed. Regularly meet with the board and volunteer solicitors to check progress. Follow up on people who've said they'd make a pledge, but haven't done so.
5. Be sure to record and acknowledge donations in a timely manner, and send any promised gifts or premiums in return for donations.
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