Okay, so it’s the beginning of March – but the Chinese just celebrated the Year of the Tiger!
My question to you: will you be a “Tiger” and seize control of your fundraising efforts this year?
Last week, I had the opportunity to refresh my fundraising skills by attending a two-day conference sponsored by the Institute for Charitable Giving and taught by top fundraisers Jerold Panas, Bill Sturtevant, and Richard Stone, the founder of StoryWork Institute.
What I learned reinforced my core message to leaders and fundraisers worldwide:
“Storytelling is the fiber of relationship building – and makes your values and
your mission real.”
First step: list your (or your organization’s) mission and values, and then create a story.
Did you know, within 48 hours of meeting you, people remember 37% of what you say – and 76% of what they say? A compelling story, your case for support, will make your organization (and why you need a contribution) more memorable.
Mr. Sturtevant also spoke about the importance of your finance team when raising money. He suggested identifying “natural partners”: those who know the prospective donor and can help advance the relationship with your organization.
“Natural partners” (your finance committee) provide information so you can develop your strategy; assist in cultivation; assist in solicitation (bearing testimony); and inspire others with their own support.
Remember my advice to apply the techniques of multi-level marketing to scale up your fundraising efforts: friend to friend, neighbor to neighbor, colleague to colleague.
As a fundraising “Tiger” build up those in your “Den” to make your fundraising efforts more successful in 2010.
Good luck! 
Nancy is available to keynote a seminar, lead a workshop, or provide one-on-one consulting to help you find success in public service and fundraising in 2010.
For rates and available dates,
please call
703-276-7488
Nancy@NancyBocskor.com
www.NancyBocskor.com
Go Fish: How to Catch
(and Keep) Contributors
New 2010 Edition!
When ordering, mention "Year of The Tiger" to receive the special rate of $39.99 (regular price $50)
"There has never been a more critical time to use the lessons in Go Fish: How to Catch (and Keep) Contributors, by Nancy Bocskor. She'll help you meet and exceed your fundraising goals, especially with our tough economy, increased solicitations and more worthy causes than ever to support. It is concise. It is practical. It will positively impact your results."
- David K. Rehr, PhD
"Not just theory, but proven steps to guarantee success. If you value success, don't campaign without it."
- Joan Jackson,
Co-Founder of the Michigan Excellence in
Public Service Series
"Nancy's book is eye-opening! As a grassroots activist, I'm glued to the book -- it's easy to understand and gives real-life advice about how to raise money."
- Sharron Pettiford
Graduate, Women's Campaign School at Yale
"Nancy's book is a must-read for all fundraisers and development professionals. Valuable and practical, Go Fish gets to the heart of successful fundraising...relationships."
- Cecilia Martinez
Co-Founder & Principal, Guerin, Inc.
Meet March's
Passion Driven Leader:
Cindy Hawkins
Cindy and her husband Oscar
This month I'd like to introduce you to Cindy Hawkins from Alabaster, Alabama. Cindy and her husband, Oscar, are the founders of Kids First Awareness Coalition, a non-profit established in 2002. Cindy works as the Executive Director, laboring to provide a safe and positive environment for the children of at-risk communities. Kids First Awareness Coalition has planted the seeds of success in many children's lives, encouraging them to strive for excellence inside and outside of academics.
Cindy teaches her "kids" to serve and respect others and to always do random acts of kindness. Kids First has grown and excelled since its inception, and because of Cindy's hard work, the Center has garnered the support of state and national leaders.
Cindy's love f0r her community, especially the kids in it, is the driving force that has created new opportunities for tomorrow’s leaders.
To learn more about Cindy's efforts, please visit:
www.KidsAwareness.org
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