The Right Order for Implementing Fundraising Campaigns

Here’s a basic outline of how a group puts together a successful fundraising program.

Decide what you want to accomplish.

Decide how you are going to accomplish it.

Make a mission statement and a case statement.

Put together a committed and involved Board of Directors.

Apply for foundation and government grants.

Use some of the grant money you receive to implement your programs and some to implement new campaigns.

Develop mechanisms for tracking your success rate.

Use your successes as a springboard for other self-sustaining programs, such as those listed below.

The annual direct mail campaign.

The annual special event

An on-going face-to-face program.

Publicize your group’s work, using as many free or low-cost techniques as possible.

Recruit committed and involved volunteers.

Implement a programme of donor stewardship.

Only after you have laid a strong foundation with direct mail, face-to-face, and special events should you look into the techniques listed below.

Corporate Sponsorships.

Planned Giving.