DonorUP

Fundraising Happens--Even During a Recession

Fundraising during a widespread economic recession is unusually challenging for schools. Fear and uncertainty dominate the community, but donors are beginning to gradually feel more hopeful.

What fundraising techniques are most effective these days? Most fundraisers report that personally cultivating major gifts and utilizing direct mail for broad donor solicitations are by far the most successful methods. The level of corporate giving has drastically decreased over the last few years, as have donations received through foundation grants and fundraising events.

Maximize your fundraising efforts by:

• Cultivating a consultative relationship with major donors
• Setting clear organizational priorities and finding more efficient ways to raise money
• Developing a culture of stewardship among your families and faculty
• Communicating consistently with your donors, sharing and collecting information
• Presenting your compelling vision at every school event, staying on message
• Asking regularly and often