Richmond, VA, June 2, 2009 -Even in a challenging
economy, there are opportunities for nonprofit organizations with a positive
mindset and proactive, well-planned approach, Bridget Murphy, senior vice
president and managing director for Graham-Pelton Consulting, Inc. said today in
a roundtable discussion on "Specific Strategies to Strengthen Your Fundraising
Program in this Economy" at the Association of Healthcare Professionals
Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference.
Murphy
recommended that attendees acknowledge these are challenging times when
speaking to donors or prospects, but be positive and confident and recap the
past 40-plus years of encouraging philanthropic giving trends even during down
years. Murphy also offered the following tips for staying connected to current
and prospective donors:
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Increase personal contact - send personalized
letters and messages
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Get your board on board and enlist their help
when talking with others
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Take a look at your database to see who might be
an untapped opportunity
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Conduct electronic wealth-prospect screening and
implement a strategy for top-rated prospects
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Create fact-based plans and build a compelling case
for support with human interest stories and personal appeals
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Think creatively and be flexible
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Value the donor, not the donation
"Focus on building
relationships over time that will make a ‘yes' the only possible response,"
Murphy said, "and remember, the number one reason donors give for donating is
because they were asked."
About Graham-Pelton Consulting, Inc.
Graham-Pelton Consulting,
Inc. is a leading fundraising and nonprofit management firm with offices
nationwide. At Graham-Pelton, we believe that a strong culture of
philanthropy will help clients achieve immediate goals, as well as enhance the
mission, image and strength of the institution for lasting sustainability. We
customize our fundraising services to the needs of the client and the institution's
culture, providing campaign management, feasibility planning studies,
board training and development, major gift counsel, interim staffing, and other
uniquely tailored services.
