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How to Find Qualified Fundraising Leads
Whether you are starting a new non-profit, or you are working with an established institution whose fundraising efforts have stalled, finding qualified fundraising leads is one of the most difficult jobs of a development professional. Though having a core set of donors who wholeheartedly believe in and generously support your mission is crucial to success, building your donor base regularly will enable you to expand your outreach efforts. If you are just building your mailing or calling lists, there are a few things that you can do to help you identify and reach out to potential donors.
Make a list of non-profits with mission statements like yours. Each year, non-profit organizations must release an annual statement to their regular donors and the public. These annual statements are rife with information on donors in your area who are interested in the cause you are championing. Not only will these documents contain information on the names of the individuals and companies that support similar work, they will also provide information on the level of support that each donor offers.
Encourage your board to become active participants in your fundraising activities. Some organizations require board members to submit names of friends or family that they feel would be likely to support your group financially. Whether you encourage the board members themselves to follow up with these leads or you delegate the task to another member of your development department is up to you. When approaching new donors, do be careful not to ask for too much too quickly. Instead, use your first few meetings to educate them about the work you do.
Increase your presence in the community. Even if the bulk of your work is internationally focused, taking on local projects through citywide volunteer days is a great way to make your organization more visible. At each of these events, post a sign-up sheet for your organization’s mailing list. Even if you do not collect any funds immediately, adding more names to your mailing list will make it more likely that you can convert these interested people into donors.
By engaging everyone in your organization in the process of finding and qualifying fundraising leads, you will increase your chances of success.