“Fundraising isn’t democratic. We can’t simply divide the total needed by our number of supporters.” – Laura Paulus, Stewardship Advocates, Consultant
Before your board members or anyone else donates to your cause, make sure you have the base of support you need to complete your campaign successfully.
Here’s how. With input from your leadership team, create a list of prospective donors with your names at the top. The list you build is the beginning of your donor database. When your list is complete, you have a total number of people to ask. Next, run a gift range calculation.
A Gift Range Calculation is as helpful as turning on your headlights for nighttime driving!
Here’s how it works. Find an online gift range calculator. I use the one at GiftRangeCalculator.com. Based on your annual budget, enter your fundraising goal into the calculator. The calculator will give you a treasure map – several columns of useful predictions based on tried and true patterns of giving.
Look at the “Number of Prospects Required” on your calculation and compare this with your group’s number of prospective donors. Have you identified enough prospective donors? If so, Yay! You’re ready to begin your campaign. If not, don’t be discouraged, there are many ways to grow your base of support or to scale back your first goals.
Your calculation also predicts how many folks actually need to donate – less than you may think! You will see the attainability of our goal, the potential accomplishment of your mission; the real possibility of success!
Donors are inspired by these numbers, too. Create a simplified version of your gift range calculation to include in your solicitation packet to show potential donors the attainability of your goal.
My next post will be on donor ranking, a follow-up to this one.
As Always, I work for you and am hoping for your every success!
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