Donor cultivation is the most underappreciated and misunderstood part of the fundraising funnel.  Of the four primary components of the fundraising lifecycle (prospecting, cultivation, asking, and stewardship), it is cultivation that most often trips up most fundraising efforts. For most nonprofits, there is no real clue of what “donor cultivation” really means.  Cultivation is everything that happens between the time you identify a person as a prospect for your organization until the time you make the first ask.  Cultivation is the process of building a relationship with your prospect, communicating with them, and ultimately moving them down the road towards that ask. Donor cultivation is basically building a relationship with a prospect. You don't simply call someone up and ask for $10,000 at the end of the conversation. You have to get to know the donor, and the donor has to get to know you and your nonprofit. Today I am going to break down how to do this quickly, effectively and successfully. 

NonProfit Nuggets with Jennifer Yarbrough

The Secret to Successful Donor Cultivation

Nonprofit grant writing is a vital part of any smart and healthy fundraising strategy. However, before we jump into the fine details of successfully writing grant proposals, let’s review exactly what it is.  During this discussion, you will learn what grant writing is;  the process of applying for funding provided by a private, corporate, or government grant-maker; and what goes into consideration of who gets funding.  Also, I will be answering questions and sharing how brand new organizations position themselves to get grant funding. 

Keys and Tips to Getting Grant Funding!

Remember that fundraising is simply inviting people to be supportive of your nonprofit organization. You do that through personal contact and by educating and involving them. The following are truths you should incorporate into whatever fundraising you do: People give to people and because of people. People who don’t know you or your organization probably will not give. People that are connected to your cause, and are concerned about the problem that you are solving, are more likely to give more quickly when asked The best time to ask for a gift is after you have had a chance to inform and educate a prospective donor. Listen as I share several more fundraising basics to help you successfully raise money for your programs and operations.

Fundraising Basics to Jump Starting Your Year End Plan

The number one predictor of fundraising success is the fundraising plan. It's not just the fundraising plan itself, but the act of planning. Simply taking time to reflect and put goals in writing is the leading indicator of how much you’ll bring in this year, be it donors or dollars. Today I am breaking down the 5 Simple "Steps to Making" the fundraising plan. The time to start your plan is now...the reward (money raised) is your benchmark.   I would love to hear your feedback on anything that stood out for you after listening.   

Fundraising Strategy

Giving isn’t a business transaction. It’s a human connection. To inspire donors to give, you need to make a meaningful connection by showing them why they matter and how they can make a difference. When you understand why your donors give, you’ll be able to make a more effective appeal. The Top 4 Reasons People Give to Nonprofits They believe there is a need for the nonprofit’s mission in the community and they are confident the organization does good work They believe the nonprofit will use their gift to stabilize or expand programming The nonprofit communicates about the impact of giving by sharing program outcomes They want to be associated with the organization and its brand If you take this information to help you craft your social media posts, your email drafts, your face-to-face meetings, and your campaign asks...you will be fully funded before you know it. REMEMBER: People act from the heart, not the head Giving is a personal act Let donors support your cause long-term I hope that this episode was helpful and meaningful. Please visit my website if you would like to schedule time to talk about your fundraising next steps and donor engagement systems to move people to give, and keep giving, to your nonprofit. 

This is Why People Give to Nonprofits: It Isn't About Money !!

A "Stakeholder" refers to anyone, individual, or group that has an interest in your nonprofit. It includes people directly involved, such as board members, people you serve, donors, or foundations that give you grants. Many other individuals or groups can be stakeholders, too, even if they are more indirectly involved, such as vendors where you purchase supplies or services. A stakeholder can be the company that sponsors one of your events. All of these individuals and groups can be affected by what your organization does or even help determine what your nonprofit does.   During this Podcast, I am sharing the mindset of the stakeholder and what they must know before the decide to become a stakeholder.    Enjoy these Nonprofit Nuggets and take action today.   www.jdyarbrough.com Facebook: Nonprofit Leaders Impacting Lives LinkedIn: Jennifer Yarbrough IG: Jen The Grant Guru   

Steps to Finding Funding Stakeholders For Your Nonprofit

During good times and bad, some organizations raise a lot of money — and other organizations don’t. The organizations raising the most money, generally speaking, rely on best practices, technology, and the latest tools and resources available. Conversely, struggling organizations are stuck with well meaning, but fearful leaders and board members whose hands are tied by fear of failure; fear of change; lack of relationships and lack of courage...Stuck and can't to move. Of course, these are vast generalizations, I know what I am saying is true. The Coronavirus crisis has broken open every "facade" and exposed the lack of strategic planning. As a result, weak fundraising practices are taking organizations down quickly.  Right now the crisis has thrown the world upside down as we know it, there are some fundraising best practices which are helping organizations not only survive, but THRIVE. This Podcast is to help bring focus, strategy and steps to raising more money during this crisis. And that’s good news! Right now your organization can raise more money than they ever had before.  www.jdyarbrough.com Jen@Jenthegrantguru.com Facebook Group: Nonprofit Leaders Impacting Lives LinkedIn: Jennifer Yarbrough  

Raising More Money During COVID!

Words are everything in fundraising. One major key to your success is found in the strength of your nonprofit storytelling. The way you tell your story and engage people in your message can make or break your fundraising efforts. Jen, what do we mean by storytelling you may ask... At its most basic level, storytelling is a way to convey facts, information, history and experience from one person, the teller, to another, the listener, but it goes deeper than that. Stories are interactive, connecting, bonding and gripping. Shared stories can tie whole cultures and groups together. Shared stories connect and bind all sorts of people, from families to religious groups.  Your best friend is your best friend because there are a few stories only the two of you share. In fundraising, stories are one of the strongest ways to make emotional connections between donors, organizations and community impact. Nonprofit storytelling lets donors and volunteers know that they are making an impact and making life better for real people. In other words, you are letting your donor know that he/she is part of your story and most importantly part of the beneficiary’s story. So, how good are you at using storytelling in fundraising? Why is storytelling an effective fundraising tactic to increase funding and engagement? It connects with the emotions. Stories are much more powerful and motivating than merely using statistics or discussing administrative goals.  Donors don’t support you so you can buy a new printer or move into a better building.  Those things may be important, but only as a means to the real goal of helping make the world a better place. It shows donors that their actions are making a difference. They need to know that goals are being met and lives are being improved.  The emotional satisfaction can keep them motivated and prevent burnout. It may inspire them to donate more and get more involved with your cause. It gives dignity and context to the beneficiaries and connects their lives to the donors. Telling stories prevents your beneficiaries from being just another statistic.  It gives them depth and authenticity.  It allows them to have a voice in your foundation just as staff, donors, and volunteers have a voice.  It reminds everyone involved that you are helping living, breathing people. Begin to use this powerful tool right away! Today in fact. When you are ready for expert help, schedule 20 min. on my calendar to make the shift right away: www.jdyarbrough.com 

Steps to Increase Donations and Involvement

Let me start by celebrating the Leaders in you. You are awesome! You may think that deciding to invest a small amount in a resource to help you grow your business is a no brainer, but I assure you that it is not. When I first got into this nonprofit work over 30 years ago, I didn’t have access to a resource like I’ve created for you. As a result, I worked way too hard and way too long before I figured out how to successfully raise the funds needed to both deliver an impactful program and operate the organization with the all of the staff and resources needed. And because I couldn’t find a tool to help me, I created this tool so that you don’t have to experience what I did as you endeavor to start, grow and sustain your nonprofit. The truth is, I want MORE for you. By investing in the Fully Funded Tool Kit, you’ve shown that you’re ready to access more. More IMPACT More FUNDING More FREEDOM in the nonprofit building process. More of living your VISION and -PASSION to help those most in need within your community. More DONORS More COMMUNITY SUPPORT More CASH FLOW Grab this handout for $9.00 to download and work through with your team.   Then jump on my calendar if you want to discuss strategic next steps for your organization at www.jydarbrough.com   YouTube: Nonprofit Nuggets TV LinkedIn: Jennifer Yarbrough Calendar: Bit.ly/TimeWithJen Facebook Group: Nonprofit Leaders Impacting Lives 

Strategic Nonprofit Startup Up Tips

Passion Is Not Enough: The Most Common Mistakes Startup Nonprofits Make Starting a nonprofit is difficult, complex, and hard work. I am being kind when I say this part... It takes vision, guts, a clear mission, strong emotional intelligence,  and a lot of hard work just to get it off the ground. Think marathon race or mountain climbing.  Think liking to bake cakes to running a whole entire bakery. Its like a  serene lake that looks calm and relaxing on the top – but  once you are in it-underneath has so many currents all pulling at you at once. Going from vision to a sustainable and financially healthy nonprofit is not for the weak. Many start organizations, but very few do so without making major mistakes that cost them either time, money, supporters, donors or all of the above. There was a study done in 2016 that stated that out of 100 new organizations, only 18 of them made it beyond the second year.  ONLY 18%!!  82% of worthwhile and needed programs ultimately fail because they were not put together well. When these organizations fail it is the community and clients that suffer.  Having done this work for over 30 years, working with thousands of leaders nationally and internationally on how to build and grow their organizations, I did a quick survey with a group of founders who have created viable, strong organizations. These are folks doing great work every day, they are in the trenches. They all said the same thing: Passion is not enough. Today I am sharing the real and hard truth about is involved in starting a new nonprofit successful and with a clear path to sustainability.  Listen, share and comment if anything stands out to you.  If you would like to speak about how me and my team can help your nonprofit, visit my website and schedule a complimentary 20 minutes on my calendar: www.jdyarbrough.com.   

Steps to Starting a New Nonprofit

Listen to discover the three (3) shifts to help you go from where you are to where you KNOW you should be by now in the area of your nonprofit startup and fundraising.   www.jdyarbrough.com #coachingbusiness #mindset #coaches #nonprofits #fundraising

Why Is It Taking So Long to Raise Money For My Nonprofit?

Every nonprofit organization is different. It takes many kinds of donors to support your work and further your mission. For some organizations, that might mean going after major donors. For others, it’s building a large community of support through individual donations, no matter how small. How can ONE THING work for all those scenarios? From a tactical standpoint, it can’t. It is important to understand cultivation, relationship building, a clear mission, strategic campaigns, mobilization systems, etc is a much different process from soliciting support from marginalized communities that struggle to make ends meet. No donation is more important or less valuable than another as long as each works to meet a genuine community need. And that is the key. Faced with an uncertain economic future, it’s important to remember why you are doing what you do. Do not stray from your mission. Not every donor or funder is a good match for your nonprofit, and that’s ok. Don't get distracted or discouraged because not every person is your ideal donor.  That is okay! With that in mind, what is the ONE THING you can do right now to keep funds flowing into your nonprofit? How can you ensure that your fundraising path forward is the right one? It’s pretty simple, actually. Work to retain your donors while broadening your reach. Why is this important? Because when donors are happy, they will renew and upgrade their support. They will also refer supporters to your cause. Now is not the time to sit back. Yes, there are uncertain times, but you’ve got this! Keep engaging with your supporters and, most importantly, stay true to your mission. I have a dedicated team to take away any feeling of stress, uncertainty, confusion and insecurity about how to fundraise now and in the future. Go to www.jdyarbrough.com to schedule your complementary session and let us talk about your immediate and long-term needs for organizational startup, growth and sustainability.

Getting Unstuck: Moving Your Nonprofit Fundraising Forward

In nonprofits, the product or service that they deliver are often referred to as a "program."  The mission of the organization is its overall purpose in the community. During strategic planning, planners work from the mission to identify several overall, major (or strategic) goals that must be reached and that, in total, work toward the mission. Each program is associated with achieving one or more strategic goals and, therefore, should contribute directly toward the mission as well. If an idea for a program comes up at some time other than during the strategic planning process, nonprofit board members must carefully ask themselves if the program is really appropriate to the mission of the organization. If you would like help starting, designing, marketing and fundraising for your program, I would love to schedule a COMPLIMENTARY 20 Min. session with you.  Bit.ly/TimeWithJen www.jdyarbrough.com

Starting a Nonprofit Program: Design and Marketing

COVID-19 has had a serious side effect for many nonprofits—fundraising efforts cancelled and programs suspended due to funding Many organizations have either canceled or are in planning mode to ensure that they maximize all fundraising possible to deliver programs and maintain organizational operations. If you are struggling with fundraising ideas, here are a few ideas that can help your fundraising stay on track.   www.jdyarbrough.com Facebook: Nonprofit Leaders Impacting Lives LinkedIn: Jennifer Yarbrough Email: Jen@Jenthegrantguru.com Phone: (442) 242-7748

Fundraising Ideas During COVID-19

DEFINITION: Impact is the difference your nonprofit makes: There's the work you do, and the results that flow from it.  98% of your donors give because of your impact...YES, even during COVID your organization can grow and maintain your funding with the right plan. That plan MUST include 4-5 different ways of sharing/showing impact each and every day. REMEMBER, articulating your impact is tied to your MONEY and fundraising capacity. www.jdyarbrough.com (442) 242-7748 Facebook: Nonprofit Leaders Impacting Lives LinkedIn & IG: Jennifer Yarbrough YouTube: Nonprofit Nuggets TV

Get More Donations For Your Nonprofit

Are you a nonprofit leader who is looking for real insight into how to successfully startup, fundraise for, or successfully lead your nonprofit organization. If you answered yes, this podcast is for you. In this podcast you will discover: 1. What a nonprofit really is; 2. Grant tips; and, 3. Ways to raise money for your nonprofit I share with you how I have raised hundreds of millions of dollars stretching beyond traditional grants, and trained thousands of organizations across the globe. Sign up for my newsletter. Http://Bit.ly/jnnpodcastlist

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NonProfit Nuggets with Jennifer Yarbrough

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