Making the Most of Your Challenge component
Our challenge grant definitely increased our donor base and, as a side bonus, assisted the new board in seriously developing a fundraising plan which I am happy to report is now in place. This campaign got two new board members involved in doing a direct ask from their friends. It is the first time SPP has ever had an actual development plan. Additionally, we also obtained some new volunteers from this matching grant opportunity.”
Janet Karnes, Executive Director
Suicide Prevention Partnership
Nonprofits that take full advantage of the challenge grant will grow stronger in terms of leadership and community support. In planning your outreach, you may wish to consider the following questions:
- Do you have board leadership to help bring the campaign to the public? Are they leading with their own gifts? Are these the largest gifts they have ever made to your organization? Are they volunteering in the fundraising effort?
- During the campaign, will you build a larger support base of private giving to address annual operating needs? Will you be able to change the mix of revenues that support your organization? Will you find new donors among businesses, corporations and, most important of all, among individuals during the course of the outreach?
- Will the public get to know more about your organization and its programs?
- Do you have a plan for sustaining the support gained during the challenge component campaign after it is concluded?
Every organization will answer these questions differently. What is important is that your organization has carefully considered the strategic opportunities offered by a challenge component relative to your current capabilities.
Tips for successful challenge component campaign
The key to a successful challenge component campaign is marketing. It doesn’t do any good to secure the grant if you don’t make the most of it by getting the word out to donors and supporters. Use every possible means at your disposal to publicize the challenge component.
Plan your challenge component campaign so that it is an integral part of your organization’s overall development plan.
Involve your leaders or stakeholders in ways that help them own the plan. Your organization’s board, staff, and other major supporters should take part in shaping the campaign plan. Build their enthusiasm; they are your key ambassadors.
Target a broad spectrum of donors: individuals, businesses and corporations. Look for small and medium-size gifts as well as large ones, enabling as many people as possible to engage in your organization, even at an entry level. Modest givers may increase what they give over time as their relationships with your organization mature.
Mobilize a volunteer force that includes people in your community who are willing to make stretch gifts to your challenge and are willing to connect you with other potential donors. Provide volunteer training and support, and be respectful of their time. Not only will it help your campaign, but it will also build volunteer loyalty. Don’t forget to capitalize on your volunteers’ clout in the community; make their work visible.
Announce your challenge to the public. Use newsletters, websites, annual reports, personal letters, face-to-face meetings, blast emails, telemarketing, direct mail, special events, social media (ie: FaceBook, MySpace, Twitter), etc. Give as many people as possible an opportunity to learn about your organization and its plans.
Raise funds that will bring you to your goal, always connecting the project with your mission. Raise both funds and friends.
Maintain the relationships and the momentum your organization gained during the challenge component campaign. Continue engaging volunteers by asking for and listening to their suggestions. You may have also learned a lot about the way people perceive your organization. Thank donors who participated in the challenge and be sure to publicly acknowledge successful completion of the challenge.