By Tim Dykes
www.omniproconsulting.com
Are you building a stronger relationship with your prospective donors?
During the past 19 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work as a professional fundraiser in radio, a parachurch organization, healthcare, higher education and a museum. Every organization had a different mission, yet the fundraising strategies were very similar. No matter what organization I worked with, the most similar aspect of building a comprehensive fundraising program was the ongoing task of strengthening relationships with people.
Fundraising is much like the phases in dating, engagement and marriage. These relationships are not built overnight but given time, they advance to the next level. I have worked with individuals who have made major gifts shortly after the initial introduction to the organization. Some organizations have continued to cultivate relationships for years hoping that a major gift will eventually arrive. It’s important for board of trustees, administrators, and development staff to be patient for these relationships to mature. In a future, we’ll talk about three things you can do to help these relationships develop. When you continue to build strong relationships, you will find success in fundraising.
Tim Dykes