The Fundraising Factory - Archive for the ‘Fundraising’ Category

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The All Inclusive Fundraising Diet

Friday, March 11th, 2011

Too many times I hear from executive directors, volunteers, and development staff that they are restricted by board approval to move forward with fundraising ideas.  It is always a board’s responsibility to ensure that a non profit has the funds to provide services.  So what’s the hold up?  I have no idea but there is a fundraising diet that all non profits can use for maintaining a healthy,  balanced social network and financial foundation for their organizations. 

Gala events, annual dinner, and auctions.  These are a tremendous amount of work and the ROI has been proven to be poor.  However, there are benefits such as the relationship building opportunities that can be developed in the planning of the event and at the event as board members mingle and work the room.  These venues are usually a fantastic platform for story telling which,  as we know,  is one confirmed way to connect with the donor.  The monetary ROI may not be great but the PR, marketing, and networking is.  I give these events a thumbs up.  I’m also a bit of a party girl! 

Then there’s the physical activity fundraiser.  The bike-a-thons, walk-a-thons and tri’s for this and that are a staple fundraiser.  However,  not everyone wants to get up off the couch to support a non profit so it might be a good idea to include a lounge-a-thon in your line up.   ”Thons” are very effective for increasing community exposure especially through social media.

Bring on the ask letters, annual appeals,  and the death bequest category.  These are great because if you are asking for money through a letter it isn’t your first contact with the donor.  If it is, you should be ashamed of yourself.  The up front relationship development will have been done, therefore, the ask and appeal letter is like a maintenance donation. 

Grant writing cannot go unnoticed.  I will call these “bonus bucks” since grants need to be found and re-written in most cases year after year.

Finally a fundraising revenue stream must include the selling of products.  This is a category that is overlooked.  Products can be sold year round and generate more than %100 ROI.  In the case of fundraising products the donor actually gets something for their contribution and believe it or not they like that.  Their take away from a donation is long lasting.  Depending on the product you choose to sell, each time the donor sees their purchase they are reminded of your non profit.  See my post on (choosing the right fundraising product).   
Out of sight out of mind does not apply here!

 Happy Fundaraising,
Lucinda

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The Real Green in Fundraising

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011

The first of March brings thoughts of spring and St. Patrick’s Day.  We begin to think of warmer weather and greener surroundings.  A pleasant thought given the amount of snow and cold weather that we have endured this winter.  It’s the perfect time to start thinking about the change in season and what better way than with Clover and Flower Pins.  Clover Pins are perfect for the Irish lovers or for those looking to find the elusive lucky leaf.  Each clover is uniquely designed in different shades of green so no two are alike.  Some even have a little glitter…as if they were touched by a pot of gold.  They can be pinned onto a shirt or worn as a lucky charm.  They come with a pin/bail combo that provides for versatile wear.

For those who are looking for an additional splash of color, our Flower Pins are a must have.  We came up with the idea of a Flower Pin 2 years ago and since then over 7,500 have been picked by our customers.  Not only are the colors vibrant but the flowers are designed in beautiful shapes.  No matter if you are trying to raise money and awareness for a housing shelter or a domestic violence organization, Flower Pins are something that everyone appreciates and add a nice mix to your fundraising selection.  We have displayed them at tradeshows and just like a real garden, the more flowers you have, the more eye-catching the arrangement becomes.  Individuals can’t just pick one.  They are a fantastic way to fundraise no matter what your organization’s mission may be.  The reactions to the beautiful designs stimulate conversations with strangers.  It’s an easy way to start a dialogue and to share useful information about your Non profit.  Like the Clover Pins, the Flower Pins come with the pin and bail combination.  

So with spring and St. Patty’s Day just around the corner, think about how these pins can add more green to your organization.  Plus they may just add a little luck…

Purchase 40 or more Flower Pins and we will include 4 Free Four Leaf Clover Pins.

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North Georgia United Methodist HHC

Monday, February 21st, 2011

Please welcome Virginia Tinsley with North Georgia United Methodist Housing & Homeless Council.  We shall refer to them as HHC.

HHC uses Designs By Lucinda pins to raise money and awareness.  Funny how they were turned onto our pins.  A woman by the name of Virginia Tinsley (the Executive Director of HHC) was working for another organization passing out pens and candy to grab the attention of the UMC conference attendees.  The attendees would walk by, grab a few writing gadgets and their chocolate fix for the afternoon.  No real conversation instilled.  That is when Virginia noticed a table engulfed by attendees handing money to the exhibitor.  Yes, the table was covered in Lucinda pins and the attendees of the event couldn’t part with their money fast enough to secure the one of a kind pin that caught their eye.  Virginia left the position she held then and became the director of HHC

Virginia and HHC have sold over 14,000 pins and has raised over $100,000.  HHC first started selling pins back in 1996 to raise enough money to purchase a computer.   Today “pin money” provides grants to help shelters, feeding programs, transitional housing, Habitat for Humanity builds, domestic violence shelters and other services.  The Housing and Homeless Council has given out more than $3.7 million in grants since 1990.  She says, “the real success isn’t the money but the exposure the pins have created for us.” Priceless…

Asked what’s her secret to selling so many pins?  She relies on the help of the churches, volunteers, craft shows at Christmas time and exhibiting at the annual UMC Conference.  She says, “You can’t sell them if you don’t have them” and explains that sticking with the pinl theme of what their Non Profit represents is important but she also must offer occasional variation and add new pin designs to her inventory since they are favorable to her loyal customers who continue to buy pins supporting the HHC ministries.   Smart…  After all, we are a society that expects instant gratification and choices.

It was great to hear about HHC’s positive experience and long lasting commitment to selling Lucinda pins.  We figured that after 15 years of fundraising with our pins, Virginia must have witnessed memorable events.  Many stories revolved around individuals who had made substantial pin purchases.  One gentleman fell in love with our colorful butterfly pins and wanted to buy 30 on the spot.  It showed that even men can’t resist the pins and find them to be the perfect gift for the people near and dear to their hearts.  The other story that really jumped out at us was one of a woman who collected Lucinda pins.  Sadly she had passed away but because of her love for the pins, her family donated the pins back to HHC so that they could continue to raise money and awareness.  It was a sentimental journey about the impact of the pins and how they touch people’s lives.

We asked Virginia about the custom pin Designs By Lucinda created for UMC’s 50th anniversary in recognition of the full rights of clergy women, a huge milestone that was honored by one of a kind artwork.  She told us it was quite successful and they still have a few left of the 2600 pins they acquired.  Then we got a heads up.  They are considering having another new design produced!  Virginia is awesome to work with and we are more than excited about creating a new pin design for HHC.

Looking ahead, we wanted to know what the plans are for 2011.  Coming right up Feb. 27th is Homeless Offering Sunday which is a big fundraiser for HHC.  Virginia also shared concerns about the North Georgia Conference budget funding cuts this year and said she will be relying more on pin sales to help cover operating costs.

Finally, we had to ask “Virginia, how many pins have you sold off your body?”  “Oh I don’t know but I sold one yesterday” was the reply of the woman who has dedicated over 20 years to helping the homeless one day at a time.

Thank you Virginia and God bless.

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Fundraising with a Healthy Heart

Wednesday, February 16th, 2011

Mothers.  Sisters.  Daughters.  Wives.  Aunts.  Caretakers.  Mentors.  Lovers.  Friends.  The list goes on and on… In the end, they have one thing in common.  They are women.  Women that have impacted our lives.  They have brought us into this world.  Every day is a day to think about the women in our lives but in particular, we think about the special women in our lives during the month of February.  Why?  Because February is Heart Disease Awareness Month.  Heart Disease is the number one killer of women.  Losing someone we love that has impacted our life in one way or another gives reason to celebrate their life. 

We have celebrated women in many ways throughout the years.  Love songs have been written, photographs have been snapped, movies have been produced, and novels have been penned.  They have inspired so many people to capture their essence in some way.  We at Designs By Lucinda have also been inspired by women.  Over 10 years ago, we crafted a pin of women.  Like the women of our lives they came in all shapes, sizes and color and were dressed in the clothes of the times.  They were the perfect way for women to recognize their mothers, sisters and best friends. 

Fast forward 10 years.  Today we continue to handcraft women pins wearing knee high boots, pencil skirts, skinny jeans, and red dresses.  The times have changed and are reflected within the new designs but the reason remains the same- we continue to recognize and celebrate the women in our lives.

Not only have we acknowledged and celebrated the lives of women but we have also been able to help raise money and awareness for causes that affect women throughout the world.  From heart disease, breast cancer and homelessness, we have provided pins to raise money and consciousness for many women related causes.  We have sold over 491,000 women pins since crafting the first design over 10 years ago. 

We have partnered with several non profits including  Abby’s House,  Emma Norton Residence and Daughters of Zelophehad in the name of women.  Daughters of Zelophehad has raised over $100,000 from Designs By Lucinda pins in addition to raising vital awareness for their organization.

We make it a point to keep our women pins vibrant.  We continue to capture the look of the times and the many roles that women fulfill each day.

So today and everyday, let’s celebrate the women in our lives.
Here’s to Women!
Lucinda

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Find the Secrets to Lucinda Pin Fundraising Success

Thursday, December 9th, 2010

Reflecting on Lucinda Pin Performance for 2010
Asking the 5 W’s  reveals  insight to what worked and what didn’t.  Understanding the answers will help you plan for 2011.

1.  Who were your customers in 2010?  Break it down…Top customers…repeat customers… new customers.

2.  What pins did they buy in 2010?  How many did they buy?   What was the average number purchased over the number of customers?   Did you offer any specials that influenced buying habits such as $16 each or 2 for $30?  Was a particular pin style more popular than others?  Do you know why?  

3.  When did they buy?  Did they buy for a special occasion, or around a holiday or the end of school year? 

4.  Where did they shop with you?  Were the pin purchases made at a speaking event, a craft show, through a retail outlet, directly through your headquarters or on your website?

5.  Why did they buy?  Were pins purchased as gifts or for personal use?  Did they simply buy because they wanted to help your cause?  Did they buy because of the influence of the person selling them?  Was their purchase a response to a marketing campaign?  Engaging your customers as they buy provides you with tremendous information about them and is a fantastic opportunity to begin building a relationship.  We all know it’s all about relationships.

If you have the answers to these 5 questions you’ll be able to better determine if your pin program is meeting your expectations.  You will also be able to make the correct adjustments for the up coming year when you have a good understanding of the past.  Do more of what is working and less of what is not.

Even If you don’t know all the answers to the 5 W’s, remember it’s never too late to get things in order.
So start off on the right foot for 2011.  Pay attention to your customer and the marketplace.

As always Happy Fundraising!
Lucinda

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Prospecting for a Pin Lady

Friday, November 12th, 2010

The loss of a key person in a Non Profit can have a huge impact if the organization is not prepared.  Too many times non profits unexpectedly lose their Pin Lady.  Invariably, the next person to take over knows nothing about the job and doesn’t have the same enthusiasm for the pins as the previous Pin Lady, thus resulting in loss for the Non Profit as fundraising pin sales decline.

Cross training people in an organization lessens the impact of loss until a permanent replacement can be found.

Prospecting for who the next Pin Lady will ensure continued success for your non profit.  Believe it or not, finding that person is easier than you might think because Pin Ladies share some similar characteristics.  First, the Pin Lady LOVES Lucinda pins.  She may very well be your best customer or even that Lucinda Pin Collector.  She probably owns more than 10 Lucinda Pins.  There is a good chance she’s the person who wants to be the first to see the box of new Lucinda Pin arrivals.  Secondly, the potential Pin Lady candidate is a person who enjoys talking to people and socializing.  The future Pin Lady is not afraid to ask others to help if it’s for a good cause.   Most importantly she is committed to your mission. 

Now that you know the attributes of a Pin Lady someone may come to mind right away.  Go with your instincts and approach her with the idea of helping you with the pins.  Something as simple as pinning the pins to the promo cards or attending an event with you where the pins are for sale is a good first introduction.  Invite her into other pin opportunities so she can become familiar with how it all works.  As she is more comfortable ask for her input on ordering pin styles.   I promise, when the time comes that you or your current pin lady transitions, you’ll have a back up person who will be WILLING AND ABLE to help you in a pinch or even better, step in permanently.

Minimize your risk.  Start looking now.  The future of your Pin Revenue depends on it!

Happy Fundraising,
Lucinda

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Making Giving Easy

Monday, November 1st, 2010

Overall contributions to churches are expected to fall to $104.18 billion in the final three months of the year, down 1 percent compared to the same period last year, according to a new forecast.

Regardless of the predictions for year-end giving, whether they are strong or weak, churches still have to compete with the more than 1.2 million nonprofits for the attention and resources of the person in the pew.

Donors make gifts to missions that tug at their heart-strings and they are more generous with gifts to causes about which they are most passionate.

Giving is often a mirror of our spiritual maturity and a reaction to a message that encourages “necessity, meaningfulness, recognition, and gratitude.”

Giving also depends on the capacity to give.  Challenging people to be mindful of a behavior of giving spurs people to progress to a more meaningful engagement with their faith.  That involves their time, aptitudes and resources.

It is possible to create a giving movement when there is a shared sense of purpose, vision, and mission among the church staff and leadership.  Sharing the possibilities and hope of accomplishing community missions can compel donors to give.  During these stressful financial times why not help the donor as they help you by incorporating the donation in the purschase of a product.

Fundraising by selling products has been around for a long time and can make giving easier for those strapped for extra cash.   With difficult economic times, this type of giving is good common sense since it helps the donor simultaneously.   Offering a meaningful product that a donor can purchase for themselves or give as a gift allows them to give AND to receive.  It strengthens the spirit, and spreads the word.

Wishing you properous fundraising,

Lucinda

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Using the Ole Noggin’

Thursday, April 29th, 2010

Creative thinking affects effective fundraising.
 

Fundraisers are just like products.  They can be tracked on the bell curve.  Slowly rising, peeking and then tiring on the downhill.

When a fundraising event takes off and grows revenue for a few years in a row we pat ourselves on the back, include it as a line item in the annual budget, and hope it lasts forever. 

Since we are aware of the bell curve phenomenon it’s necessary to take our head out of the sand, put our thinking caps on and come up with the next best fundraiser before the downhill slide begins. 

It is the development committee’s responsibility to raise the funds for the budget and to come up with the fundraising ideas.

The chance of a fundraising committee coming up with a successful new fundraiser that is meaningful and unique improves when IME elements exist.

Inspiration, Motivation, and Execution elements are achieved through creative thinking.

Creative thinking is enhanced and maximized by social stimulation, (small group brainstorming), in other words you can’t do it alone.  Creativity drives the problem solving process when unexpected dynamics are introduced to the group.  Asking a question with constraints, such as what if the fundraiser is all about blue?  Or, no one can come to the event that is under 30.  Stimulation jump starts the grey matter into looking at things from a different perspective and firing off the synapses that can lead to new concepts, new ways of thinking and new fundraisers.  

Small group participation creates inclusion.  Shared ideas can lead to “buy in” and greater motivation to bring the idea to fruition.  Execution is easy when the person with the most enthusiasm for the idea is given the leadership role to oversee or chair the fundraiser. 

 As always Happy Fundraising,

Lucinda

Call me if your in a rut.  800 799 6116
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Every Donation is a “BIG” one.

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

When you target donors, it’s OK to think small.  By increasing the number of smaller donations two things happen.  First, more people become connected to your organization and drive word of mouth awareness.  We all love large donations, however one large donation connects you to only one person.  Second, when you ask small you aren’t asking for much.  It’s easier to ask again.  In other words it doesn’t hurt.  When it’s painless people are more receptive.  Take it one step further and give them something meaningful and unique for their money and you’ll hit a home run.  That’s why my “pin business” works.

I’ve helped non profits raise over $25 million dollars $7.00 at a time!  That’s over 3.5 million contributions.  Not only have huge sums of money have been raised but now 3,571,428 people know about important causes.  Let’s do just a little more math and watch what happens.  Those contributors talk to 8 people about their $7 experience.  We use the number 8 because statistics prove that if you have a good “buying” experience you will share it with 8 people.  So, take the 8 and multiply it by that big number and guess what?  We are talking crazy numbers: numbers that will get your heart thumping.  28,571,248!  YES you read that right.  Over 28 million! 
What’s seems really small is actually really big.

Happy Fundraising!
Lucinda

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The Donor Connection

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

This time of year mailboxes are flooded with fundraising “ASK” letters.  Although the causes may be worthy of a donation most of us have limited resources that only allow us to give to a few.

Here’s my two cents worth on the ASK…

1. Build trust.  Start off honestly, sincerely and from your heart.  Tell us why you personally are writing the letter.

2. Be a storyteller and share circumstances about peoples lives that have changed because of the money you have raised for your non profit.  When you share a great success story you immediately establish credibility.  Compelling stories move people to support a cause.

3.  Ask BIG!  Don’t hold back on what you ask for.  People will give what they can but you need to share the need for giving EVEN if it seems like a lot to ask.

4. Spell it out.   Let them know how their gift can be used.   Correlate dollar amounts to services needed by your clients.  They see how donations of different levels can help pay for heat, rent, food for a family any service your non profit provides. They connect on a deeper level and the donation becomes more meaningful.

5. Be Humble.  Recognize the current economy and how it effects donations.  The donor can understand a real human need and are more likley to empathize with these difficult times.

I hope my two cents makes sense to you and helps your non profit stand out from all those envelopes.

Cheers and Happy Fundaraising!

Lucinda

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