May 31, 2017

Fundraising from the Heart

Fundraisers don't succeed due to knowledge alone. Some fundraisers have a lot of information, but lack results. Others may see great results, even if they are new to the sector. What successful fundraisers have on their side is genuine commitment to the mission and to growing philanthropy.

Valuing a nonprofit's mission is essential to connecting with donors. Without heart, donors will notice a fundraiser's lack of enthusiasm. Follow these steps to help recharge your drive for fundraising:

Revisit your past
Remember why you decided to get into the business in the first place. What made you excited about nonprofit fundraising? What big dreams did you have? In what ways did you set out to change the world? Get a little nostalgic and apply your answers to current projects.

Rekindle your purpose
What is your organization's mission? Seriously... what is your nonprofit's mission statement? Can you recall it by memory? Take time to remind yourself of the cause for which you are now raising money. If you feel your drive and motivation has been waning, do something to rekindle that spark. Go visit the frontline programs. Ask staff for new success stories. Get your hands dirty.

Realize your potential
What are the skills that make you unique as a fundraiser? What seems to come naturally to you? Spend some time examining your background and special abilities. What are those gifts and talents you bring to fundraising that really impact others. Now, consider how you can utilize and leverage those skills to make an even greater difference.

Be willing to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Consider creative ways to get and stay inspired. Take a class. Attend a workshop. Read a book. Revisit your past, rekindle your purpose and realize your potential. Then, out of a renewed sense of commitment, go raise more money for the mission.

Kristy Burns, Vice President (Columbus, Ohio) [email protected]

Join Us on the Growing Philanthropy Tour

Next stops on the road to achieving Hartsook's mission of growing philanthropy by 25 percent in the next 20 years:

Houston
June 9, 2017
AFP Houston Chapter
Adrian Sargeant

Northampton, U.K.
June 12-13, 2017
IDPE 2017 Annual Conference
Jen Shang

New Orleans
June 15, 2017
New Orleans Association of Fundraising Professionals Conference
Adrian Sargeant

Bangkok, Thailand
June 26-28, 2017
IFC Asia International Fundraising Congress
Jen Shang

London
July 4, 2017
IoF Fundraising Convention 2017
Great Fundraising Events
Adrian Sargeant

Richmond, Va.
July 19-20, 2017
Virginia Fund Raising Institute
Innovating Philanthropy
Karin Cox
John Warren
Presenting Sponsor: Hartsook

Tulsa
August 2, 2017
Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits
Massive Fundraising
Adrian Sargeant

New Orleans
August 24-26, 2017
Top Hands
Boy Scouts of America
Matthew J. Beem
Ross Pfannenstiel

Oklahoma City
August 2017
Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits
Relationship Building: Where Do We Go From Here?
Adrian Sargeant

Rogers, Ark.
September 20, 2017
AFP of Northwest Arkansas
Matthew J. Beem

London
September 21-22, 2017
Blackbaud Executive Summit, University of London
Adrian Sargeant

Las Vegas
September 26-28, 2017
14th Annual Association of Donor Relations Professionals International Conference
Adrian Sargeant

Scotland, U.K.
October 23-25, 2017
Alan Clayton Associates
Great Fundraising Masterclass
Adrian Sargeant

Scotland, U.K.
February 7-9, 2018
Alan Clayton Associates
Great Fundraising Masterclass

Past Stops on the Tour

Resources for Smart Fundraising Available on Kindle

Keep up to date on the latest fundraising trends with the Kindle ASR Media collection:

• Reality Fundraising - Ideas, insights and lessons learned through hundreds of best practices from nonprofit professionals nationwide by Bob Hartsook
  
• Fundraising Leadership - The definitive source for empowering board members to become pro-active fundraising leaders by Karin L. Cox
  
• Getting Your Ducks in a Row - A tool box of strategies for effective campaign fundraising by Bob Hartsook
  
• Million Dollar Gifts - Real-life stories of million-dollar gifts that will amaze and inspire your fundraising by Bob Hartsook
  
• Closing that Gift - "29 secrets" to closing a gift and avoiding the top 10 solicitation mistakes by Bob Hartsook
  
• Performance-Driven Fundraising - Handy, yet entertaining reference tool for new and seasoned fundraisers by Matthew J. Beem
  
• Nobody Wants to Give Money Away! - Stories, humor and more than two decades of fundraising experience in which Bob explores the nine fundraising truths essential to success by Bob Hartsook
  
• On The Money! - An enlightening collection of success stories and lessons learned from nonprofit fundraising campaigns nationwide by Bob Hartsook
• $231 Billion Raised and Counting - by Bob Hartsook, Matthew J. Beem, Karin Cox and over a dozen Hartsook consultants and clients. Hartsook shares stories and "Strategies for Success" that will educate and inspire

Book Deal of the Month

Reality Fundraising (ASR Media) - features ideas, insights and lessons learned through hundreds of best practices from nonprofit professionals nationwide. Go here for a special price of $10 (plus shipping and handling).

On the Web

	Blogs and articles. President and CEO Matthew J. Beem and Founder and Chairman Bob Hartsook regularly share simple, but powerful messages about philanthropy, fundraising and the power of relationships.
	Timely Tips and Tweets! Follow us on Twitter at HartsookTips for tips and giveaways.
	Facebook: Become a Fan and a Friend. Fundraising tips, event photos, news and updates - see what's new at Hartsook by becoming a fan of us on Facebook. Friend Hartsook Founder and Chair Bob Hartsook, CEO Matthew J. Beem, and Chief Creative Officer Karin Cox for even more updates!

Strategies for Success explores smart ideas, connecting with thousands of fundraising professionals. We welcome your best practices contributions or comments. Send to Strategies for Success editor Karin Cox, [email protected]. If you'd like a free subscription to Strategies for Success or its monthly companion, eHartsook on Philanthropy, contact [email protected].

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