Fundraising 101 Basic Principles For A Vibrant Fundraising

Fundraising 101 Basic Principles For A Vibrant Fundraising Program

Basic Principles For A Vibrant Fundraising Program Have a clear message Build a diverse team Be mission driven Develop diverse income streams Cultivate donor relationships

Basic Fundraising Principles • Stay mission driven Mission: We support sustainable communities and environmental stewardship by funding research, scholarships and education programs essential to the discovery and dissemination of new knowledge in the fields of arboriculture and urban forestry. Vision: Advance the science and knowledge of tree management for the benefit of the environment. Values: Discovery Transparency Philanthropic excellence Trust Stewardship

Have a clear consistent message: Prototype “elevator speech: To understand the importance of what the TREE Fund does, try to picture your hometown without trees. Healthy, stately trees are the crown jewels of our communities, but they can’t be counted on to flourish without proper care. The TREE Fund’s mission is to safeguard the future of the urban forest: the trees that protect and beautify the spaces where people live work and play. We fund research that provides the tree care pros with scientifically proven strategies for cultivating strong, healthy trees in an urban setting. We provide education grants and scholarships to engage and support the next generation of tree stewards. We’re the knowledge pipeline for the tree care industry, and everyone who breathes has a stake in our success. I’m a (Board member, Liaison, STIHL Tour des Trees rider, Auction volunteer. . ) and this is something I care deeply about. Here’s my card; I’ll write the website on the back so you can learn more about the TREE Fund. What do YOU do?

Basic Fundraising Principles • Build a diverse team… • • Board Members Liaisons Chapter volunteers Staff …with diverse skills • • Administration Sales/Marketing Communications Event Management

Basic Fundraising Principles • Cultivate donor relationships one step at a time Bequests Planned Gifts Donor is fully invested Major Gifts Capital Campaigns Endowment Campaigns Special Projects/Grants Special Events Annual Giving Annual Campaigns, Direct Mail Online Donations Special Events Sponsorship Membership Special Programs Annual for Always™ Friend Making and First Time Giving Volunteer Opportunities Integrated Marketing Strategies Online Donations Donation Boxes Guest Donations Programs Building the 5 “I’s”… Identification and Introduction: Elevator speech, awareness building, quality experience Interest Expansion, Ongoing Information Sharing, Significant Investment

Basic Fundraising Principles Employers Former Trustees & Liaisons Tour riders, volunteers, sponsors & donors Current Donors TREE Fund Board of Trustees, Liaisons & Staff TREE Fund Spheres of Influence Chapters Other

Basic Fundraising Principles • Develop a diversified income stream • Corporations and foundations – Donations – Grants – In-kind gifts – Sponsorships • TREE Fund Special Events – RYHFR Auction: Planning guide – STIHL Tour des Trees • Chapter Events » Rides for Research: UK, Britton Ride, Chapter rides » Golf outings » Wine/beer tastings » Silent auctions, raffles

Basic Fundraising Principles • Develop a diversified income stream Individual Donations: Making the ask Remind yourself “Why do I give? ” Personalize and memorize your “elevator speech” Share your passion for the TREE Fund mission Ask those in your community: “Will you give too? ” Cultivate repeat donations: become an expert at saying “thank you” Resources: • TREE Fund “elevator speech” • Lori Jacobwith’s Thank You Call outline

Cultivating a Supportive Board • Give: 100% of board members are expected to contribute financially to the organization • Get: 100% of board members are expected to support additional fundraising efforts in some way Resources: • TREE Fund Board Service Options • 53 Ways to Raise $1000

Thank you for all that you do to support the work that we do!