FUNDRAISING OVERVIEW Fundraising The National Democratic Institute WELCOME

FUNDRAISING OVERVIEW Fundraising The National Democratic Institute

WELCOME • Introductions • Ground rules • Ice breaker exercise

OBJECTIVES • To understand the basics of fundraising and organizing a fundraising operation

TOPICS • • • What is fundraising? Why is fundraising important? Why do people give? Who should I ask? How do I keep track of donors?

WHAT IS FUNDRAISING? Communicating to potential donors in a clear and precise way how they benefit from your campaign.

WHY IS FUNDRASING IMPORANT? Ø Makes the rest of your campaign possible Ø Allows you to communicate your message to voters Ø Can be used to prove viability

DONORS

EXERCISE: WHY PEOPLE GIVE Photo: Customer Relationship Metrics

PERSONAL CIRCLE WHO: Family, friends, close colleagues WHEN: First MESSAGE: This is important to me. You love me.

IDEOLOGY CIRCLE WHO: People who share your causes WHEN: Early MESSAGE: You can count on me. I’ll be a voice for you.

AX-TO-GRIND CIRCLE WHO: People who dislike your opponent WHEN: Early, but with some viability to show MESSAGE: I am not him/her.

POWER CIRCLE WHO: People who want to protect & advance their economic interests WHEN: Late MESSAGE: I am going to win and I want you with me.

EXERCISE: CRAFTING A MESSAGE Ø What problem does this group/person want solved? Ø What causes are they interested in? Ø How will the election impact them? Ø What are their needs? Ø How can the candidate meet those needs? Avoid messages that involve personal attacks on opponents or appeal to prejudice.

FUNDRAISING ORGANIZATION Establish clear responsibilities Delegate Create work plans Make it happen!

WHY KEEP TRACK OF DONORS? • • Thank yous and resolicitation Fundraising status Follow-up Reporting! Photo: C. Thure

KEEPING TRACK OF DONORS • Create a database • Gather info • Use a donation form

KEEPING UP-TO-DATE

EXERCISE: SOLICITATION ROLE PLAY

CONCLUSION Fundraising is about people, persuasion, pocketbooks and planning. Ø Questions? Ø Feedback?