Principles And techniques of fundraising an African perspective

Principles And techniques of fundraising: an African perspective. Ahmad Shehu Bayero University, Kano. Nigeria. 6 th September, 2012 Copyright Advancement Academy 1

Perceptions of Fundraising Forceful act of asking for money Money raised are used for personal gain(prospective donors suspicion) Costs of fundraising are usually high 6 th September, 2012 Copyright Advancement Academy 2

Main Funding Sources to Universities Government (Federal &State) Tuition Subsidies (Religious Organizations) Foundations (Lately) 6 th September, 2012 Copyright Advancement Academy 3

Fundraising; meaning The art of establishing and strengthening relationships between prospective donors and an Institution. Management of relationships between a charitable organization and its donor publics; Practices beyond the mere technical skills to ask for money; 6 th September, 2012 Copyright Advancement Academy 4

Essentials of Fundraising Strategic Plan: Vision, Mission, Objectives, SWOT. Case for Support: Why your development projects are important to advancing the cause of your institution and why should donor, investors support you Fundraising Plan: what are you prepared to spend on Fundraising? How much do you need to raise? Over what time? What is your strategy and methods for cultivation and solicitation? 6 th September, 2012 Copyright Advancement Academy 5

Sources of Donation • • • Individuals Companies / Corporations Trusts & Foundations Governments (National & Foreign Aid) Alumni Investment income 6 th September, 2012 Copyright Advancement Academy 6

Types of Fundraising • Annual Giving Fund • Major Gift • Capital Campaign • Legacies / Bequests • Sponsorship 6 th September, 2012 Copyright Advancement Academy 7

Process of Fundraising Identification; their connection to, interest in, and ability to give to your organization Information; about your organization Interest; familiarity engendering interest in the success of the Institution Involvement; People tend to become involved in that which interests them. Investment; based on ability to support the Institution [[[[[[[[[[[[[[[ 6 th September, 2012 Copyright Advancement Academy 8

Principles of Fundraising TRUST; need to trust the recipients and want to feel involved or have some sort of personal connection with the individuals or organizations INFORMATION; need to be kept up to date and to feel informed and connected TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY; need to feel empathy with the focus and values of the organization and be provided with proof of transparency and accountability; an aspect of integrity. 6 th September, 2012 Copyright Advancement Academy 9

Principles of Fundraising; Contd PROGRESS REPORT; need for donors to relate interventions to benefits and demonstrate how lives have been changed. INSPIRING THE FEELING OF GRATITUDE; Expressions of gratitude are expressions of respect; ‘’Acknowledge of Donation’’ and ‘’Thank you’’. POSITIVE ATTITUDE; You may experience rejections, do not give up, do not allow yourself to be discouraged 6 th September, 2012 Copyright Advancement Academy 10

Methods of Fundraising • Special Events (Launching) • Face-to-face • Sponsorships • Direct mail • Merchandising 6 th September, 2012 Copyright Advancement Academy 11

Pattern of African Fundraising Unstructured giving Giving for recognition and prestige Donor Solicitation usually by the Vice. Chancellor Concerned with Major gifts Use of Special events for fund-raising; convocations Communications Strategy of Univ. is a oneway approach 6 th September, 2012 Copyright Advancement Academy 12

Pattern of African Fundraising; Contd Articulated Advancement functions lacking Multiple fund-raising ( absence of coordination) Use of Consultants in Fundraising Its about fundraising not relationship building No much Alumni giving 6 th September, 2012 Copyright Advancement Academy 13

Challenges to Fundraising in Africa Ø University leadership not familiar with ways to attract funding Ø In-adequate understanding of and resistance to advancement activities by the University Community Ø Lack of information on available sources of funds/Foundation Ø Lack of Institutional Collaboration on Advancement Ø Lack of experience on Alumni giving Ø General lack of policy/administrative frameworks regulating and directing Advancement activity; by Govts & Institutions Ø Limited revenue base; in Institutions Ø Little experience with writing funding proposals to World Bank, African Dev Bank, Foundations Ø Non-involvement and utilization of volunteers 6 th September, 2012 Copyright Advancement Academy 14

Constraints to Fundraising in Africa • High poverty levels • Lack of culture for institutional support • Fear of rejection or fear of offending people by asking them for a contribution • Lack of well defined needs and articulated visions; by Institutional leaderships • Corruption • Absence of supportive media 6 th September, 2012 Copyright Advancement Academy 15

Strategies for Advancement Services • Advancement should feature prominently in the University's’ Strategic plan; • Involvement and integration of Advancement in structures of the university; • Identify and prioritize sources of funds and other resources; • Key Messages to be developed and conveyed to all concerned • Use University Structures: Committee System, Senate, Congregation, Governing Council, Staff Unions, students Unions. • Involve the Alumni • Identify and use individuals that are ready to accept and adopt Advancement as catalysts of change (volunteers) 6 th September, 2012 Copyright Advancement Academy 16

Role of the Vice-Chancellor • Create a compelling vision • Liaison at all levels and with all the stake holders • Epitomize vision and mission of University Advancement • Demonstrate good Relationship and Management • Integrity; build trust and earn confidence of all • Devote time to cultivating major donors • Ensure high academic standards, peaceful, stable academic programme • Be patient 6 th September, 2012 Copyright Advancement Academy 17

Caution? • Can conduct multiple fund-raising due to stakeholders full involvement • Major risk of uncoordinated activities is the impression of the University as being chaotic and can lead to donor fatigue • There must be a system of reporting, monitoring and coordinating all fundraising activities • Clear (written) guidelines on acceptable fundraising activities • Stewardship; key for today and tomorrow’s gift 6 th September, 2012 Copyright Advancement Academy 18

Thank you! Presenter contact details: Academy contact details Ahmad Shehu Director, Advancement Office, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Bayero University, PMB 3011, Kano. Nigeria. ahmadshehu 2006@yahoo. com. +2348035879917 6 th September, 2012 Copyright Advancement Academy 19