Earlier this week, I had the privilege of walking through the new Fond du Lac Family YMCA.  They are 67 days from completion … but who’s counting?  This campaign is a real success story. The staff and volunteers raised $12.7 million so far, and have $500,000 to go.  They received a $1.2 million Kresge grant. The project is extra unique because it is a partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Fond du Lac.  Wow.

Walking through the facility during our hard hat tour today I asked Greg Giles, executive director of the Fond du Lac Family YMCA, why this small YMCA in a small town in the Midwest has had such amazing success with this ambitious capital project.  He quickly answered, “I was a new CEO and we just really didn’t know we weren’t supposed raise this much money in our community. Sometimes it’s best not to know!”

What amazing things might you do, if you didn’t know any better?

Congratulations to Greg and all of the amazing Fond du Lac volunteers! To learn more about this project, listen to my interview with Greg about raising money during an economic downturn, or visit the Fond du Lac Family YMCA’s website.

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Do you need to reset in 2010?

Remember what it felt like a year ago?  We were all concerned – perhaps even scared or paralyzed – regarding questions of the economy and philanthropy.   Now as we enter 2010 we have a new “normal” related to our worldview, the economy and even philanthropy.  What does this mean for your fundraising efforts in 2010?  Perhaps 2010 is the time to consider hitting the reset button as it relates to your fundraising strategies.

In 2009 some organizations’ fundraising efforts thrived while others withered. Why? A few observations as we move toward a new year of opportunity.

• Those organizations that thrived used the recession of 2009 as an opportunity to lift up their critical mission … while others used it as an excuse for inactivity.

• Those organizations that thrived challenged donors to upgrade their gifts to meet growing needs … while others settled for level or reduced support out of “respect” for the donor.

• Those organizations that thrived set a stretch goal in 2009 to meet growing needs … while others reduced their goal to reflect challenges in the economy.

• Those organizations that thrived recognized their donors AND showed what their support did for those they served … while others thanked their donors with the standard IRS letter.

• Those organizations that thrived chose to LEAD and INSPIRE their staff and donors … while others chose to plead and then perspire.

I would like to suggest a few resource development New Year’s Resolutions as we move into the first quarter of 2010:

DON’T SETTLE. Let’s agree not to settle as we set our goals, recruit volunteer leadership, hire staff and ask for contributed support this year.

SHARPEN YOUR CASE. Don’t settle with a luke-warm case for support.  Remember donors are attracted to big ideas and big dreams.  Show your donors how their support will make a difference, then show them again!

THANK. Consider setting a goal at being the best organization at saying thank you in your community. Lots of organizations say “please” with varying degrees of finesse.  Stand out and reach out!

LEAD & INSPIRE. Choose to lead and inspire your staff, volunteers and donors in 2010.  Don’t wait for someone else to lead, inspire, thank and encourage – no matter where you are in your organization, YOU can make a difference!

So, back to my original question: remember what if felt like a year ago?   Let’s learn from 2009 and move boldly into 2010!

Need help?  Is it time for your organization to hit the reset button?  Let’s continue this conversation together!

~ The Donor by Design Group Team

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Join Donor By Design Group’s Jon Simons as he talks about the many friendraising activities that are part of the critical relationship-building component to fundraising. This podcast accompanies our June 2009 edition of the Toolbox newsletter.

To learn more about Donor by Design check out the links at the top of your screen, or contact Jon Simons via e-mail.

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Join Donor By Design Group’s Jon Simons as he interviews Stephanie Dudek, Senior Consultant at Donor By Design Group.

Stephanie explains some of the constraints facing foundations today and how you can make your grant application stand out from the crowd. Learn five tips to keep in mind when writing your next proposal, and reflect on the critical nature of your organization’s mission in these economic times.

To learn more about Donor by Design check out the links at the top of your screen, or contact Stephanie Dudek via e-mail.

1. There are fewer dollars to give as foundations watch their endowments shrink.
2. There is more competition for grant dollars.
3. Heightened community needs add to the competition.

What do YMCAs have in their favor?

1. Human services is a primary giving focus now.
2. YMCAs have an image of stability and being a “pillar of the community.”
3. YMCA programs are established and have a track record of success.

How can YMCAs maximize their grant income in these tough times?

1. Relationships, relationships, relationships!  It’s easier for them to say no if they don’t know you!
2. Fit with funding sources’ priorities.  If you don’t see a fit, don’t bother.
3. Be confident that what you’re doing is important and urgently needed.
4. Call the funder to discuss your proposal before submission.

Specific Tips for Writing Proposals

1. Appeal to the passion of the funder.
2. How will the foundation’s investment (not “gift,” not “grant”) help people?
3. List realistic and specific outcomes (not made up by grant writer).
4. Breadth of support shows your organizations’ importance in the community
5. Use realistic budgets.  Be respectful in these times to ask for what you need, but only what you need.

Join Donor By Design’s Bruce Berglund as he interviews Vernon Delpesce, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Des Moines (IA).

Listen in on the conversation as Vernon explains how the YMCA of Greater Des Moines raised more than $1.1 million for their annual campaign in just four short weeks during January-February 2009. The YMCA, along with their 400 annual campaign volunteers stayed focused on their case, which is stronger than ever, and never let the news of the economy stand in their way.

To learn more about Donor by Design, check out the links above, or contact Vernon Delpesce or Bruce Berglund via e-mail.

Learn more about the YMCA of Greater Des Moines.

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Join Donor By Design Group’s Bruce Berglund as he interviews Greg Giles, CEO of the Fond du Lac Family YMCA (WI).

Listen in on the conversation as Bruce explores what it took to raise more than $12.5 million dollars for their capital campaign during this distressed economic environment. Listen to Greg talk about how they needed to take the time … to do it right.

To learn more, check out the links above, or contact Greg Giles or Bruce Berglund via e-mail.

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Donor By Design Group’s Bruce Berglund recently talked with Steve Rasmussen, executive director of the Messengers of Healing Winds Foundation, one of largest in New Mexico. Listen to their conversation about the current economy’s impact on foundations and how non-profits can improve their chances of receiving foundation funding in this tough economy.

To learn more about Donor by Design, check out the links above or contact Bruce Berglund via e-mail. To learn more about the Messengers of the Healing Winds Foundation, contact Steve Rasmussen.

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In this podcast, Jon Simons, Vice President, Donor By Design Group, focuses on donor collection and stewardship techniques to make the most of the last days of the year.

Download the handouts.

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