Yikes! It's a new year. What should you be doing to ensure fundraising success for your nonprofit? This is an optimum time of year to reevaluate your plan and get everyone reengaged. These four tips will help you achieve fundraising gold in the new year.

Start with Why

Have you heard of Simon Sinek? Have you read his book, Start with Why? Have you heard him on TedTalks? Even though he addresses businesses, his message is perfect for nonprofits. Sinek says we typically talk about what we do and how we do it; but we rarely highlight why we do our work. He cautions that donors don’t give to your organization because of what you do or how you do it; they give because of why you do it. Identifying the why for your organization is hard work; but critical to attracting supporters. Try asking this question at your next board meeting: Why do we do our work? Keep asking why after each answer. It will stimulate a lively discussion which may lead to nuggets for your fundraising message.

New Year, New Commitment

The start of a new year is the perfect time to reenergize your board members. Schedule a client or staff member to make a short, heart-felt presentation at the beginning of your next board meeting. The board chair then asks board members to tell why they are involved with the organization. Once everyone is emotionally reengaged with the mission, the development committee chair reminds everyone of the board fundraising goal, reports on progress, and then invites a few individual (pre-invited) board members to share a success story. The chair then reminds everyone that the staff and development committee are eager to support them in any possible way. This will help board members feel the mission, understand their role in making it possible, and recommit to their fundraising goal.

It’s a Team Sport

Successful fundraising isn’t a solo activity; it takes good teamwork. The best team is comprised of the board chair, the development chair, the executive director, and the development director. This highly engaged team works closely together to guide and inspire the development committee and the board to raise funds. Working individually with each board member is critical to reaching fundraising goals. This article has a sample fundraising plan individualized for each board member.  Fundraising expert, Joan Garry, suggests giving board members a card to carry in their wallet with a list of programs and ways of giving.

Check your Plan

Does your organization have a clear fundraising plan? Are board and staff members actively engaged in donor identification and cultivation? How about stewardship? The start of a new year is a great time to reevaluate your fundraising roadmap. Be sure each person (staff and board) knows exactly what their goal is, what their role is, and who their target audience is. Some people are best at identifying potential donors, others are great at deepening bonds with existing donors, and others shine at stewarding relationships with long-time benefactors. Use each person at their point of strength. Having a clear plan, a strong team and reenergized commitment will ensure your organization’s fundraising success in the new year.