Navigating the world of nonprofit fundraising demands a blend of strategic vision, adaptability, and innovation. Insights from Angela Benard, Senior Director of Advancement & Communications at the Virginia Living Museum, we offer strategies that can benefit fundraisers across various organizations.
Strategic Planning: A Universal Need
Benard emphasizes the necessity of a well-defined strategic plan, a crucial element for any nonprofit. “Having an organizational alignment around a solid strategic plan…that’s a big piece,” she states. This advice rings true for all nonprofits seeking to streamline their efforts and secure long-term funding.
Diversifying Fundraising Approaches:
For Benard and many others, diversifying fundraising sources is key. While focusing on corporate partnerships, she also stresses the importance of understanding the unique desires of each partner: “We need to find out what it is that they want.” This approach can be replicated across various organizations, tailoring partnerships to meet mutual goals.
Maximizing Personal Strengths:
Benard’s success in building strong annual funds and managing corporate relationships highlights the importance of playing to one’s strengths. Fundraisers should identify and harness their unique skills to maximize their impact. Benard believes in the power of face-to-face interactions. This personal touch can significantly enhance relationship-building efforts for any organization.
Tailoring Stewardship:
Effective donor retention involves more than just traditional events. “Giving people some unique experiences in the stewardship spaces…really connecting them into the mission,” Benard advises. Nonprofits should create meaningful, mission-driven experiences for their donors.
Staying Informed and Adaptive:
Lastly, staying abreast of emerging trends, as Benard does through her involvement with professional networks, is vital. Organizations should continually seek new ideas and technologies to keep their fundraising strategies fresh and effective.
The insights from Angela Benard’s experience at the Virginia Living Museum offer valuable lessons for fundraisers across the nonprofit sector. By embracing strategic planning, diversifying fundraising approaches, and personalizing donor experiences, organizations can forge a path to sustainable success.
