Annual Fund ‘Giving and Getting’ Guidelines for Your Board of Trustees
* It would be desirable to have the trustees’ total gift amount represent 20 percent to 33 percent of the total annual funds raised.
* Look to other similar-size and/or similar-mission organizations for their trustees’ average gifts to their annual fund campaigns, which could justify setting a higher average level donation for your own trustees to target. This could help to reinforce and rationalize your individual ratings of the trustees. The premise of comparing favorably with organizations similar to yours usually is a compelling selling point with boards of trustees.
When it comes to successfully conducting your annual fundraising campaign, you need an attainable goal, a plan for getting to that goal and the tools to execute that plan. But in the end, the success or failure of that campaign hinges on leadership and pace-setting contributions, and that governance responsibility and financial commitment starts on your board of trustees.
Tony Poderis is a fundraising consultant and author of the book, “It’s a Great Day to Fundraise!,” which can be ordered online. Contact Poderis at tony@raise-funds.com or via www.raise-funds.com.
