Do You Hear Us Now?

Here are some guidelines to help you reach out to your constituents and prospects in the ways they want with messaging that will prompt them to respond with philanthropic support.

PLAN

Realize that a strategic fundraising plan needs a corresponding strategic communications plan. The two should be developed in concert and implemented in an integrated fashion. There should not be two communications efforts within an organization -- one to publicize programs/services and one to support the fundraising. More importantly, though, neither plan should be created in a vacuum. Nor should they be created without the benefit of external input. Taking the time up front to be inclusive and externally focused, and to plan well and thoughtfully will reap enormous benefits over the long term -- both in the positive reputation your organization will enjoy and in increased fundraising revenue.