Last week, I shared with you Part 1 of the 54 responses I got to my request for ideas for innovation in fundraising. (If you'll recall, a while back, I referenced a spirited discussion I had with a long-time fundraising consultant and, as a result, asked you all to send me your ideas that demonstrate just how innovative the fundraising sector is.)
Here are the remaining ideas (actually we seem to have ended up with just 50). Some may seem new, and some may seem like ideas we know are right but are skills that perhaps have simply fallen out of practice. I've divided them by categories and arranged them alphabetically.
Management
20. This isn't an idea, but what I do each year to ensure my team is innovative. Normally, fundraising departments increase their financial goals marginally each year. I never do. In my last seven years managing the e-philanthropy and emerging philanthropy team at my nonprofit, my least aggressive year I planned for a 25 percent increase over the previous year. Every year, regardless of the market, we meet and exceed our budget. Why? I believe that true innovation can only happen when your back is up against the wall and you know that if we do everything that we have done previously to the best of our abilities, we still won't come even close to the goal. Even though it is a little stressful, it is so energizing. Every day we have brainstorming meetings. We innovate. We will try and test anything. It is a lot of fun.
21. A nonprofit will never grow more than its employees grow. Without employees, there is nothing else for many nonprofits. Invest in the staff and watch the organization's success soar. Skill sets are fine, but personal growth is what will make the most magic happen for a nonprofit.
Vice President, Strategy & Development
Eleventy Marketing Group
Angie is ridiculously passionate about EVERYTHING sheโs involved in โ including the future and success of our nonprofit industry.
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Angie is a senior exec with 25 years of experience in direct and relationship marketing. She is a C-suite consultant with experience over the years at both nonprofits and agencies. She currently leads strategy and development for marketing intelligence agency Eleventy Marketing Group. Previously she has worked at the innovative startup DonorVoice and as general manager of Merkleโs Nonprofit Group, as well as serving as that firmโs CRM officer charged with driving change within the industry. She also spent more 14 years leading the marketing, fundraising and CRM areas for two nationwide charities, The Arthritis Foundation and the American Cancer Society. Angie is a thought leader in the industry and is frequent speaker at events, and author of articles and whitepapers on the nonprofit industry. She also has received recognition for innovation and influence over the years.