54 of Your Innovative Fundraising Ideas
Remember a few weeks ago when I referenced a spirited discussion I had with a long-time fundraising consultant. It all came down to a debate about whether nonprofit fundraisers are innovative. To prove him wrong, I came to you all — my readers — and asked you to tell me what your innovative ideas were. As promised, here they are.
Glance at the list. 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. Look for Part 2 next week.
Analytics and segmentation
1. We developed a "Generosity Index," which scores donor value as a whole and by life cycle. This allows marketers to identify common attributes to define what segmentation should be defined as versus anecdotally defining segments, e.g., middle donor, major donor or general donor. The tool also allows identification of most or least valuable donors by life cycle (new, lapsed, multiyear) so marketers can take action quickly to appreciate valuable new donors today versus waiting too late to treat them appropriately, or to identify valuable donors that may have just lapsed for immediate reactivation action.
2. We designed and developed an interactive conversion analysis tool that helps marketers design cadence strategies that maximize donor retention opportunities by donor origin channel, month and second gift giving timing trends.
3. Separating our graduate alumni from our undergrads to segment them differently. In turn, use different messaging for our graduate degree programs.
Cultivation
4. Sending out a "welcome to life as an alum" packet to recent grads to help cultivate and engage them. It would include giveaways and pertinent information.
5. Sending handwritten notes to random people just to say hello. I know we're understaffed, but this could brighten people's days.
- Categories:
- Fundraiser Education
Vice President, Strategy & Development
Eleventy Marketing Group
Angie is ridiculously passionate about EVERYTHING she’s involved in — including the future and success of our nonprofit industry.
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 Merkle’s Nonprofit Group, as well as serving as that firm’s 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.
