Narrow the Focus
This weekend a colleague asked for advice. He had asked committee members to reach out to 25 individuals on behalf of a fundraising project. He was following this model because he had encountered it as a volunteer.
We prefer a more manageable approach. Ask volunteers — and especially volunteer and staff leadership — to focus on the things that only they can do and the things that they can do best.
With building relationships, we prefer a rule of fives for volunteers. Don't ask a volunteer to shepherd more than five relationships or make more than five asks in a campaign.
If someone is a go-getter, a high achiever, and he or she is successful with nurturing these relationships and asking for these gifts, then, and only then, would we consider adding to the list.
Give me a list of 20 things to do and I might shut down. Give me list of five things to do, with clear instructions and a timeline, and I can excel.
Empower your volunteers (and staff) by narrowing the focus!
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- Boards and Volunteers
Looking for Jeff? You'll find him either on the lake, laughing with good friends, or helping nonprofits develop to their full potential.
Jeff believes that successful fundraising is built on a bedrock of relevant, consistent messaging; sound practices; the nurturing of relationships; and impeccable stewardship. And that organizations that adhere to those standards serve as beacons to others that aspire to them. The Bedrocks & Beacons blog will provide strategic information to help nonprofits be both.
Jeff has more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience and is a member of the NonProfit PRO Editorial Advisory Board.
