How do you coordinate with other fundraisers in your region?

In my experience, the best way to leverage your network--global, not just regional--is to set up a peer mentoring group. This is a great way to adapt to the lack of higher-up mentors and sponsors. Learning from peers will give you solutions FASTER. And from people who are in your shoes right now! Identify the Need and Objective Recruit Interested Parties Define the Structure Set Meeting Times and Modes: Create a Safe and Respectful Environment (confidential) Develop an Running Agenda Encourage Active Participation For All Personality Types Evaluate and Adjust Recognize Contributions Maintain Communication: Between Meetings (Slack?) This is how I've built the most amazing peer mentoring groups in the past--I can't recommend it enough.

I participate in fundraising community such as National Association of Charitable Gift Planners and the AZ Charitable Gift Planners. In these groups I connect on purpose with leaders within the non-profits that my experience or resources may benefit. I will offer 30 min zoom or coffee to chat through strategies or vendors that I have utilized. I also look to learn from peers in similar organizations. Our industry is always developing. Commitment to growth and learning is a key value of mine.

It is of extreme importance to seek out and reach out to other fundraiser within your locality and regional base. You can then form a forum where you can easily network, share ideas and help one another as the occasion demands or in case of need.

A common way for me to connect is to get involved in some community and get some interactions rolling through. The best way to get people involved is to use market research reports and find helpful information that may drive some conversations. It may help you do 2 things - first, set your skillset, and the focus area gets visible to others, and second, you get to know the connected people in the same domain. This works so well, and has immensely helped me to build the relations. This is a starting point and can help build so many useful relationships over a period of time.

In my experience, the context of fundraising has been much about competition rather than collaboration and partnerships. As such, when one finds a fundraising "nugget" they keep it to themselves, rather than share with peers in the same sector.

Joining local chapters of organizations such as AFP or CGP (for planned gift professionals) is a great way to easily connect and grow your network. Step up and volunteer to serve on a committee or lead an event. In addition to gaining valuable experience for your resume, you will be building a resource bank of trusted colleagues that you can call on when you need professional advice.

Once I have done research on potential partners that align with the organizations mission, the main ways I get connected and involved with them is by first creating the capability pitch of the organization. Ensuring that we aligns with the partners requirements to receive their sponsorship, as I have found it unprofessional to reach out to brands without knowing the scope of their philanthropy abilities. Once we know we align we submit our capability email which contains our mission, our vision, our impact up to date, social media platforms and lastly a brief summary of why our organization is qualified to fundraise. Ensuring you have all proper documentation like your W9, consumers tax exempt and other pertinent forms.

Alongside the above, sharing helpful market research reports spark really great conversations with peers. This serves so useful as a starting point for building relationships.

Vail Health Foundation is leading a collaborative campaign to raise $100 million to transform behavioral health in our valley. We are partnering with 12 other non-profit organizations to raise funds and share credit jointly. Vail Health Foundation provides our partners with operational and fundraising support, including tools for campaign reporting, board development, and communication resources. The aim is to improve fundraising efforts in the Vail Valley and maximize the utilization of donations to address the behavioral health crisis.

In my experience, social media platforms have been invaluable tools for collaboration and coordination with fellow fundraisers. By actively commenting on and engaging with posts, I've had the opportunity to connect with numerous colleagues in our region. This online interaction often leads to meaningful offline discussions, enabling us to share resources and strategies. This collaborative environment not only boosts individual efforts but also contributes to the collective growth and success of our fundraising community. It's a cycle of learning, sharing, and growing together that makes us stronger as professionals and the causes we support even more impactful.