How to Get Donors to invest in your Plans!!
Anupam Sarkar
India Director Love Without Boundaries Foundation | Global Giving Mentor | Founder Good 2 Give
All non-profits and NGOs need funds for their programs and projects but donors do not donate to help NGOs, they donate to help beneficiaries of the program.
Even after many articles and reports highlight the fact that donors donate to make an impact for a cause they feel strongly about, how many NGOs look beyond self-talk and bragging.
In reality, majority of non-profit website do not focus on their primary goal of making an impact through their vision, mission and activities. Even in those where social impact finds its place, the noise bragging about how good they are, is so loud that it dampens the voice of beneficiaries that donors want to hear.
Sinking ship mentality is a quicksand for NGOs. It focuses more on the immediate and may-day calls. So many children would be on street if you do not donate. This strategy rarely works well with large donors and only grabs coins rather than a worthwhile investment. And, the saddest part is that the engagement shift from long term to short term.
Donors are looking for a social impact they can make using their limited abilities. They get motivated by NGOs compelling statement and purpose of existence. They want to invest in the vision of an NGO or Non-profit which has a plan or program to achieve the better tomorrow that they dream of.
What is needed is connecting with the donors meaningfully, to believe in your purpose and goals, and channelize their support through your current programs and plans.
And how to achieve it, is both and art as well as a science, but the start is getting the planning premises right.
1. Work out the equation if continuing in your current course of action will lead you to achieve your mission and purpose; If not, a course correction is highly suggested.
2. Does your current projects have a definite goal with timeline? If not, brainstorm an ambitious and motivating goal for your project.
For example, Cover 1000 hectares of arid land in Nairobi desert with indigenous vegetation by 2025, is a good one.
3. Is your Goal a BHAG- Big Hairy Ambitious Goal? Small goals and visions do not have it in them to motivate and energise teams and donors. Vague goals are convenient.
Make an ambitious and challenging goal to charge you, your team and your donors towards a big bright mutually shared dream!!
Happy Fund Raising...