Issue 2: Fundraising - The Fuel for your Campaign Rocket

In this second edition of The Campaign Manager, we focus exclusively on a critical aspect of political campaigns: Fundraising. As the saying goes, "Early money makes the rocket fly," and in the world of political campaigns, this couldn't be truer. Let's dive deep into the art and science of fundraising, a skill I've honed over my 20+ years working on political campaigns.

The Heart of Fundraising: More Than Just Money

Fundraising is the lifeline of your campaign. It's not merely about collecting funds; it's about building a community around your candidate and their vision. From my early days, managing call time for candidates and constantly thinking about the next donor, I learned that fundraising is about creating and maintaining relationships. It's a continuous process, requiring discipline, strategy, and a touch of personal connection.

Structuring Your Fundraising Operation

1. Dedicated Call Time: This is non-negotiable. Set aside regular, uninterrupted time for your candidate to reach out to potential donors. These calls are not just about asking for money; they're about building relationships.
2. Efficient Donor Management: Keep meticulous records of every interaction. A good system is crucial for tracking donor information, history, and follow-ups. My CRM of choice, that proves effective time after time and has helped my candidates remain disciplined when fundraising, is a call time book organized by last name, on paper. Provide enough space at the bottom for your candidate to write notes about conversations.
3. Persistence Pays Off: A donor's no today might be a yes tomorrow. Regular follow-ups are key. Remember, you're not just chasing money; you're nurturing a long-term relationship. Your candidate will leave a LOT of messages.

The Power of Grassroots Support

While large donors are important, never underestimate the power of grassroots support. Small donations, often $100 or less, are the backbone of many successful campaigns. These donors may not make headlines, but they bring something equally valuable: commitment and grassroots advocacy. When someone invests in your campaign, no matter the amount, they're more likely to become active participants, spreading the word, volunteering, and rallying others to your campaign.

Building a Grassroots Fundraising Machine

1. Engage and Empower: Encourage small donors to take ownership of the campaign. Their personal stories and networks can be powerful tools.
2. Digital Campaigns: Utilize digital platforms for broader reach. Platforms like social media and email are effective for engaging small donors.
3. Events and Community Engagement: Host events that are accessible to all. From small meet-and-greets to larger rallies, make sure there's a space for every supporter.
4. Transparency and Communication: Keep your donors informed about how their contributions are being used. A transparent campaign builds trust and fosters a stronger community.

My Personal Journey with Fundraising

Reflecting on my journey, from sharing a small desk with a gubernatorial candidate with whiteboards surrounding us, to managing multi-million dollar campaigns, the fundamentals of fundraising remain the same: build relationships, be persistent, and value every contributor, big or small. A well-funded campaign is a well-oiled machine, and every dollar raised is a testament to the belief people have in your candidate and their vision.

Remember, fundraising is the fuel that propels your campaign forward. Start early, build a robust system, and nurture every relationship. Your candidate will be your best fundraiser. It is your staff's job to make sure the candidate is organized and efficient with their time. And guess what? With a well organized system in place they will be.

In our next issue, we'll explore other facets of campaign management, but for now, let's focus on getting your fundraising engine running at full throttle.

Until next time, keep fueling your campaign rocket.

Best regards,

Ellie Highstreet

Owner - Raise Run

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