STARTER PROGRAM
The Starter Program is an excellent place for any nonprofit to begin their fundraising journey.
If your organization is looking to establish a strong fundraising strategy and a culture of development, this program can help you do this from the inside out. The lessons will provide you with the messaging, tools, team, research, and strategy needed to launch your very own fundraising campaign. You will establish the foundation and internal structure necessary to support the fundraising tactics that we will teach you.
However, it’s important to note that this program is not for the faint of heart. This program demands consistency, capable leadership, and a desire to evolve. Because that is what the program is designed to do -- help your nonprofit evolve.
What to Expect
This program will take you through the first 12 months of a strategic fundraising campaign. We will take the time to educate you about fundraising and development as it relates to the nonprofit industry, help you lay a solid foundation to support your fundraising efforts, then teach you specific strategies on how to raise funds for your nonprofit.
After completing this course, you should be on a clear path to meeting your nonprofit’s goals of expanding either programmatically, financially, or physically.
MESSAGING Create a Case Statement
The first step in any fundraising campaign should be to establish the messaging and goals. A case statement is a tool that your team will use throughout your campaign to clearly and creatively communicate your organization’s mission, vision, and needs.
STARTER This program will provide step-by-step instructions on how to create your own case statement. There will be a content template for the messaging that should be included in the case statement, as well as a guide to collecting powerful images and quotes. You’ll also have access to a design template that Cogeo has created in order to make your case statement look clean and professional.
TOOLS Establish a Salesforce Nonprofit CRM database
Another crucial step when building a foundation for fundraising is to make sure your team has a way to properly and efficiently track donor data. Establishing a customer relationship management system, or CRM, is the best way to do this.
STARTER The program will provide educational content about data tracking and, specifically, the Salesforce Nonprofit CRM and its many features and benefits. You’ll find a step-by-step guide on how to establish your own Salesforce CRM account and links to Salesforce training to help you learn our new system.
TEAM Develop your Board of Directors & Build a Steering Committee
In order for your nonprofit organization to evolve, you must have a strong leadership team behind you. Fundraising starts with your Board of Directors. Without their support, your organization’s fundraising journey will be slow moving. As well, a Steering Committee will allow your fundraising campaign to grow efficiently and organically.
STARTER The program will provide educational content around what the expectations should be from the leaders within your organization and how to clearly communicate that. You’ll find scripts and guides on how to work with your Board and recruit the best Steering Committee members possible.
RESEARCH Uncover Prime Grant Opportunities
Foundation outreach is a cornerstone of any nonprofit’s fundraising strategy. There are opportunities out there for every organization.
STARTER The program will walk you through the process on how to effectively find the most appropriate grants for your nonprofit and how to apply to them with confidence. You’ll find checklists, scripts, and guides to boost your chances of having your application approved.
STRATEGY Establish a Plan for Major Gifts, Annual Giving, Corporate Outreach, & Events
Then, we’ll help you execute.
These tactics are all significant pieces that will need to be included in your fundraising campaign. Each approach needs to be addressed
STARTER The program will provide you with a combination of specific instructions for some tactics (major gifts and annual giving) and general guidance for others. You will find scripts, guides, templates and more to support your execution work.
What You’ll Need
In order to complete any of these programs, you’ll need:
Internet access
Computer or tablet
3-5 hours per week to work on lessons, complete tasks, and meet with consultants or donors
A clear understanding of or willingness to uncover your nonprofit’s mission, programs, goals, and fundraising needs
Access to your nonprofit’s data
Access to Board of Directors
Access to nonprofit’s community members
A great attitude and a willingness to work hard. Self starters welcome!