Charity

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Gifts in honour or memory may impact your charity

honour or memory

Tribute donations can be an effective way for charities to raise money and engage their supporters. Tribute donations are made in honour or memory of someone. These donations can be directed to a specific program or cause within the charity.

Five ways tribute donations can help charities to raise money

  1. Encouraging donations
    • Tribute donations can be a powerful motivator for donors who want to honour a loved one or friend
    • By providing a meaningful way for donors to pay tribute to someone important in their lives, charities can encourage more donations
    • Tribute gifts can dramatically increase revenue, especially for certain types of charities
      • Hospitals, hospices, medical research and disease-specific organisations
  2. Building relationships
    • Tribute donations can help charities to build deeper relationships with their supporters
    • By acknowledging and thanking donors for their tribute donations, charities can show their appreciation and strengthen their connections with supporters
  3. Creating a sense of community
    • Tribute donations can create a sense of community among donors who are honouring the same person or cause
    • Charities can use these donations to create online tributes or other virtual communities
      • Donors can share their stories and memories
  4. Increasing awareness
    • Donations in honour or memory can help to raise awareness about a charity’s programs and services
    • When donors make tribute donations, they may share information about the charity and its mission with their friends and family
    • Such promotion can help to increase visibility and support for the charity.
  5. Providing sustainable funding
    • Tribute donations can provide sustainable funding for charities
    • By encouraging donors to make regular tribute donations in honour of their loved ones, charities can build a reliable source of funding

Overall, tribute donations can be a valuable tool for charities to engage their supporters, raise money, and build a sense of community around their cause. By providing a meaningful way for donors to honour their loved ones and support the charity’s mission, tribute donations can help to strengthen relationships and build a sustainable source of funding.

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Too many charities in Australia? Why start a new one?

Imagine your loved one or colleague faced a life-threatening illness and received fantastic medical care. You are now motivated to recognise that care or find a cure for the disease. Do you start a new charity in his or her honour? Or do you find a charity to align your efforts?

According to the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC), Australia has some 60,000 registered charities. So, why start a new one? There must be a fantastic charity you can work with to accomplish your mission.

Five reasons you might start a charity

There are many reasons why someone might start a charity in Australia, even though there are already many existing charities.

  1. Addressing an unmet need
    • Someone may start a charity if they identify a specific issue or cause that is not currently being adequately addressed
    • People may see a gap in services or support and feel compelled to fill that gap
  2. Passion for a cause
    • Many people start charities because they are passionate about a particular cause
    • Existing charities do not focus enough attention or resources on their specific cause
    • They may want to bring a fresh perspective to the issue
  3. Personal experience
    • Sometimes people start charities because of a personal experience
    • For example, if someone has lost a loved one to a particular illness, they may start a charity to raise awareness or fund research into that illness
  4. A desire to give back
    • People may start charities as a way to give back to their community or to society
    • They may feel that they have been fortunate in their own lives and want to use their resources to make a positive impact on others
  5. Innovating and improving
    • While there are many charities in Australia, there may be room for new organisations that bring innovative ideas or approaches to addressing social issues
    • Someone may start a charity if they believe they have a unique perspective or solution to a particular issue that is not currently being utilised by existing charities

Overall, starting a charity can be a way for individuals to make a meaningful impact on society. It can address important social issues in Australia. Despite the many existing charities, there may still be unmet needs or opportunities for innovation and improvement. Such gaps may mean starting a new charity is a worthwhile endeavour. Nonetheless, research existing charities to see if you might just align with one of the 60,000 already in existence.

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Five key things to do to retain great fundraising staff

As a non-profit organisation, fundraising is a crucial aspect of your operations. Without a steady stream of funding, you won’t be able to achieve your mission and make a positive impact in your community. Retaining great fundraising staff is essential.

Five ways to keep your top talent

  1. Provide Opportunities for Growth and Development
    • Great fundraising staff members want to constantly improve their skills and learn new techniques to increase their effectiveness
    • Offer opportunities for professional development, such as attending conferences, taking courses, and participating in workshops
    • You can also provide opportunities for them to take on new responsibilities and take on leadership roles within the organisation
  2. Foster a Positive and Supportive Work Environment
    • Creating a positive work environment is crucial for retaining great fundraising staff
    • Encourage teamwork and collaboration, and provide support when needed
    • Regularly communicate with your staff, and make sure they feel valued and appreciated
    • When they feel they are part of a team and have a supportive work environment, they are more likely to stay with the organisation
  3. Offer Competitive Compensation and Benefits
    • Compensation and benefits are important factors for fundraising staff members
    • Make sure you are offering a competitive salary, as well as a comprehensive benefits package
    • This can include health insurance, retirement benefits, and paid time off
    • Offering a competitive compensation package can help attract and retain top talent
  4. Provide Recognition and Rewards
    • Recognition and rewards play a critical role in retaining great fundraising staff
    • Make sure to regularly acknowledge their achievements, both publicly and privately
    • Offer incentives for hitting goals, such as bonuses or paid time off
    • This will help keep staff motivated and increase their engagement with the organisation
  5. Encourage Work-Life Balance
    • Fundraising can be a demanding job, and it’s important to make sure staff members have a healthy work-life balance
    • Encourage flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or flexible hours
    • Provide opportunities for staff members to take time off when they need it, and make sure they have the support they need to balance their professional and personal lives

Retaining great fundraising staff is essential to the success of your non-profit organisation. By providing opportunities for growth and development, fostering a positive work environment, offering competitive compensation and benefits, providing recognition and rewards, and encouraging work-life balance, you can ensure that your top talent stays motivated and engaged.

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Find and hire the best fundraising staff

cheerful black waitress standing at counter

Hiring the right fundraising staff can make all the difference for a nonprofit organisation. Fundraisers are responsible for securing the resources necessary to support the organization’s mission, so it is important to find individuals who not only have the skills and experience to get the job done, but who also share the organisation’s values and passion.

Key attributes to seek in candidates

  1. Define the role and responsibilities
    • Before you start the hiring process, it is important to have a clear understanding of the role and responsibilities you are looking to fill
    • This will help you to identify the key qualifications and skills of ideal candidates
    • It will also help you to communicate clearly to potential candidates what you are looking for and what they can expect in the role
  2. Look for a passion for the mission
    • When looking for fundraising staff, it is important to find individuals who are passionate about the organisation’s mission
    • This passion will drive them to work harder, think more creatively, and be more effective in securing resources for the organisation
    • When interviewing candidates, ask about their motivations for working in the nonprofit sector and what specifically draws them to your organisation
  3. Seek out experience and proven success
    • While passion is important, it is also important to find candidates who have experience and proven success in fundraising
    • This includes experience in developing and implementing fundraising strategies, as well as a track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals
    • When evaluating candidates, look for individuals who have a deep understanding of fundraising best practices and a history of success in securing donations from a variety of sources
  4. Look for a team player
    • Fundraising is often a team effort, so it is important to find candidates who are able to work well with others
    • Look for individuals who are collaborative, communicative, and able to build strong relationships with stakeholders both inside and outside of the organisation
  5. Consider personality and communication skills
    • It is important to find candidates who have the right personality and communication skills for the role
    • Fundraisers need to be able to articulate the organisation’s mission and vision in a compelling way, and they need to be able to build strong relationships with donors and stakeholders
    • When evaluating candidates, look for individuals who are personable, articulate, and able to connect with others in a genuine way

Hiring the right fundraising staff is critical to the success of any nonprofit organisation. By focusing on passion for the mission, experience and success, team player mentality, and personality and communication skills, organizations can find fundraising staff who will shine and help to secure the resources necessary to support their mission.

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Are cheques soon to be a thing of the past?

You and I likely do not have a checking account with our Australian bank. While very popular in the United States, checking accounts are already becoming history in this country. In 2021, less than two cheques were written per household. This is down from 50 per household in the 1980s. Due to consumer demand and safer, electronic payment options, cheques could be faded out sooner than many can predict.

What would your charity do if you were given a month or two notice that cheques were going to be history in the Australian banking system? It happened in New Zealand.

Impact of a loss of cheques as a pay method

The change in the banking system would impact elderly donors the most. If cheques were to go away in the Australian banking system, it would have an impact on charitable giving in a few ways.

  1. Donation collection
    • Many charities still rely on cheques as a means of collecting donations from supporters
    • Charities would have to find alternative ways of collecting donations
    • This could include using online payment platforms or setting up direct debit arrangements
    • However, not all donors may be comfortable with online payments or may prefer to donate via cheque
  2. Administration costs
    • Charities would need to invest in new systems and technologies to manage and process donations through alternative means
    • This could come at a cost to charities, particularly for smaller organisations with limited resources
  3. Donor demographics
    • It’s important to note that some donors, particularly older donors, may not be comfortable with using online payment methods and prefer to donate via cheque
    • Removing cheques could result in a loss of donations from this demographic, which may impact some charities that rely on this group of donors

Overall, if cheques were to go away in the Australian banking system, charities would need to adapt their donation collection methods, invest in new systems and technologies, and potentially face a loss of donations from some donors. However, it’s also possible that alternative methods of donation collection could be more efficient and cost-effective in the long run.

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First gift anniversaries are important to remember

Stewardship is an important part of fundraising. It is the act of acknowledging and appreciating donors for their contributions to your organisation. On first gift anniversaries, it is a great opportunity to show your gratitude and continue to build a strong relationship with your donor.

Top ideas to steward donors on first gift anniversaries

Here are the top ways to steward your donors on the anniversary of their first gift to your organisation.

  1. Personalized Communication
    • A personalized message is a great way to make a donor feel valued and appreciated
    • Write a handwritten note or send an email thanking them for their continued support
    • Let them know how their donation has made an impact
    • Be specific and include stories or statistics to show the impact of their gift
  2. Recognition
    • Recognise your donor’s anniversary gift by highlighting their name in your newsletter, social media, or on your website
    • This not only shows your appreciation but also helps build a sense of community among your supporters
  3. Upgrade to a Higher Giving Level
    • Consider offering your donor the opportunity to upgrade their giving level
    • This could be a great way to show your appreciation for their past support and encourage them to make an even bigger impact in the future
  4. Personalized Tour or Visit
    • Invite your donor for a tour of your organisation or for a visit to see the impact of their gift firsthand
    • This is a great opportunity to connect with them on a personal level and show them how their gift is making a difference
  5. Special Event Invitation
    • Invite your donor to a special event, such as a gala or fundraising event
    • This is a great way to show your appreciation and provide them with an opportunity to connect with other supporters of your organisation
  6. Thank You Gift
    • Depending on the size of their first donation, a small token of appreciation, such as a gift card, a book, or a personalized item, can go a long way in showing your gratitude for your donor’s support
    • Choose something that is meaningful and relevant to their interests
  7. Report on Progress
    • Provide your donor with a report on the progress made towards your organisation’s goals
    • This is a great way to show the impact of their gift and let them know that their support is making a difference

By incorporating these strategies, you can build a strong relationship with your donors and ensure that they feel appreciated and valued. On the first gift anniversaries, take the time to thank them for their support and show them how much their contribution has made an impact.

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Gifts in wills program in five steps

Starting a gifts in wills (also known as bequests or legacy giving) program can be a great way to secure long-term funding for your nonprofit organisation. However, it can be difficult to know where to start, especially if you have limited resources or have never done it before. In this blog post, we will provide some tips and best practices to help you start a successful gifts in wills program from scratch.

Tips and best practices

  1. Assess your organization’s readiness

Before starting a gifts in wills program, it is important to assess whether your organisation is ready to receive and manage bequests. This includes having a clear understanding of your nonprofit’s mission, goals, and funding needs. It also involves ensuring that you have the necessary infrastructure, including a system for processing bequests, a way to track gifts and donors, and a system for acknowledging gifts.

  1. Develop a plan

Once you have assessed your organization’s readiness, it’s time to develop a plan. This includes setting realistic goals, identifying potential supporters, and creating a timeline for your program. You should also consider creating marketing materials that clearly explain the gifts in wills process and the impact it can have on your organization.

  1. Build relationships with potential supporters

One of the key elements of a successful gifts in wills program is building strong relationships with potential supporters. This includes identifying and reaching out to current and potential donors who may be interested in leaving a gift in their will. It also involves developing and maintaining strong relationships with professional advisors, such as estate planners, attorneys, and financial advisors, who can help spread the word about your program to their clients.

  1. Provide education and support

Another important aspect of a successful gifts in wills program is providing education and support to your supporters. This can include offering information about the benefits of leaving a gift in their will, the different types of gifts that can be made, and the impact that their gift will have on your organization. You should also provide clear, concise instructions on how to include your organization in their will, and make sure that your supporters have the necessary information to make an informed decision.

  1. Acknowledge and steward gifts

Finally, it’s important to acknowledge and steward gifts that are received through your gifts in wills program. This includes sending a heartfelt thank you to donors, providing updates on the impact of their gift, and keeping them informed about your organisation’s work.

Starting a gifts in wills program can be a challenging but rewarding process. By following these tips, you can ensure that your program is successful and helps secure long-term funding for your organization. Good luck!

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Steps to a successful fundraising plan

Developing a fundraising strategic plan can be a daunting task, but it’s a necessary step in achieving the financial stability and growth of any organisation. A successful fundraising plan requires careful planning, research, and attention to detail, but with the right components in place, it can be a powerful tool for achieving your organisation’s goals.

Essential components to include in your fundraising strategic plan

  1. Mission and Vision
    • The first step in developing a fundraising plan is to articulate the mission and vision of your organisation
    • This includes a clear statement of what your organisation does, who it serves, and what impact you hope to have
    • Having a strong and well-defined mission and vision will provide a framework for the rest of your fundraising plan and help you stay focused on your goals
  2. Goals and Objectives
    • Next, you need to define specific and measurable goals and objectives for your fundraising plan
    • These should align with your organization’s mission and vision and should be achievable within a specific timeframe
    • Examples of goals might include increasing overall fundraising revenue, diversifying your donor base, or launching a new fundraising campaign.
  3. SWOT Analysis
    • A SWOT analysis is a useful tool for evaluating your organisation’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
    • This information can help you identify areas where you need to focus your efforts and make informed decisions about the strategies and tactics you’ll use to reach your goals
  4. Target Donor Audience
    • Knowing your target donor audience is essential to developing a successful fundraising plan
    • You need to understand who are your potential donors
    • Further, you need to understand what motivates them to give, and how you can best reach them
    • Consider factors such as age, income, interests, and giving history when defining your target audience
  5. Fundraising Channels
    • There are many different channels you can use to raise funds, including:
    • Direct mail, online giving, major gifts, grant writing, and more
    • You need to consider which channels are best suited to your target audience
    • Consider which will help you achieve your goals
    • Consider also how you can make the most of technology to reach your donors and make the giving process as easy as possible
  6. Budget and Timeline
    • Developing a budget and timeline is essential to ensuring the success of your fundraising plan
    • You need to understand what resources are required to implement your plan
    • Further, explore how much money you need to raise, and when you need to raise it
    • Having a clear budget and timeline will help you stay on track and ensure that you’re making the best use of your resources
  7. Evaluation and Tracking
    • Finally, it’s essential to have a system in place for evaluating and tracking your progress against your goals
    • This will allow you to make any necessary adjustments to your plan and ensure that you’re on track to achieve your desired results

With careful planning and attention to detail, you can develop a successful fundraising plan that will help you achieve your organisation’s financial stability and growth.

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Fundraising – an art or a science?

Fundraising has long been a topic of debate among nonprofit professionals, with some arguing that it is an art and others believing it to be a science. While there is evidence to support both sides, the truth is likely somewhere in between.

Fundraising as an Art

The argument for charity fundraising as an art centres around the idea that success in this field requires creativity, intuition, and emotional intelligence. Proponents argue that effective fundraising is not just about numbers and data, but also about building relationships and inspiring others to give. They suggest that the best fundraisers have a natural talent for connecting with people and telling stories that resonate with donors and inspire them to give.

For example, a fundraiser with a knack for storytelling might use emotional appeals and vivid imagery to inspire donors to support a particular cause. Or, a fundraiser who excels at building relationships might foster a sense of community among donors and encourage them to give collectively.

Fundraising as a Science

On the other hand, proponents of charity fundraising as a science argue that it is based on data, research, and a systematic approach to decision making. They suggest that effective fundraising requires an understanding of donor behavior and a scientific approach to testing and refining strategies. For example, a scientific fundraiser might use data analysis to identify the best time and channel for reaching out to donors, or use A/B testing to determine the most effective messaging for inspiring giving.

In this view, fundraising is not just about telling stories and building relationships, but also about using evidence-based strategies to maximize results. Fundraisers who approach their work as a science are more likely to focus on metrics like conversion rates, donor lifetime value, and return on investment.

A Balance of Art and Science

The truth is likely somewhere in between. While both art and science play a role in charity fundraising, the most effective approach is likely a balance of both. Fundraisers who are skilled at both storytelling and data analysis are likely to be the most successful, as they can use data to inform their creative decisions and craft stories that resonate with donors.

For example, a fundraiser who uses data to understand the motivations and behaviour of their target audience is more likely to craft a message that resonates with them. Conversely, a fundraiser skilled at storytelling but lacks data-driven insights is more likely to miss the mark when it comes to inspiring giving.

In conclusion, fundraising is both an art and a science. Success in this field requires a combination of creativity, emotional intelligence, and data-driven insights. Fundraisers who approach their work with a balanced perspective are likely to be the most effective and make the biggest impact for their causes.

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Developing a Three-Year Fundraising Strategy with a Consultant

As a non-profit organisation, the goal is to generate increased funding to support your cause and make a positive impact on the world. To achieve this goal, it is important to have a comprehensive and well-structured fundraising strategy in place. However, creating such a strategy can be a daunting task, especially if you are new to fundraising or have limited resources. This is where a consultant can be of great help.

A consultant can bring in valuable expertise and knowledge to help you create a successful fundraising strategy. They can help you identify and evaluate your organization’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. They can also help you to establish realistic goals and objectives and to plan how to reach those goals through a variety of fundraising channels.

Fundraising strategy

Tips to get the most out of your consultancy

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of working with a consultant to develop a three-year charity fundraising strategy:

  1. Be Clear About Your Needs and Expectations

Before you start working with a consultant, it’s important to be clear about your organization’s needs and expectations. Discuss what your goals are, what you want to achieve through fundraising, and what resources you have available. This will help the consultant to understand your needs and tailor their services to meet those needs.

  1. Choose the Right Consultant

Choosing the right consultant is crucial to the success of your fundraising strategy. Look for someone with experience in charity fundraising, and who has a track record of success. Research their credentials and references, and ask for samples of their previous work.

  1. Communicate Effectively

Good communication is key to a successful collaboration with a consultant. Establish regular touchpoints, such as weekly meetings or phone calls, to ensure that you are both on the same page. Share all relevant information and be transparent about any challenges or concerns you may have.

  1. Be Willing to Make Changes

A consultant can bring a fresh perspective to your fundraising efforts. Be open to their suggestions and be willing to make changes to your approach if needed. Remember, the consultant’s goal is to help you achieve your fundraising objectives, so be open to new ideas and be willing to take risks.

  1. Evaluate Progress and Adapt as Needed

Once your fundraising strategy is in place, it’s important to evaluate progress and make adjustments as needed. Regularly assess your progress against your goals and objectives, and make changes to your approach if necessary. This will help you to stay on track and ensure that your fundraising strategy remains relevant and effective.

In conclusion, working with a consultant to develop a three-year charity fundraising strategy can be a valuable investment for your organization. By choosing the right consultant, communicating effectively, being willing to make changes, and evaluating progress, you can create a successful fundraising strategy that will help you achieve your goals and make a positive impact on the world.

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