How to Build and Manage a Successful Fundraising Team
Putting together a team to assist with larger fundraising endeavors is essential; otherwise, you will be stretched far too thin and will have a high chance of failing. Although a volunteer-based team is the most cost-effective option, you may need to employ someone on occasion, particularly if the activity at hand is highly specialized and cannot be completed by the majority of people.
Often, individuals detest being asked to volunteer and will only do so reluctantly; however, you will be astonished at how many people you ask will be more than ready to ‘roll up their sleeves’ and jump in for no other reason than to support a worthy cause.
Individuals or groups who are sympathetic to your cause should be approached for the purpose of assembling a fundraising committee. Consider the following scenario: Parents of football team members have an inherent interest in seeing that the team receives new jerseys.
Others are just naturally generous with their time, and they are frequently involved in a number of tasks at the same time. You will often find that if you can recruit one of these types of go-getters to your team, they will have the passion and ambition of a group of volunteers.
To locate volunteers, all you have to do is utilize common sense. Start with the individuals who are already connected to the cause and work your way up from there. If your local super markets have free Community Bulletin Boards near the entrance and exits, you might want to consider placing advertisements there. Another option is to approach your local newspaper and ask if they would be willing to offer a short advertisement for you to utilize in your search for assistance.
Engage in a conversation with potential volunteers and explain exactly what you are attempting to accomplish and what you expect of them in terms of time and effort. When approaching potential donors, it is a good idea to have some sort of fundraising plan drawn up that you can show them. This not only demonstrates that you are organized and serious, but it also allows them to see how the time and skill requirements fit into their respective schedules and abilities.
Training should be conducted by you or by someone who is familiar with the specific function that the volunteer will be performing. You should make certain that all tasks and responsibilities that they will be undertaking are properly explained so that there are no misunderstandings later on. Make sure not to speak down to them or lecture them in any way. Remember that they are entrusting you with one of their most valuable resources, their time, so treat them with dignity and respect as individuals, and you will go a long way.
When assigning tasks to employees, it is critical to ensure that the task and the employee are a good match. People who are experts in selling are unlikely to be hired to fill envelopes when they would be more valuable and satisfied ringing the phones to seek donations.
If you are working from an office environment, make it as pleasant and comfortable as you possibly can for yourself and your coworkers. There should be easy access to refreshments and drinks (maybe provided for free by a generous donor?) and any other creature comforts you can provide will be greatly appreciated by the attendees.
You might want to consider holding an event to commemorate attaining a milestone if the project is lengthy. While this would, of course, be dependent on your financial situation, bringing in pizza to celebrate might be as simple as a small gift for your employees.
Always be on the lookout for signs of overwork and stress. It is important to respect those who have offered to assist you, and if it appears that they are becoming overwhelmed, it is necessary to bring in additional assistance. The goal is to keep them happy and motivated to continue to assist rather than making them feel like they are stuck because they are too polite to leave their positions.
Make sure to express your appreciation and gratitude to each and every one of your volunteers on a regular basis. Please express your gratitude to them and express your gratitude for their assistance.
Keep an eye out for any potential personality problems and take action to settle them as soon as possible. This could be something as simple as transferring someone to a different part of the workplace, or it could entail requesting the individual to quit the organization. Please don’t be hesitant to take on this responsibility if it becomes necessary, because you are ultimately responsible for the group as a whole, and success or failure of the project rests entirely on your shoulders. Take the initiative!
You will find that your fundraising will be a huge success if you follow these basic procedures, communicate frequently, appreciate and praise your team on a regular basis!
Author: Simeon Bala
An Information technology (IT) professional who is passionate about technology and building Inspiring the company’s people to love development, innovations, and client support through technology. With expertise in Quality/Process improvement and management, Risk Management. An outstanding customer service and management skills in resolving technical issues and educating end-users. An excellent team player making significant contributions to the team, and individual success, and mentoring. Background also includes experience with Virtualization, Cyber security and vulnerability assessment, Business intelligence, Search Engine Optimization, brand promotion, copywriting, strategic digital and social media marketing, computer networking, and software testing. Also keen about the financial, stock, and crypto market. With knowledge of technical analysis, value investing, and keep improving myself in all finance market spaces. Pioneer of the following platforms were I research and write on relevant topics. 1. https://publicopinion.org.ng 2. https://getdeals.com.ng 3. https://tradea.com.ng 4. https://9jaoncloud.com.ng Simeon Bala is an excellent problem solver with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
