6

Key Pillars to Reach Peak

Performance in Fundraising
A Comprehensive Field Guide
for Mission Driven Nonprofit Leaders

ford able
FUNDRAISING
 Table of Contents

About Your Field Guide 03

The Top 3 Reasons Nonprofits Fail 04
Key Pillar #1: Create a Culture and Community of Giving 06
Key Pillar #2: Create an Effective Fundraising Plan 08
Key Pillar #3: Craft a Compelling Case for Support 12
Key Pillar #4: Develop a Value Proposition that Aligns with Key Stakeholders 15
Key Pillar #5: Establish Clear Roles and Expectations for Board Members 17
Key Pillar #6: Get Personal with Your Donors 19
Next Steps: Integrating the Six Key Pillars in Your Fundraising Adventures 21

© Fordable Fundraising 2
Hi there,
Just by you being here, I already know two important things about you: you are committed to
your cause and you need help raising funds to make the kind of lasting impact you envision. And
I know something else…

You’re the adventurous type who likes to explore ways to be more effective in leading the way to
a better world.

You’re in the right place.

At Fordable Fundraising, we’ve worked with hundreds of nonprofit organizations securing over
$33,000,000 for causes that bring radical positive change to the people they serve and their
communities.

We’ve supported nonprofit organizations in grant writing, developing and implementing effective
strategic and fundraising plans, and training teams in reaching their mission objectives and in
avoiding duplication of services. We’ve been at this for a long time and we’ve learned what it
really takes to develop and maintain a high functioning nonprofit organization.

We also know the struggle to fundraise is real. If you don’t have the six key pillars to support a
thriving organization, you risk the inability to do the good work and worse, you might even fail.
And we don’t want that.

This comprehensive field guide walks you step by step through the six key pillars that help
organizations just like yours build a strong fundraising foundation that brings more awareness
about your nonprofit and increases donations to your nonprofit.

Because you are the kind of person who is committed to your cause and to making a real
difference, we know you’ve got what it takes to reach your mission objectives. If you take the
action steps in this guide, you’ll see a noticeable shift both in your team and in your fundraising
results. By the end of this field guide, you’ll know exactly what steps to take to reach peak
performance in fundraising.

Let the fundraising adventures begin!

Janeal Ford
Owner, Fordable Fundraising

Follow us on Facebook for nonprofit tools and resources.

© Fordable Fundraising 3
Before we dive into the six key pillars that make fundraising effective and help you reach your
peak, let’s talk briefly about what doesn’t work in reaching peak performance in fundraising.

The Top 3 Reasons Nonprofits Fail

What You Need to Do Now to Avoid Funding Failures Later
In general, nonprofits fail to achieve their mission for one of these three primary reasons:
1. Lack of actionable strategic plan
2. Lack of actionable fundraising plan
3. Lack of compelling case for support

These are the tangible things that derail fundraising in nonprofits. But let’s go a little deeper
into why some nonprofits struggle in doing the three things that help them reach their mission
objectives.

If you don’t get why people give and why they say no, you’ll continue to meet objections and
rejection. Learning why people give can help you speak to the people who would give and
support your cause and future mission.

The 3 Truths about Giving Every Nonprofit Needs to Know

Truth #1: People give where they live
People give to causes that support their local communities. If they can see, touch, or feel the
positive rewards of your cause, they’ll be much more likely to support your nonprofit.

Truth #2: People give to causes that align with their passions
People feel compelled to give when they are passionate about solving a problem they feel is
important. If they can see the problem and how your nonprofit is working to make a meaningful
difference, they will be more likely to support your nonprofit.

Truth #3: People give to causes when they feel a connection with the organization and/or its
members
People give when they feel a sense of personal connection with you and your organization.
Establishing relationships with potential donors will make asking for support much easier and
more effective.

“
In good times and bad, we know
that people give because you meet
needs, not because you have needs
- KAY SPRINKEL GRACE

© Fordable Fundraising 4
But let’s talk about the underlying motives that compel people to give so you can speak to those
more directly when fundraising.

Why People Give

• People give to make a difference
• People give to share their good fortune
• People give for recognition
• People give to support the charity’s ability to fulfill its mission

In the past, people have given for tax reasons, but since laws have changed regarding writing off
charitable donations, this isn’t as much of a compelling reason to give today.

Let’s address why people say no to nonprofit requests for support. Understanding why your ask is
denied or ignored can help you address the common objections and give you insight about what
needs to change in your organization or in how you ask for support.

Why People Say No

• People say no due to a lack of trust in the organization
• People say no when they see a revolving door of development directors
• People say no when solicitation is focused solely on cash donations
• People say no when the messaging is poor and/or unclear
• People say no when a past gift was unacknowledged
• People say no when they aren’t asked enough or at all
• People say no when it’s simply bad timing

Knowing why people give and why they don’t, you can take some simple steps so everyone in
your organization knows what to say when asking for support.

HERE ARE FOUR ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR TEAM RIGHT NOW TO OVERCOME THE
FEAR OF FUNDRAISING:
The following activities work best when you invite everyone in your organization to participate.
• How have nonprofits touched your life?
• What words compel you to give and why?
• Why do you say no when asked to support a nonprofit?
• What would someone in your local community need to hear from you to support your
nonprofit?

Having everyone in your organization share their experience, you’ll likely have an abundance of
wisdom in regards to inspiring your local community to support your cause. When you take time
to consider how you’ve been touched by nonprofits, what compels you to give and what makes
you say no, you’ll better understand your potential donors feelings and resistance when you
solicit donations.

It’s time to explore the six key pillars for building a strong fundraising foundation for your
nonprofit. In the next section, you’ll learn how to create a culture and community of giving so
funds flow more consistently and with a lot less angst.

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 Pillar #1: Create a Culture and Community of Giving

When you develop a culture and community of giving in your organization, you create an
atmosphere that fosters a healthy mindset about money and giving and makes everyone on
your team excited to ask for donations.

You might doubt that you or your team will ever be excited to solicit, but this is not only possible.
It’s happening right now in nonprofit organizations like yours.

Research shows that successful nonprofits do four things consistently that create a culture and
community of giving that positively impacts their fundraising efforts:

#1: They are mission centric and use the power of collaboration to focus their efforts
#2: They see the act of giving as a human connection rather than a business transaction
#3: Everyone in the organization is involved in fundraising and can articulate the case for giving
#4: Donors are acknowledged and considered active participants

“
Fundraising is the gentle art
of teaching the joy of giving

- HANK RUSSO

Creating a culture and community of giving means everyone is on the same page, moving in
the same direction and engaged in the organization’s fundraising efforts. Raising funds is part
of each individual’s role whether a volunteer, a donor, a board member or a staff member. The
entire organization is working together, in unison, to get the resources they need to support the
cause.

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HERE ARE THREE ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR TEAM RIGHT NOW TO CREATE A
CULTURE AND COMMUNITY OF GIVING:
The following activities work best when you invite everyone in your organization to participate,
including key donors.
1. Explore beliefs and perceptions about money and giving that may be impacting you and
your team.
2. Ask each member of your team to share what a culture and community of giving looks
like to them.
3. Brainstorm three to five ways to ask for support that align with what inspires your team
to give.

Each of these activities may sound simple, but don’t dismiss them. Your organization’s beliefs
and perceptions about money and giving can actually impact your fundraising efforts.
Becoming aware of and shifting those beliefs and perceptions into supportive reasons to give to
your cause will change the way you ask so you receive support.

BONUS EXERCISE: Including key donors in this conversation is critical. Donors will tell you what
they need to hear from you to continue to give and support your mission. So, invite them to the
discussion and listen to what they have to say.

Not sure where you need to focus to see

fundraising results? Let’s talk.

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CALL

In the next section, we’ll explore why you need a fundraising plan and how to create one that
drives your organization’s mission.

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 Pillar #2: Create an Effective Fundraising Plan

Are you ready for an adventure in raising more money for your charity? I hope you said yes
because this section is important if you are serious about meeting your mission objectives. In
fact, this key pillar is the real secret to “getting there.”

But first, a gut check.

93% of nonprofit leaders believe strategic planning is critical for success while
37% of nonprofits admit they don’t have a quality strategic plan.

Yikes!

A Strategic Plan Versus a Fundraising Plan and Why Every Nonprofit Needs Both
A strategic plan is critical to your organization’s success because it informs your key messages
and helps you map out where you want to go including the steps you need to take to get there.
Think of a strategic plan as charting the course for mission related services.

While the strategic plan is primarily focused on what the organization wants to achieve or
accomplish within three to five years based on the environment and costs, the fundraising plan
focuses on HOW funding will come in to support the initiatives of the strategic plan. Think of
the fundraising plan as charting a course to generate the funds needed to advance identified
mission related services.

A fundraising plan is often viewed as a separate plan but this is problematic for several
reasons. A board may determine initiatives, services and/or programs needed to further the
organization’s mission during a strategic planning session. However, because they don’t address
the costs and the income needed to advance those initiatives, the organization often fails in
reaching mission objectives.

By having both a strategic plan and a fundraising plan, your organization is fully equipped with
a clear path forward and a real plan for reaching mission and fundraising goals. This also helps
alleviate anxiety regarding how your organization is going to achieve the mission’s initiatives and
fundraising goals.

After completing this section, you’ll have more clarity in WHAT your organization wants to
achieve and HOW you’ll raise funds to advance those initiatives over the next three to five years.

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HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO INCLUDE IN YOUR STRATEGIC PLAN
Part 1: Environmental scan
This part of the plan evaluates the internal strengths and weaknesses of the nonprofit and
looks at any external opportunities such as changes in the funding environment that should
be considered. It also explores potential threats and potential opportunities that need to be
taken into consideration. For example, an environmental scan would be an analysis of potential
funding opportunities externally and also include an internal review of how funding has been
received, or otherwise known as a SWOT (analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and
threats). A strategic plan’s environmental scan is about evaluating SWOT on the services or
programs the nonprofit will provide.

Part 2: Clear Initiatives

Informed by data from the environmental scan, the organization leadership decides on the
initiatives and what might be possible in the next three years. These initiatives outline the
organization’s future vision and how it will address future needs including expanding services,
improving infrastructure or diversifying income to further the mission’s impact.

Part 3: Cost Projections

Now that the organization has set clear initiatives and future needs, the next step is to
understand and plan for the costs of achieving these initiatives. While it’s nearly impossible to be
100% precise here, organizations can “project” costs by using educated estimates. The purpose
of this part of the plan is to get a clear picture of the funding and resources required to achieve
the organization’s initiatives. Once the organization has realistic estimates regarding costs, they
can review initiatives and timelines to see if they are feasible or if they need to be adjusted or if
the time frame should be extended.

Part 4: Fundraising Plan

In this final part of the strategic plan, the organization will map out how funds will be secured to
reach initiatives and the work necessary to achieve these fundraising goals.

The most difficult part of this strategic plan is determining how your organization will secure
funds to meet objectives. So let’s dive a little deeper into part 4 of the strategic plan so you don’t
get stuck.

Research shows that people who give contribute to an average of 4.5 charities.
Why not yours?

Understanding where the majority of your charitable donations will come from can help you
create a fundraising plan that focuses your efforts and produces the highest return on time
and energy spent in raising funds.

Individual donations account for 80% of all charitable giving

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More fun facts about charitable giving
• Individuals give from the heart
• Passion for the cause plays a big role in individual giving
• Individuals give to make a difference, make an impact, form social connections, feel a
sense of purpose, or leave a legacy

How Individuals Typically Give to Support Causes They’re Passionate About

They often contribute cash, donate stock and sometimes even name a charity in their will or
estate plan. They like to donate in-kind items like hygiene items, food, and clothing.
They contribute using pledges which are promises to pay gifts over time. They also donate time
and expertise which makes them great volunteers.

Including a clear plan with action steps to reach out to potential donors who care about your
cause will radically impact your fundraising results!

HERE ARE TWO ACTION STEPS YOU CAN TAKE RIGHT NOW TO CREATE A SIMPLE AND
EFFECTIVE FUNDRAISING PLAN:
Action Step #1: Identify & Engage Potential Donors
To identify individuals who are passionate about and interested in your cause, go through this
quick brainstorming exercise.
• Draw a large circle on a piece of paper
• Write the main cause/mission of your charity in the middle
• Ask yourself, who cares or who is impacted by this issue?
The key is to identify potential supporters and find those natural partners who care about
your cause and want to make a difference.
• Write down groups, organizations, businesses and individuals who care or are impacted
by this issue.
• Use this brainstorm list of people and groups who care about this issue and identify
people you already know. Write every name that comes to mind on this sheet of paper.
The purpose of this step is to identify potential donors who you may already know and who
you feel might be passionate about your cause.
• Finally, make a list of the people you identified as interested or passionate and set up a
schedule to start reaching out.

Here’s an example of this brainstorming exercise:

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Even if you only have time to reach out to one person on this list per week, if you keep at it and
get in front of the people you’ve identified as potential donors, you will get responses.

BONUS TIP: After identifying your potential donors, use these tips for connecting with
individuals in a way that compels them to give:
• Share success stories
• Show how your work is making an impact using performance data
• Ask them to volunteer time to support the cause, or to share their expertise with your
organization, or to donate specific items your organization needs
Invite them to an upcoming event or to participate in one of your meetings

Action Step #2: Schedule a Strategic Planning Event with Your Team
By identifying and engaging your potential donors, you’ll already have the heavy lifting done
for part 4 of your strategic plan. Share these findings with your team during a one or two day
retreat. Then work together through all four parts of strategic planning for your organization.

Feeling overwhelmed? We can help!

We can support your organization in developing a strategic plan.

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CALL

In the next section, we’re going to explore how you talk about how to craft a compelling case for
support so people are inspired to give.

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 Pillar #3: Craft a Compelling Case for Support

This is one of THE MOST IMPORTANT pillars to reach your fundraising and mission objectives.
Crafting a compelling case for support is by far one of our favorite topics at Fordable Fundraising
because of the power words wield in getting people to support great causes.

A well crafted case for support inspires and compels people to give and engage in your
important work. Before we launch into how to create a case statement that knocks the socks off
your community, let me offer this charity as an example of a compelling case for support:

Charity Water

Pretty powerful case for support, right? Even if you didn’t know you cared so much about clean
water, I bet you feel something after watching this. Charity Water knows who their potential
donors are and speaks to them through power words and imagery while highlighting the impact
of their work.

The key messages you convey to your potential donors can make or break your ability to build
relationships and raise money. To be effective at raising money, you need to craft and refine key
messages that speak to your community and to the donors who would likely support your cause.

Your fundraising success hinges on your key messages and how effectively
you convey your case for support with others.

So, let’s talk about what a case for support is, sometimes called a case statement. A case for
support is exactly what it sounds like. You are making a CASE to the community to SUPPORT a
program or service that is addressing an unmet need or filling a gap.

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5 Key Messages You Need to Include in a Compelling Case for Support
The message you craft is designed to educate others about this pressing unmet need. It should
stir up emotional responses and convey the reality of the situation.

Key Message #1: Create a sense of urgency by conveying powerful facts, statistics and
real-life stories of the unmet need. The best case statement conveys the unmet needs of the
community and evokes an emotional response. This should not be about your need for money.
Focus on those who are hurting and are not being served and the need to solve this pressing
and often humanitarian issue.

Here’s an example:
Every day 21 million veterans commit suicide.
This heart wrenching statistic succinctly and directly conveys the unmet need of our
country’s veterans. They become so desperate that taking their own lives seems like the
best option.

Key Message #2: Explain why you are the best positioned to address this unmet need
You can do this in a variety of ways. You can share what you have been able to do so far and
the specific results you’ve achieved in supporting this unmet need. You can share a success
story and offer data about the impact of your charity’s services. If you are a startup or a new
nonprofit, tell them about the experts you’ve recruited to work alongside you to facilitate future
results.

Key Message #3: Share Your Solution and the Costs

Craft one sentence about your solution or services and the resources (fundraising goal) needed
to achieve the organization’s goals. For example:
• If you need a larger facility, share with them how many more people in need you will be
able to reach.
• If you need funding for program staff, share with them the special expertise and
consistency that are needed to do the work.
• If you need equipment, technology or training, share with them how being more efficient
will help you address the need faster and be more effective.

Key Message #4: Convey a vision of hope for the future

By this point in the cause for support, If you’ve crafted a compelling message and triggered an
emotional response, you’ll likely be asked what is being done or what can be done. This is your
“in” to provide more information and what you hope to do now and in the future.

Key Message #5: Invite your community to engage

If your message is compelling, people will start asking what they can do to help. Offer
opportunities to engage with your organization beyond writing a check. Your call to action can
be to provide a gift, become a volunteer, or share expertise.

© Fordable Fundraising 13
Taking time to write and refine a compelling case for support by including these 5 key messages
will inspire people to engage in your important work and give to your cause. Including your
entire organization in crafting a compelling case for support will ensure that your key messages
are consistent and meaningful. The result? Anyone in your organization can ask for support in a
powerful and meaningful way that positively impacts your fundraising efforts.

HERE ARE TWO ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE RIGHT NOW TO CRAFT A CASE FOR SUPPORT THAT
EVOKES EMOTIONS AND SPEAKS TO THE ISSUE OR UNMET NEED YOUR ORGANIZATION
ADDRESSES.
Action Step #1: Record a video to capture the heart of your message
That’s right. Press record and answer these questions from the heart:
• What is the problem/issue you seek to address?
• Why are you so passionate about this cause?
• Share one compelling statistic about this unmet need
• Share a success story about your work and how it’s impacted lives
• What inspires you to do this work?
• What is your greatest need right now?
• Where can someone go to learn more about your organization?

Action Step #2: Craft your compelling cause for support

• Do some research to find statistics and facts related to the issue you address in the global
community, national community and your local community.
• Work through each of the five key messages and write down everything that comes to
mind.
• Consider inviting each member of the leadership team to do the same.
Work together to craft a compelling cause for support and commit it to memory

Once you have developed your five key messages into a clear and compelling case for support,
infuse this messaging into everything you do, both internally and externally. This is your core
messaging and needs to be repeated. It may need to be adjusted slightly for specific audiences,
but this core messaging should be the foundation for all of your communications.

Need help writing a compelling case for support

that inspires people to give? We can help!

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CALL

In the next section, we’ll explore how to define practices and protocols that align with key
stakeholders who can work with you and support your cause.

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 Pillar #4:
Develop a Value Proposition that Aligns with Key Stakeholders

A nonprofit is not operated the same way as a business is. You can’t sell it, you don’t own it and
there are legal requirements that only apply to nonprofits.

However, like corporations, nonprofits do have stakeholders. But unlike corporations, the
stakeholders are not the board. The stakeholders are the community the organization serves.

Partnering and collaborating with organizations within your community that provide services
similar to or complementary to yours can be highly rewarding and impactful in reaching your
mission objectives.

Understanding your value proposition is a critical step to align your organization with key
stakeholders in your community.

If you aren’t clear regarding what your organization offers that speaks to the value you offer to
the community, you will find it nearly impossible to partner and collaborate with stakeholders
who are likely to support your mission objectives. This is slightly different from your compelling
case for support. It’s tailored to address why you are a great partner for other organizations in
your community.

HERE IS ONE KEY ACTION STEP YOU CAN TAKE RIGHT NOW TO DEVELOP A VALUE
PROPOSITION THAT ALIGNS WITH STAKEHOLDERS IN YOUR COMMUNITY:
Write or refine your value proposition
Consider the following questions when writing your value proposition:
• What makes your organization unique?
• What services or programs align perfectly with organizations in your community?
• What makes your organization a great partner or collaborator with other organizations in
your community?
• What are you committed to bringing to joint efforts that a partner or collaborator may find
invaluable?

You can adjust this value proposition slightly to align with the stakeholders you’d like to form
partnerships with once you identify those in your community.

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 Forming partnerships is one of the most effective ways to expand
your mission’s reach and objectives. They are important service
partners in your fundraising efforts. If you aren’t sure how to find
partners in your community, we can help!

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CALL

In the next section, we’ll explore how to establish clear roles and expectations for board
members so your organization stays on track and engaged with mission objectives.

© Fordable Fundraising 16
Pillar #5: Establish Clear Roles and Expectations for Board Members

Outlining clear roles and expectations of all board members is one of the most impactful ways
to grow your organization effectively. By establishing clear roles, everyone on the board knows
what is expected of them and how they can best fill their role. This is also important in the event
a board member leaves the organization or faces a health crisis and is no longer able to serve in
the same capacity.

In addition to clear roles and expectations of board members, every board member must have
some vested interest in the success of the organization. This is usually a financial investment
and while the amount may vary by role, it should be clear in your guidelines that every board
member is expected to contribute to the organization.

One of the most difficult positions to fill for nonprofit organizations is the Development Director.
Many nonprofits struggle with the revolving door of directors or finding a Development Director
who is qualified to fill this important role. This is a serious problem because it’s one of the
reasons people say no when asked to give.

Establishing your leadership training and development plan can determine the quality of the
board members your organization attracts. If interested candidates see that you’ve put time and
effort into leadership and development plans that support their growth and success, you have
less turnover and a more engaged board of members.

HERE ARE THREE ACTIONS STEPS YOU CAN TAKE RIGHT NOW TO ENSURE YOU ESTABLISH
CLEAR EXPECTATIONS FOR YOUR BOARD MEMBERS THAT ENCOURAGES THEM TO STAY LOYAL
TO YOUR CAUSE AND THE ORGANIZATION:
Step #1: Define the role and establish clear expectations for each board member
By answering some simple questions, you can define the role and make it clear what you expect
from each board member as they serve in their respective role.
• What is the role of each board member?
• What is expected of them in this role?
• What are their responsibilities in this role?
• How will progress or successful fulfillment in this role be measured?
• What should a board member do if they need help or have an issue that needs to be
addressed?

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Step #2: 100% Giving as a Rule
Every board member in your organization must be invested in the success of the organization.
Make it clear before they come on board that they are required to fund the organization and the
amount they are required to contribute each year.

Step #3: Establish Protocols for Recruitment, Orientation and Development of Board
Members
Having protocols for recruiting, orienting and developing board members will save you and the
organization time and get board members working towards your shared vision more quickly.
Define what you’d like to see happen at each stage from recruitment through development and
turn this into a repeatable system in the event a board member leaves or is unable to serve the
organization in the future.

In the next section, we’re going to explore donor relations and how to build relationships so
existing and potential donors feel compelled to support your cause consistently.

© Fordable Fundraising 18
 Pillar #6: Get Personal with Your Donors

Building relationships with existing donors and honoring community giving are crucial for
sustaining a nonprofit organization. When you design practices and incorporate protocols in
terms of your donor relationships, you’ll be able to:
• Reach your mission objectives more quickly
• Get funding and donations when you need it
• Create an engaged community of support that will spread your message
• Encourage future giving by acknowledging gifts
• Expand your services and reach in both cause and support
• Automate gift giving through a variety of methods

If you fail to create a system that acknowledges donor donations and encourages them to
continue to support your cause, the fundraising well will likely dry up. Nurturing relationships,
educating the community and recruiting volunteers takes a lot of time and energy. Leaders of
nonprofits are constantly working to secure more funds to reach their mission objectives. The
more time they can spend connecting with existing and potential donors, the better. That’s why
having a system and procedure in place that runs on autopilot is critical to an organization’s
success.

HERE ARE THREE STEPS YOU CAN TAKE RIGHT NOW TO IMPROVE DONOR RELATIONS SO THEY
ENGAGE MORE AND GIVE MORE:
Step #1: Know Thy Donor
The more you know and understand your key donors, the greater the likelihood they’ll want to
support your cause. We touched on this in Key Pillar #2 in regards to individual donors. Getting
to know decision makers in foundations and corporations that align with your cause can also
impact your fundraising results. Take the time to get to know who your potential donor is and
what they are looking for in terms of supporting cause organizations like yours.

Step #2: Use a Donor Management System

Having a system that collects donor data and contact information makes reaching out for needs
much simpler. There are several systems to choose from, from very simple to use to highly
complex. If you are a startup, or just starting out on a nonprofit adventure, setting up a Donor
Management System now will save you time, frustration and a lot of headaches later. Consider
using an excel sheet as a base to collect donor information and for recording notes.

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The best part about having a Donor Management System is you can automate messages to
keep your donors up to date regarding your initiatives and how their support is helping you
succeed in your mission. Sharing success stories is also a great way to show your donors you
are trustworthy and using funds to make a real difference in the world. Staying top of mind with
donors is important, especially when you need to reach out with requests for support.

Step #3: Acknowledge Support You Receive from Donors

Develop a recognition plan so your donors feel acknowledged and appreciated. Whether they
support the cause in time, expertise or gifts, be sure to create personalized messages to thank
them in a timely manner.

BONUS TIP: Invite Key Donors to Join the Conversation and Decision Making Process
People want to feel like they are part of something bigger and that their presence adds value.
Bringing your key donors in on board meetings and events can provide invaluable insights and
potential ideas for expanding and growing your cause.

Need more support? We’re here for you!

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CALL

In the final section of this field guide, we’ll explore how to integrate all six key pillars in your
fundraising efforts.

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 Next Steps:
Integrating the Six Key Pillars in Your Fundraising Adventures

I know you’re the kind of person who is dedicated to making a difference in this world and
in your community. By incorporating these six key pillars in your fundraising efforts, you will
engage and inspire people who are passionate about your cause to give and support you.

Make time once a week to work on each section of this field guide so you are able to incorporate
these critical practices in your organization. Invite your team to walk alongside you as you
complete the action steps in each section.

Because you took this big leap and downloaded this guide, I know you’re serious about your
mission. I’ll be sharing additional tips and resources via email to help you build a strong
foundation so you can reach peak performance in fundraising for your nonprofit.

Help is just a click away.

If at any time you want to explore the many ways we can support you on your journey, do reach
out. We love to hear from nonprofits like you and work alongside you to help you succeed.

One of the services we provide that nonprofit leaders rave about is our comprehensive
assessment. After completing this detailed assessment, you’ll know where you’re
excelling and where you need to focus to reach your mission objectives.

LEARN MORE

© Fordable Fundraising 21
 We’ve secured over $33,000,000 in funding for nonprofits. We know what you need to say
to get awarded grants for the important work you are doing. We also know the obstacles
and challenges nonprofits face and how to overcome them. We are here to support
mission driven nonprofit leaders like you because we believe in the work you do and the
difference you’re making in the lives of others.

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Testimonials

“Over the past few years we have partnered with Fordable Fundraising to assist us with
writing grants and also provide consultation on fundraising projects. Janeal offers
valuable insight on development strategies and we have experienced growth in our reach
during the time we worked together.”
Jack Rolfe
CEO, School of Life Foundation

“Government grant writing can be tedious, however working with Janeal is a joy! Janeal
dives into a complicated RFP and simplifies it so that we can all do our best to provide
her with program details that she turns into award-winning grants. She’s always available
for brainstorming, provides me with ideas and opportunities to improve our programs,
and more importantly improve our overall fundraising strategy. Janeal’s an integral part
of our development team and I love her positive outlook on work and life!”
Cathleen Sparrow
Chief Development Officer, Volunteers of America, Utah

As a new Executive Director, I was overwhelmed with the various tasks and it was my first
year to hold a board retreat. Janeal came in and inspired my board about the culture
of philanthropy. She spoke to “why” of them being there and the ways in which they
can support the organization. My board came away feeling more energized and more
prepared to take on the roles and responsibilities of a board member. I’m truly grateful
for all her support and highly recommend Janeal Ford.”
Kiran Shelat
Executive Director, Classics 4 Kids

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