Fundraising 101
Basic Principles For A Vibrant
Fundraising Program
Basic Principles For A Vibrant
Fundraising Program
Have a
clear
message
Build a
diverse
team
Be
mission
driven
Develop
diverse
income
streams
Cultivate
donor
relationships
Basic Fundraising Principles
• Stay mission driven
Mission: We support sustainable communities and environmental
stewardship by funding research, scholarships and education
programs essential to the discovery and dissemination of new
knowledge in the fields of arboriculture and urban forestry.
Vision: Advance the science and knowledge of tree management for
the benefit of the environment.
Values:
Discovery
Transparency
Philanthropic excellence
Trust Stewardship
Have a clear consistent message:
Prototype “elevator speech:
To understand the importance of what the TREE Fund does, try to picture your
hometown without trees.
Healthy, stately trees are the crown jewels of our communities, but they can’t be
counted on to flourish without proper care. The TREE Fund’s mission is to
safeguard the future of the urban forest: the trees that protect and beautify
the spaces where people live work and play.
We fund research that provides the tree care pros with scientifically proven
strategies for cultivating strong, healthy trees in an urban setting. We provide
education grants and scholarships to engage and support the next generation
of tree stewards. We’re the knowledge pipeline for the tree care industry, and
everyone who breathes has a stake in our success.
I’m a (Board member, Liaison, STIHL Tour des Trees rider, Auction volunteer..)
and this is something I care deeply about. Here’s my card; I’ll write the
website on the back so you can learn more about the TREE Fund. What do
YOU do?
Basic Fundraising Principles
• Build a diverse team…
•
•
•
•
Board Members
Liaisons
Chapter volunteers
Staff
…with diverse skills
•
•
•
•
Administration
Sales/Marketing
Communications
Event Management
Basic Fundraising Principles
• Cultivate donor relationships one step
at a time
Bequests
Planned Gifts
Donor is fully
invested
Major Gifts
Capital Campaigns
Endowment Campaigns
Special Projects/Grants
Special Events
Annual Giving
Annual Campaigns, Direct Mail
Online Donations
Special Events Sponsorship
Membership Special Programs Annual for Always™
Friend Making and First Time Giving
Volunteer Opportunities Integrated Marketing Strategies
Online Donations Donation Boxes Guest Donations Programs
Building the 5 “I’s”… Identification and Introduction:
Elevator speech, awareness building, quality experience
Interest Expansion,
Ongoing Information
Sharing, Significant
Investment
Basic Fundraising Principles
Employers
Former
Trustees &
Liaisons
Tour
riders,
volunteers
, sponsors
& donors
Current
Donors
TREE
Fund
Board of
Trustees,
Liaisons &
Staff
TREE Fund
Spheres
of
Influence
Chapter
s
Other
Basic Fundraising Principles
• Develop a diversified income stream
• Corporations and foundations
– Donations
– Grants
– In-kind gifts
– Sponsorships
• TREE Fund Special Events
– RYHFR Auction: Planning guide
– STIHL Tour des Trees
• Chapter Events
» Rides for Research: UK, Britton Ride, Chapter rides
» Golf outings
» Wine/beer tastings
» Silent auctions, raffles
Basic Fundraising Principles
• Develop a diversified income stream
Individual Donations: Making the ask
Remind yourself “Why do I give?”
Personalize and memorize your “elevator speech”
Share your passion for the TREE Fund mission
Ask those in your community: “Will you give too?”
Cultivate repeat donations: become an expert at saying “thank you”
Resources:
• TREE Fund “elevator speech”
• Lori Jacobwith’s Thank You Call outline
Cultivating a Supportive Board
• Give: 100% of board members are expected to contribute
financially to the organization
• Get: 100% of board members are expected to support additional
fundraising efforts in some way
Resources:
• TREE Fund Board Service Options
• 53 Ways to Raise $1000
Cultivating a Supportive Board
• Give: 100% of board members are expected to contribute
financially to the organization
• Get: 100% of board members are expected to support additional
fundraising efforts in some way
Resources:
• TREE Fund Board Service Options
• 53 Ways to Raise $1000
Thank you for all that you do to
support the work that we do!