The Pasadena / San Gabrial Valley Journal News - Black African American Business, Educationsl and Social News

Your Fundraising Quarterback: Staff

Fundraising Related Roles and Responsibilities for Staff

Have you heard this before: "We'll hire the right person and they will raise the money." Hmmm . . . If only fundraising were so simple. Here's a short list of problems associated with this perspective. First, the board is ultimately responsible for fundraising and needs to be engaged at all times. Then there's the issue of how to identify, hire, manage and retain experienced fundraisers. Let's not forget the adage "people give to people" which includes peer-to-peer fundraising.

While fundraising staff cannot go it alone, there is plenty they can and should focus on. Their number one priority is to support and supplement the fundraising work of board members and volunteers. Fundraising professionals are actually volunteer managers who identify, motivate and support the work of volunteers. They have strong people skills.

As a means of supporting volunteers, staff develop materials that "make the case" for giving to your organization. They develop and manage the fundraising plan, organizing the work of volunteers, employees and others. Working closely with the CEO and chair of the development committee, they keep the board up-to-date on fundraising successes, challenges, and opportunities.

They also maintain accurate information on current and prospective donors, produce reports that show funds raised from different sources using different methods; manage online and direct mail campaigns; write proposals and submit reports to funders; send thank you notes and gift receipts; and manage special events.

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