We work with mostly non-profits.  We hear all of the ups and downs of fundraising efforts and over time have learned a thing or two by studying their results and listening to their teams discuss what did and didn’t work.  No matter what the economy is doing, people in our country still have an open heart to help those in need and this includes many worthwhile n0n-profits.  In respect to this, I came across a blog from one of our clients with some valuable information and thought I would share with their permission.  Credit is listed below at the bottom of the post.

At the height of the economic slump last October, one of our clients suffered a dramatic fall off in giving, reaching only around 80% of the overall goal.   However, since that time, they have experienced two of their most successful fundraisers in their history (116% and 113% respectively).  It is their belief that, at its very core, that success is due in large part to nothing more than the simplification of the message.  I couldn’t agree more whole heartedly.

In the past they would communicate multiple ways of giving as well as the overall financial goal.  The number was to big and the multi-level was too confusing.  It was time to simplify and simplify they did.

“The focus of the goal over their last two fundraisers has moved from the laundry list above to the number of people from whom we must hear.  In other words, the goal is not, say, $100,000 or whatever the amount, but instead is “Will you be one of X number of people to respond.”

We have seen simplification work with many of our clients.  World Vision is successful because they narrow it down to a child’s face that you and I can wrap our heads around.  If they told us they needed XXXX dollars for community development programs it would appear overwhelming.  When they give you a child to sponsor it is small enough that a person can latch on while directly effecting the larger goals.

So how do you do this?  Look at your email blasts, newsletter, and examine your internal and external language. How are you communicating the needs at hand?  People want to be told exactly what you need in a concise manner.   If you work with us on fundraising events, we will push you to examine all of the above so that the event will produce high ROI.  At Synergy Production Group we understand the value of the simplified message and will help you make the necessary changes in your organization.  How can you simplify?

concept and portions of the blog posting attributed to Jeff Brown – Truth…Justice…All That Stuff…