Pay It Forward Column SOP

This is a column that is published in the Homer News, sponsored by the Homer Foundation, but is written by guest writers each month on the importance of philanthropy in our community. It is published the 3rd Thursday of each month and comprised of 3 parts, the written piece, a photo, and the non-profit needs for the month. Each of these pieces is detailed below.

Non-profit needs

Good Afternoon Non-Profits,

It’s time for the call for Non-Profit Needs for this month. Below my signature I’ve included a quick refresher on the “Pay It Forward” article program run by the Homer News and sponsored by the Foundation.

If you have any briefly-stated needs you would like printed in the Pay It Forward column next week, please send them to me by Sunday night (FEB 12) and I’ll collect them and send them to the newspaper. Please include your contact info in the request as in the examples below.

Our office is closed on Fridays, but rest assured, if you send me your needs by Sunday night, I will get them to the newspaper by the Monday deadline.

Respectfully,

Jonathan

You can ask for anything you might need donated to your non-profit, from equipment, to furniture, goods, or volunteers, but this is usually not a place in which we want to solicit donations. We do need to keep these brief.

PAST EXAMPLES:

“The Homer Food Pantry is seeking frozen fish, chicken, beef, moose...any protein.  Contact 235-1968 or drop off at 770 East End Road on Mondays between 8:30 and 3:00.”

“Homer Council on the Arts is in need of multiple bar-height stools (ca. 30-32") to accommodate art and ceramics classes. We can also use a standard hammer and socket set for general utility needs. Please contact HCOA at 235-4288 or hcoa@homerart.org.”

TELECONFERNCE INFO: Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85010859057?pwd=eUdIS1A1RllVcWQzSklTOWpIR3BKZz09
Meeting ID: 850 1085 9057
Passcode: 101
One tap mobile
+16469313860,,85010859057# US

Class 1:  The Essentials of Fundraising | Choose your Sources, Know your Role

Are you interested in learning about your options for raising charitable money and how the board can be involved in the process? Do you want to know how to use special events to connect to your mission and your donors?  Do you want to know the difference between an annual gift and a planned gift?  This course is ideal for organizations that want to improve their existing approach and those new to raising charitable funds. In this class you will learn:

• The various sources of money available to nonprofits and the challenges and opportunities of each source
• Sound strategies for improving existing events and approaches to various types of donors
• Brief overview of the appropriate role of the board in raising money

You will leave this class with a fresh look at your organization's fundraising and decide if you use balanced strategies to achieve maximum benefit from your development activities. 

Class 2:  Build Relationships: Engage and Retain Charitable Donors for Sustainable Income

Building relationships that result in long-term financial support for your organization is a primary responsibility of nonprofit boards and staff. This course is designed for people who are actively involved in fundraising or want to increase their skills in the resource development process. In this class you will learn:

• "Moves Management" - a proven process for raising money from individuals
• Key messages that help promote your organization and encourage people to give
• Planning techniques to help board and staff focus their efforts

When you have completed this class, you will have a better understanding of why people give and be able to apply advanced techniques for funding your organization. 

Class 3:  Make the Ask with Confidence

Perhaps the most difficult part of fundraising for both staff and board is "The Ask" - actually approaching a prospect/donor and making a request. This class walks you through a proven process - including practice in soliciting a donation that will help you feel less intimidated and more likely to succeed. You will learn:

• The steps that build sustainable relationships with prospects and donors
• The components of a face-to-face "ask"
• Tips for donor stewardship - how to follow-up and continue to build a relationship with a donor

When you have completed this class, you will be more confident and better able to support your organization in the vital role of fundraising.

Class 4: Getting Donor Recognition Right

Fundraising is all about asking for money, right? Not so! One of the most critical parts of fundraising is recognizing your donors. Thanking your donors requires strategy and persistence. In this class, you will learn:

• How a shift in where you put your time can reap long lasting dividends
• How to ensure your donors are inspired not just thanked
• How to create a donor recognition plan
• How to engage your board, staf f, and volunteer team in donor recognition

When you have completed this class, you will be ready to ramp up your recognition strategies and retain your donors.