When it comes to your fundraising efforts, have you ever wondered:
- What’s the right amount to ask from a prospective donor?
- Should you ask an existing donor to introduce you to her friends and associates?
- What’s the least amount you can spend on a direct mail acquisition experiment?
- Should you give a written proposal when asking for a major gift in person?
- How frequently can you conduct fundraising campaigns?
- Is hiring an outside fundraising consultant important for launching a campaign?
- What should be included in your Case for Support?
These are common yet crucial questions that every fundraiser encounters. Recently, these same questions were raised by over 150 participants at the Leadership Institute’s International School of Fundraising in Jerusalem.
A World-Class Fundraising Learning Experience
At the International School of Fundraising, participants spent four intensive days honing their skills. They covered the fundamentals, like establishing vision and mission, and explored advanced topics like mega gifts and comprehensive fundraising campaigns.
Key areas of focus included:
- Defining your Vision and Mission: The foundation of any successful campaign.
- Understanding your Position, Differentiation, Benefit, and Brand: The “Four Horsemen of Marketing” approach.
- Applying Mises’ Model of Human Action: Framing problems and solutions in a way that resonates with donors.
From Tactics to Strategy
The event covered everything from direct response tactics and personal solicitations to long-term donor stewardship. It was a hands-on approach that encouraged participants to immediately apply what they learned. Here’s why programs like this are essential:
- Focus on Fundamentals: Solidify your vision and how it aligns with donor interests.
- Hands-On Training: Go beyond theory and apply proven, real-world strategies.
- Going Big!: Learn to attract planned gifts, mega gifts, and run successful comprehensive campaigns.
The Global Perspective
The participants came from across the globe—Middle East, Latin America, the U.S., Canada, and beyond—making the discussions rich with diverse insights. Learning alongside peers from varied backgrounds was a reminder that no matter where we work, the challenges of fundraising are remarkably similar.
Ready to Level Up?
If you’re serious about increasing your organization’s resources and maximizing your fundraising potential, consider engaging in continual learning. Programs like the Leadership Institute’s International School of Fundraising provide the tools, knowledge, and confidence you need to take your fundraising to the next level.
