Three Steps to Get Your School Fundraising Operations on Track
Improve your fundraising operations
Fundraising. Depending on how you’re wired, that word either fills you with excitement or sends shivers down your back. Whether or not you enjoy fundraising, there are two fundraising truths across the board: 1) Fundraising is essential to the development of your organization, and 2) Every school leader feels they are not doing enough.
Since we get to work with exceptional school leaders from across the nation, we have learned three essential steps for any leader looking to improve their fundraising operations.
Step 1: Create a Fundraising Plan
The first step in effective fundraising is to create a comprehensive plan. This plan should outline the specific goals you hope to achieve, including the revenue you need to raise and the timeline for achieving this goal. Set realistic goals that are attainable for the size of your organization, your professional capacity, and the philanthropic community.
To develop your plan, start by identifying your target audiences. Who are the people and organizations most likely to support your school? Consider factors like location, missional alignment, and personal connections when narrowing your audiences.
Next, determine the best methods for reaching your prospective donors. Will you be hosting events, wining and dining, writing grant proposals, or sending direct mail? Lean into your unique abilities as a leader and the positioning of your organization in your city. Outline the specific methods you'll use to reach your target audiences and the resources you'll need to execute these methods in a project plan.
Finally, set up a dashboard for tracking your progress and measuring the success of your efforts. Fundraising or CRM software is available to do this, but a google spreadsheet will work just fine. (Be on the lookout for a template later this month from us)
Step 2: Remove the Friction from Donating
Every organization experiences obstacles that keep donors from giving. Ideological barriers such as beliefs, perceptions, and trust can affect their willingness to give. Practical barriers such as payment processors and communication can prevent or slow down the donation process.
To remove friction and make it easier for people to support your school, you need to be transparent and proactive in your communication. This includes providing clear and concise information about your school, its goals, and how it is making a positive impact in the community.
You should also consider using software to streamline the donation process. For example, online donation platforms like DonorBox or PayPal allow people to make one-time or recurring donations quickly and easily. By removing friction from the donation process, you can increase the likelihood of receiving support.
Step 3: Protect Your Time to Execute
Hands down, the most difficult part of fundraising for school leaders is finding the time to execute. We’ve noticed that school leaders have a difficult time justifying fundraising tasks during their work days. Fundraising is seen as more of an “after-hours” job. The problem is that these tasks often end up on the back burner. Fundraising is a primary job responsibility of most school leaders and no one else in the building is as gifted as you to get the job done. You must value your role and protect your time.
CheckBox Pro’s advice is simple but difficult:
Add focused fundraising blocks to your weekly schedule. Delegate other tasks if you don’t have the time.
In conclusion, fundraising for a charter school requires a well-thought-out plan, a focus on removing friction, and a commitment to executing your plan. By following these steps, you can successfully fundraise and support the growth and development of your school. We’re rooting for you!
