Prepare to tackle challenges with optimism

Running a marathon is much like embracing a new fundraising campaign – success is determined by your efforts in planning and preparation. Before you embark on your next initiative, make sure your fundraising fit and prepared to tackle the challenge with the same optimism, focus and drive needed to run a marathon.

Below are some practical tips.

Realistic Goal
It is not enough to simply identify your goal – you must also ensure it realistic and achievable.

For an organisation with limited fundraising experience or a small donor base, raising $5 million dollars (for example) is as unlikely as someone who has never run before making it to the finish line. It is great to have a vision and dream big, however you may need to tackle your ultimate goal in stages, setting a number of interim goals along the way. In order to assess your fundraising “fitness” level you need to look at;

• What is your current giving like?

• Do you have a good supporter database?

• Have you launched a fundraising campaign before?

• What is the current market like?

• Do you have access to new donor markets?

• in what period of time could you realise $5 million in one off and pledged donations

Find Your Motivation
Many people think about running a full marathon but only the highly motivated follow through.

Strong motivations are important to consider when timing your fundraising campaign. These motivations will not only help drive your campaign, they will help engage your stakeholders and focus your efforts. Once you find your motivation, things start falling quickly into place and you will find it easier to formulate a plan and prepare to achieve your goals.

Be Prepared
You can’t just turn up on race day and expect to finish the marathon, you need to prepare, to train, have strategies for injury prevention, correct fueling with the right nutrition, strength training etc.

Likewise with a fundraising campaign, you have to prepare as best you can to maximise your potential.

• How well do you know your supporter database?

• Do you have strong campaign leadership potential?

• Does it fit in with your strategic plan?

• Are you well placed to develop a strong marketing campaign?

• Do you have sufficient resourcing etc.

Assemble a Support Team
Marathon runners rely on their support crew….family, friends, trainers, physios and so on.

Your campaign will need support from various people and stakeholder groups each contributing in their own way. Successful fundraising campaign also requires the involvement of advocates or ambassadors to spread the word and engage new audiences.

Hire in Expertise
Top athletes know that hiring a trainer is an investment in their future success.

Engaging an agency, like OKP, is much like having a trainer. We provide motivation, expert assessment of your performance and the knowledge of what it takes to win against tough competition.

Know That it’s Not Over at the Finish Line
Marathon runners look forward to some serious relaxation once they cross the finish line. They also assess their performance and learn from any mistakes as a base for future goals.

Once you have reached the conclusion of your campaign take some time to celebrate your achievements but also make sure you show gratitude for your supporters, build on your success and continue to grow. Then set yourself a new goal and remember every achievement is a stepping stone to greater success.

Happy running! Happy fundraising!