The Annual Giving Exchange

It’s easy to see the shortcomings in an annual fund program. Not enough budget, disgruntled donors, bad data, increasing postage costs, declining participation rates. The list could go on and on. That is if you’re a glass-is-half-empty kind of person.

The best annual fund managers are “the best” for a reason. They see their programs’ shortcomings as opportunities, and they turn them into goals.

They view small budgets as a call to be more efficient. They see donor complaints as market research.  When their database gives them a record with a bad address, they know who they need to start looking for. To them, increasing postage costs are a signal from the economy (and the environment) that it’s time to find new ways to raise money online. They understand that declining participation rates can be a way to encourage new donors to start giving.

Thanksgiving reminds us to stop and be thankful for the things we have. Our families, our health, and our talents should be at the very top of that list. But take a moment to be thankful for the strengths and opportunities in your annual fund as well. In the long run, your program (not to mention your team’s morale) will be better for it.

Have a happy and safe holiday!