“I love the work you do. How can I help?”
This kind of interaction is your golden opportunity to make connections and get needs met. It’s vital to have a specific, comprehensive answer to this question. You never know what resources or connections they have to offer, which is why your most important list isn’t your to-do list or your funder list, it’s your wish list — that’s how you grow.
When it comes to your wish list, the key is to get specific. So, here’s some specific goals to include as you start or revisit your list.
Hard-to-reach donors
As a fundraiser or executive director, you always have a mental short list of pie-in-the-sky donors who make really big donations to work like yours, but not yours. (Yet.) Some may be high-level connections from board members. Others may be philanthropists you read about in the news. And then there are the multi-million-dollar, multi-year, by-invitation-only foundation funders.
Put them on a list.
You truly never know when someone knows someone who knows someone who knows your dream funder.
Program needs
So you’d like to expand your program, but how? Do you need more space? X number of dollars? In-kind donations? Volunteers? How many? Come up with one specific need that will expand your program. Keep your ask tied to the program. An ask also pairs nicely with an explanation of your program’s impact!
Reach
Perhaps you’d like to reach more folks who care about your issue. Ask them if they know someone who’d be interested in getting involved and if they’d be willing to set up a lunch to meet. Or prepare a template for social media posts that they can easily share with their network. Keep the post short and sweet and highlight why someone should care about your mission. Include a call to action — donate, volunteer, meet with a staff member to talk more, etc. Give them the opportunity to get involved.
Secure pro-bono services
Consider what expertise you could use: Technical? Legal? PR? HR? See who in their network could potentially fill that knowledge gap and ask them to make an introduction. Even if they aren’t able to provide pro-bono services, you could gain a lot of insight over a cup of coffee in whatever area you need help in.
Event hosting
If someone offers their help, ask if they (or someone they know) could host a small event to connect your ED with their network and the greater community. It can be something simple! You’re not asking them to host a gala, just a gathering of friends. It can be a casual and an intimate way to spread awareness of your mission.
Good luck (and have fun!) building your wish list. Be strategic. Be specific. And don’t be surprised when your wish list comes true — growth is possible when we ask for it.
