How will you Identify, Cultivate, and Thank the Donors at the School Assignment

How will you Identify, Cultivate, and Thank the Donors at the School - Assignment Example The process of fundraising funnel starts with prospecting (Graecht, 2014). My core strategy would be to build the  prospect list. For instance, I would ask my current donors and Board of Directors for referrals. I would like to inquire if they know any people would want to know more about my cause/organization. The podcast specifically mentions that a non-for profit organization should usually look forward to having individual donors and not expect big organizations to take an interest in my cause. I will try to identify individuals that I can connect with and possibly build a relationship. Even if I do not get direct donors by prospecting, but the prospect that I converse with might probably lead me to a major donor. Before asking for direct referrals, I need to build a stable relationship with my current prospects. And it takes a lot of efforts to strengthen this relationship. Not-for-profit organizations do well with regular donors (Graecht, 2014). One does not need to introduce the cause (pitching) and do the fishing every time to get the donations. A lifelong relationship with regular donors is the best way to fund my project. I would like to hold ‘non-ask events’ because they are not intimidating. People are more comfortable in coming to and interacting in these events as compared to direct donation events. But as I’ve already mentioned that the first step is to develop a relationship with a few people. From then onwards I can ask them for referrals or indirectly ask for donations. From the study material, it is clear that hardly anyone gives contribution when directly asked for money (Graecht, 2014). It is a passive strategy, but very effective because the people need to see the cause and the impact that their contributions will make. I would also develop a story for my project.