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  • 1.  What Leadership Habit Has Made You a Better Fundraiser?

    Posted 20 days ago
    What's one leadership practice or habit that has made you a more effective fundraiser and manager that others might benefit from trying? Whether it's related to donor relationships, team leadership, time management, coaching staff, or strategic thinking, we'd love to learn from your experience.


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    Traci Weller
    Montana State University Foundation
    Bozeman MT
    (406) 994-2223
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  • 2.  RE: What Leadership Habit Has Made You a Better Fundraiser?

    Posted 18 days ago
    Edited by Jessica Kannegiesser 8 days ago
    1. Identify the top 10-20 donors or prospective donors who will be great advocates and ambassadors for you. Keep them close. Cultivate their interest. You can't be all things to all people so start with this inner circle and, as your time allows, expand this list.
    2. Really focus on your message. Pay particular attention to this question: "How can I help?" People don't want to give to repair a leaky roof or for a rainy day fund. Tell your story with real-life examples of how your nonprofit's services have helped your community and/or your service recipients.
    3. Cultivate your board. Spend a lot of time cultivating those board members who understand the importance of philanthropy. Develop or amend policies or bylaws to "retire" those board members who are not serving your purpose. And finally, devote some energy to recruiting board members who understand your mission, will financially support you, and will be great ambassadors.

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      Jessica Kannegiesser
      Chief Executive Officer
      Young Families Early Head Start
      Billings MT
      406-694-5955
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