GOOD COMMUNICATION AND THOROUGH PLANNING TO SUPPORT GOOD LEADERSHIP
Make sure pro-formas are available to record fund-raising information easily, and concisely.
"Tick boxes" are a good way to obtain information about areas you wish to be informed. People don't mind ticking boxes, they do not like writing paragraphs, reports, etc., and even if they do, you may not get the right answer. Standard answers such as ticked boxes are also the best way to obtain information used in surveys.
GETTING THE RIGHT ANSWER IS ALL ABOUT ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTION
 How to Write Successful Fundraising Letters
by Mal Warwick (Paperback) |
 Complete Book of Model Fundraising Lettersby Roland Kuniholm (Textbook Binding) |
Make sure that reports, letters, newsletters, memos, etc., are typed or written in the same format, with some sort of identifiable letterhead, with telephone numbers, fax if applicable, address, and name of contact and writer.
If you want people to read what you have written, make the format similar every time, and they will then recognise who it is from easily. People are busy and inundated with bits of paper and messages - if you format your work in an identifiable and readable way, then your information will get across more readily.
Pre-organise and think about every detail, before the event or meeting.
An event should consist of approximately 80% planning time and 20% operational time.
Always endeavour to have a Pre-Event Meeting, or meetings, to work out any potential problems. Face-to-face contact is far more beneficial than letters, memos, etc.
Don't over-use paper. Use the phone where possible, go and see someone, rather than write a memo (although make sure that important points are written, particularly when soemthing is required by a deadline, or will cost money).
Don't cloud the Main Goal. Refer back to your Mission Statement constantly to make sure you are on the right track.
Have your Mission Statement in positions where staff, volunteers, and committee can see it, such as on the wall in the meeting room.
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