Get your New Donor Ducks in a row
Spring! Rebirth! New Energy!
New Relationships! New Prospective Givers!
Inspiring Artful Asking from the stage of EVOLVETwenty21 – the National Mobile & TeleDentistry Conference in Orlando – YES!! IN PERSON! Wow! What an eye-opener for me to take in the importance of ORAL Health in your total health! And amazing technology is, indeed, on the dental care horizon.
While many mobile care units are within for-profit ventures, increasingly these mobile units are game-changers for non-profit missions serving seniors and children who have limited access. Plus, these remarkable times have actually made mobile care SAFER than traditional clinics.
For these mobile units and perhaps YOUR mission, how do we get our ducks in a row to start, or grow, our group of givers?
Have you ever really watched a momma duck? There was one in the pond at my convention Marriott. I watched her for a long time. Do you know what? She takes off when one baby duck is by her and the rest scramble along. I am NOT making this up. They are NOT in a row! So don’t wait to get all your ducks in a row. BEGIN with one.
Here are 10 BASIC Steps to bringing in new potential givers to your mission.
STEP 1
That first duck needs to be your WHY? Clearly the dental hygienists know exactly why they are pushing mobile care and what it means for the overall health of seniors and kids. (The second I get back home I am going to get an appointment!)
If you are looking to begin or grow a base of supporters consider who else cares, values and believes in your WHY like you do and are in your service area.
- People with senior parents or relatives
- People with children
- Community leaders who want to foster strong communities
- Business leaders who want a healthy workforce
- People who had a serious dental health issue solved and they are grateful.
- Folks that ‘get’ oral health.
- All of the above who believe everyone should get good oral care.
- Everyone who is part of the profession – certainly they should be key supporters.
- Others I have missed???
STEP 2
Did you know that 80% of the $450 Billion given in 2019 came from individuals? Only 5% came from corporations. Often corporations have corporate giving committees or employee groups that weigh in on the corporation’s philanthropy – and this is just fine – but that means the leadership may have additional or different philanthropic goals than their own company. Often when I begin working with a group they name every business up and down Main Street. Wrong approach. Focus on individuals.
Think of folks with the ability to give AND who you feel believe in what you are trying to do. From here get a small group of locals who really know people to help you determine who would be the best fit for your mission. You can hire or do research, but that’s best when you have hundreds of names to wade through. In established non-profits there will already be an existing data base of people that support you. If you are just starting and you don’t have alumni, donors and friends yet, assemble as many names as you can think of who share a passion for your mission.
STEP 3
GIVE yourself. Start a fund at the local community foundation, work with a non-profit partner, or create your own 501c3 (this is some work so you may wish to begin with a partner). GIVE yourself – and everyone involved – give and give generously–FIRST. Bluntly, if you don’t believe in what you are doing enough to lead the way with your giving why should anyone else give? No, time doesn’t replace dollars. If you want to reap dollars you must sow dollars.
STEP 4
Remember, it’s not about the money – but what the money does – really does – so in our example – it gives those who need help getting oral care the gift of better overall heath, perhaps pain-free eating and a lovely smile. Begin the conversations by getting in touch with those you feel have the deepest interest in having mobile dentistry and a strong ability to give. It is best if someone who knows the person can connect you, but if not, reach out and share that you are interested in providing mobile dental care and would appreciate a few minutes to get their ideas about your plans – NOT MONEY. If they ask if you are “after money” explain that eventually you want to make this project happen but right now you are really collecting insights and advice. You can ask for a conversation – in person, zoom or whatever using my 3-sentence ask. (www.marcyheim.com/askworksheet or low cost self-paced online program here). Don’t get into it until you are BOTH ready to have the conversation.
STEP 5
Some of your folks will be interested. Many will have good ideas. SHUT UP and listen. They should do 70% of the talking during your visit. Don’t vomit all of your information over them or give them a big printed brochure. Respect that they have something to contribute in terms of advice and ideas. Before you leave, set up the next time you will get together to continue the conversation.
STEP 6
Have many conversations – and get smarter on how the resources for your project will be generated. Create a simple one-pager that gives the key messages. Perhaps supplement this with a sheet of FAQ’s (frequently asked questions) you create from your conversations. Try to have your first gift be significant – 30% of what you are trying to raise. Then talk to the next folks who were interested and have money they could invest to provide two or three additional larger gifts. Don’t take the total and say, “We need $100,000 so that’s 10 $10,000 gifts.” Don’t raise a bunch of little gifts – you’ll never get to your goal.
STEP 7
Write out Marcy’s 3-sentence ask for money for each of these next visits (www.marcyheim.com/askworksheet) . From your conversations you should now know #1 Why you are asking them, #2 That they understand the project’s importance and agree, and #3 that they are willing to consider a gift. Set up an appointment to present your artful ask. If you can’t write it, you’re not ready to ask for money! Don’t propose on the first date. These relationships take time – and it’s the DONOR’s timeline – not yours.
STEP 8
Be ready to listen for additional points they need to understand better. Why does the van cost so much? They are really asking, “Will my gift make a difference?” Be prepared with stories of the good success mobile clinics have had. Perhaps have them visit a mobile clinic or talk to someone who was helped. Be sure you set up another specific time to finalize their giving plans.
STEP 9
Yes, No, Maybe. Speak your artful Ask. Take the time they need to feel right about investing. It is THEIR timeline – not yours.
STEP 10
YES! They have agreed to give! NOW….THANK THEM. And continue to stay in touch with them to keep them up-to-date on how the fundraising and the mobile dental clinic is doing. IF you give back to them sincere appreciation and clear information about what their giving has made happen – you will find they are eager to give again…and treasure you and how you helped them do good in the world.
Many of you are professional fundraisers who use sophisticated systems and processes to work with large numbers of donors. But at the core of what we do is that magical match between the people who are determined to do good in the world and those who share our care and are inspired by our dream enough to partner with us. It’s just the best job ever!
To my many new friends in the mobile dentistry arena remember, big donors love big visions. Be bold, be determined, be clear and be-lieve! I believe in you and your opportunities for success.
For the rest of you—experienced, confident, bold, kind, respective and raising so much money, I hope this simply review brought you back to your, “Why” and maybe reduced some of that “How” stress that our work likes to throw on us.
Smile and Shine!
Invest in JOY®
