How to Plan Your Annual Appeal Fundraising Campaign
The Play’s the Thing, wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the King.-William Shakespeare
In this line from Hamlet, Hamlet reveals how he’ll expose his uncle’s treachery with a play. In your case, this line, “the plays the thing” shows how you can create a stellar year-end using the structure of a three-act play to organize your year end annual fund fundraising campaign.
Here’s an outline of the plan I recommend for your year-end fundraising plan using Hamlet’s design.
Get Ready: August and September
Plan, prep, and rehearse scenes. Answer: why, what, who, when, and how.
Act 1: The October Set-Up
Interest your audience in your story. Shout out what you’ve accomplished in as many vehicles as possible.
Act 2: The November Confrontation
In November, thank your donors for all that they have accomplished. At the end of the month, it’s time for the climax. Share that your excellent work can’t continue without your donor’s help.
Act 3: The December Resolution
In December, continue to share the challenge. As people respond, cheer every gift. End the year with a standing ovation for your donors.
Imagine it’s January 1, and you just closed your best calendar year ever. Your annual appeal brought in twice the amount as the previous year. Your new donors grew by over 25 percent. What’s more, the community’s buzzed-about the New Year.
For more on year-end fundraising and annual appeals:
For more answers, check out this Nonprofit CEO Library.
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If you want to know even more about fundraising planning, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to help you create a dynamic plan to help your nonprofit thrive, Schedule a time for a free discovery chat here. -Karen
