"The Fundraising Guru"

Your Fundraising Quotient: A Review of the Basics

by Stephen L. Goldstein, consultant and author of 30 Days to Successful Fundraising

Every year, successful fundraisers assess themselves and the primary organization for which they raise funds. Here are 10 key measures you can use. (Follow the instructions at the end of the column, and I’ll help you improve.)

Organizational Fundraising Quotient: On a scale from 1 (I’m not happy with how well we do) to 10 (I’m ecstatic), circle the number to rate your nonprofit:

1. We have a marketable idea that makes people want to contribute: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

What could improve the score? ______________________________

2. We follow the fundraising cycle (research, strategy, implementation, evaluation): 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

What could improve the score? ______________________________

3. We have a convincing Case Statement: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

What could improve the score? ______________________________

4. Our board of directors takes the lead in fundraising : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

What could improve the score? ______________________________

5. Our public relations supports our fundraising: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

What could improve the score? ______________________________

Total Organizational Score: _____

Your Personal Fundraising Quotient: On a scale from 1 (I’m not pleased) to 10 (I’m thrilled), circle the number that rates you as a fundraiser:

1. I personally donate, so I can ask others to donate: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

What could you do to improve your score? ____________________________

2. I follow the fundraising cycle (research, strategy, implementation, evaluation): 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

What could you do to improve your score? ____________________________

3. I know how to state the case for my organization: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

What could you do to improve your score? ____________________________

4. I am comfortable asking for major donations: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

What could you do to improve your score? ____________________________

5. I know how to use public relations to enhance fundraising: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

What could you do to improve your score? ____________________________

Total Personal Score: _____

E-mail me your results at trendsman@aol.com. Then, we can work together to enhance your future score.#