If Not Now….When?

In every crisis, there are opportunities for improvement and joy in both your personal and professional life. For me professionally, it has me returning to my roots as a writer, as I am back writing blogs on best fundraising and board management practices. For me personally, it took only 16 years of marriage and a global pandemic to convince my wife this is the right time to purchase a hot tub.

How are you using the Covid-19 pandemic to better yourself and your organization? By asking yourself, “If not now, when?” you can identify opportunities that will strengthen you professionally and improve your organization. Below is a list to get you thinking. By taking this time to address the items on the checklist, I promise that you will enhance your job performance while positioning your organization to maximize its success both during and after the Covid-19 crisis.

  •  If not now, when…. will you identify or update your Top 50 donors and Top 50 prospects? Hey, don’t stop there. Identify 100 or 150.
  •  If not now, when…. will you create a stewardship plan for your Top 50 donors? Donors can choose who to support. Make sure they know the impact their gift makes on your organization.
  •  If not now, when…. will you call your Top 50 donors just to let them know how appreciated they are to you and the organization? And if you already called them, call them again. And, send a personalized handwritten note.
  •  If not now, when…. will you identify all donors who have made gifts in the past five consecutive years and develop individual moves management plans and engagement opportunities for each? They are your present. They are your future. Plan for them. Invest in them.
  •  If not now, when…. will you create a first-time donor thank you packet? First time donors have a return rate of less than 20 percent. You must both educate them and treat them as special.
  •  If not now, when…. will you review your database for duplicate entries and accuracy? Is your database perfect? I didn’t think so.
  •  If not now, when…. will you complete an ROI on every special event to determine if each is still worth doing? Be honest. It has been in the back of your mind for a long time. Just do it.
  •  If not now, when…. will you set milestones to celebrate your achievements? You work hard. Celebrate your achievements.
  •  If not now, when…. will you create or update your annual fundraising plan? Self-plug: I wrote a great how-to book on this subject. It has become a trusted resource for fundraisers worldwide. https://store.case.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Default.aspx?TabID=251&productid=735254633
  •  If not now, when…. will you review and update your fundraising policies and procedures? You are endangering your entire fundraising operation without current policies and procedures. Make this action item a high priority.
  •  If not now, when…. will you review your Board of Directors insurance? This insurance is often overlooked, yet vital to protect both your board members and the organization.
  •  If not now, when…. will you complete a profile of your board members in preparation of identifying and recruiting a diverse board? Your board needs to be reflective of the community and the constituents it serves.
  •  If not now, when…. will you create or update your orientation procedures for new board members? Immediately engaging and educating new board members will greatly enhance their involvement with your organization.
  •  If not now, when…. will you create or update board job descriptions or expectations for all board members? Clearly defined roles, expectations and responsibilities are vital components for successful boards.
  •  If not now, when…. will you ask board members to suggest 3-4 individuals to add to your prospect pool? Provide your board members an opportunity to become ambassadors and relationship builders for your organization.
  •  If not now, when…. will you review every page of your website for accuracy, timeliness and relevance? Outdated information is a quick turnoff and tune-out.
  •  If not now, when…. will you update information on your social media platforms? See above.
  •  If not now, when…. will you engage a trusted consultant to provide expertise and guidance? The decisions a good consultant helps you with today will positively impact your organization for years ahead.
  •  If not now, when…. will you complete your CFRE application? Professional certification is always a benefit.
  •  If not now, when…. will you polish your shoes? Hey, you are going to have to get closer than six feet to someone again someday.
  •  If not now, when…. will you get that hot tub you’ve always wanted? Sorry, that one is just for me.