Fundraising and Public Relations

Jenny Hughes BradleyCIE Partners

November 3, 2012Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services

2012 State CASA Conference

Today’s Funding Climate

• Federal and state funds are tight or nonexistent• Because of investment losses, foundations (and

some federal agencies) are setting stringent restrictions:– Stronger accountability– Insistence on collaboration – Only funding organizations previously funded– Narrowed funding focus– Suspended funding– Closing operations

Ever felt like this?

• It’s an avalanche!• How can I prioritize

opportunities?– What will have the

most payoff?– What is most realistic?– Which ones can I

control and influence?• How can I do that?

Drowning in paper; how to prioritize?

Stay Focused on Mission While Climbing the Mountain

It’s all about her --

So what’s next?

• We have a strategic plan and a fundraising plan, but how do we get funders to put us at the top of their lists? How do we get noticed?– Make a public relations plan

• Cultivate relationships with funders

• Concentrate on stewardship• Show gratitude• Collaborate!!!

Cultivate Relationships with Funders

• Introduce • Keep in touch—but not too much• Get all the positive publicity possible—small

and large avenues• Do good deeds

Concentrate on Stewardship

• Spend grant funds wisely and as agreed upon• Gather, keep and use data• Report fully and on time• Send updates beyond requirements• Send copies of all publicity documents• Invite funders to visit and witness grant-

funded activities

Show Appreciation

• Say thank you immediately• Send periodic notes during

course of project• Have people who

benefitted write a thank you note to funder

• Let funder know what was accomplished that could not have happened without their gift

Collaborate

• Find organizations that:

– Offer similar services– Offer complementary services– Serve same or similar clientele– Need funding– Are willing to share funding– Have a collaborative spirit– Are capable of--and willing to do--

their fair share of the work– You would be proud to have as

partners

In Summation: It’s All About Relationships

• R: Reinforce and strengthen connections• E: Extra attention to funding agencies• L: Learn more about funding agencies• A: Advertise the good things your organization does• T: Take opportunities to talk about your organization• I : Interest others in your organization• O: Own your organization’s accomplishments• N: Never attempt to hide challenges• S: Seek opportunities to get your organization in the spotlight• H: Help others to collaborate with your organization• I: Insert data wherever possible—formally and informally• P: Push your organization’s agenda• S: Salvage weak relationships