$ Marks the Spot: Mapping & Identifying Your Potential Donors

Summary

This video provides a practical guide for non-profit organizations looking to improve their individual giving strategy. By leveraging prospect maps, organizations can visually identify and engage with current supporters, while understanding their resources and self-interests. The process involves brainstorming with key stakeholders to gather information, which is then organized into a tracking system like spreadsheets. This strategic approach helps prioritize donor engagement and drives focused fundraising efforts, fostering stronger connections and long-term success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Recognizing existing supporters is crucial to successfully raise individual donations for non-profit organizations.
• 😀 Many organizations overlook the potential of their current network when planning individual giving strategies.
• 😀 Visual maps, or prospect maps, can be effective tools for identifying and connecting stakeholders to your organization.
• 😀 Engaging a group of committed individuals, including staff, board members, and volunteers, helps structure your fundraising efforts.
• 😀 Mapping exercises can be conducted quickly, typically taking 30-45 minutes, and are valuable for board meetings and staff discussions.
• 😀 It’s important to involve the right people who are passionate about your organization's mission during these activities.
• 😀 The process of mapping should not focus on having all key people present, as you can engage others later to fill in gaps.
• 😀 A brainstorming approach to mapping can help identify connections and resources that support your organization's work.
• 😀 Understanding the resources individuals bring to the table—such as knowledge, experience, access, or funds—is crucial for effective fundraising.
• 😀 Identifying the self-interests of potential supporters—what motivates them to get involved—is a key component of the fundraising process.
• 😀 Data gathered from these exercises should be organized, tracked, and used to prioritize fundraising actions and measure progress.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the speaker in the video?

The main focus of the speaker is on helping nonprofit organizations effectively raise individual giving through strategies like prospect mapping and understanding existing relationships with supporters.

How can nonprofits leverage existing relationships for fundraising?

Nonprofits can identify and engage with individuals and organizations who already care about their mission. By mapping these relationships, they can tap into potential donors and supporters who are already connected to the cause.

What are 'prospect maps,' and how do they help in fundraising?

Prospect maps are visual tools that show the connections between different people and organizations and your nonprofit. They help in identifying relationships and potential supporters, making it easier to strategize for fundraising efforts.

What is the recommended group to participate in the prospect mapping activity?

The recommended group includes key staff members, board members, and anyone passionate about the organization's mission. This could also involve senior program staff, executive directors, or development team members.

How long does the prospect mapping activity typically take?

The prospect mapping activity can be completed in about 30 to 45 minutes, making it an efficient tool for brainstorming during staff or board meetings.

What should participants do during the mapping session?

Participants brainstorm and list individuals or groups who have a connection to the organization and its mission. Afterward, they assess what resources each person can contribute, such as knowledge, space, or financial support.

What does the speaker mean by 'resources in abundance'?

Resources in abundance refer to what individuals or groups can offer to the organization, including knowledge, experience, access to networks, space, good ideas, or even financial support.

Why is understanding self-interest important in fundraising?

Understanding self-interest helps nonprofits recognize what motivates individuals to support their cause. This is not about selfishness but understanding the personal values or reasons why someone is invested in the organization.

What should nonprofits do with the information gathered during the prospect mapping session?

The information should be organized into a tracking system, such as a spreadsheet or donor management software, to help prioritize who to approach first for donations and to track progress over time.

How does tracking and prioritizing relationships contribute to a successful fundraising strategy?

Tracking and prioritizing relationships helps nonprofits focus their efforts on the most promising supporters. By understanding who is most likely to contribute and in what ways, organizations can craft more effective fundraising strategies.