Know Your Network
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One of the greatest keys to success in fundraising is to know your networks and whom to ask for their support. You might be thinking I don’t know many people… your network is way bigger than you think!
Let’s go over your personal networking circle, distant contacts and your professional networking circle. If you haven’t signed up as a fundraiser yet click here!
Grab a piece of paper and start making a target list of your future supporters using these brainstorming lists.
Additionally, you can view sample email templates here.
Personal Networking
These are the groups of people you interact with on a regular basis. Who did you last see at the last holiday party or reunion? I bet by going through these lists you will have at least 25 people to ask for their support. Take a look at the list below to get started.
Family - Go beyond your immediate family
Friends - Include friends from other periods of life
Grade school, high school, college, graduate programs
Informal groups or clubs such as books clubs, poker night, sport groups
“One of the greatest keys to success in fundraising is to know your networks and whom to ask for their support. ”
Distant Contacts Networking
I think this could be the easiest list because you have already made the list...your holiday card list or wedding list. Think about what your average day or weekend looks like? What businesses do you frequent? Doctors, salons, gyms, dry cleaners, grocery stores or even your delivery person are people just waiting for you to ask them! Take a look at this list below to increase your list of who to share your story about why you're raising funds.
Review wedding or shower guest list
Your holiday card list
Anyone who recently you supported in a charity event
How are you involved in your community?
Volunteer activities/ organizations Your children's activities
Civic or religious organizations Facebook groups
Connections on social media
Daily Activities
Professional Networks
Remember to think about your work sphere of influence as well. Who knows your whole office might want to join your fundraising team or help you reach your goal! A few questions to ask yourself… where does your business spend money? What committees are you a part of? Who do you regularly interact with in your organization? Just take a few moments to think about these questions and you will most likely double your team! Also don’t forget to ask about your company matching program!
Coworkers and Business Contacts
Ask outside your department or direct contacts
Outlook contacts and your office directory
Former co-workers from previous jobs or positions
Clients, partners and vendors
Professional and Networking Groups
Review your LinkedIn network
Think of different organizations whose meetings you attend regularly such as the Chamber of Commerce, Municipal meetings ,Industry groups or professional development
Now that you have brainstormed and come up with a list of your top people, make a game plan! Start with how and when you will contact them. Are you going to reach out by email? Phone? Social media? Giving yourself a deadline always helps you follow through. Remember they won’t support you if you don’t ask - take the next step and ask. Thank you for being a champion of nurturing touch!