LET’S GROW Fundraising Bootcamp
Let’s build a system for success, so fundraising doesn’t feel like a chore you dread anymore.
Imagine if you had . . .
an tried-and-true plan to grow your organization's funding in the next 90 days
a fully funded mission - enough money for both programs and operations
systems built for success, so that fundraising doesn’t feel like a chore you dread
a diverse, low-risk funding model that sets you up for the long-haul
a board that understands how to help you fundraise (and then actually does it!)
donors who want to give you their best gift every year
a clear way for your irregular donors to give to you every year
a way to maximize fundraising time that resulted in mid- and major-level gift growth
the confidence and hope that really propelled your nonprofit to the next level of its existence
LET’S GROW is a 90-day guided program designed to teach you a better way to fully fund your mission year after year.
In the first 60-days, you’ll understand how to move into the types of activities that will fund both your programs and your ops/admin so that you can truly grow your nonprofit. The last 30-days together is focused on learning how to mobilize - turning those skills into habits that can change your organization long term.
Our sessions will be a combination of teaching, best-practices coaching, and direction on how to apply each principle to your organization. All calls are live - there are NO pre-recorded trainings.
Here’s the process each month:
After month 1, you’ll know what your donors need to see & hear from you
You will rarely secure investment-level gifts if your top donors can’t easily understand your plans, programs, and financials. In essence, they need to know the role they play in your growth. You’ll understand the shift you must make in your current fundraising activities to move into the size donations that will move you forward. The objectives of this month include:
Translate your strategic documents into appropriate, donor-focused pieces
Understand if your program descriptions are donor-digestible or are keeping donors from giving
Establish the actual funding need of the organization as conveyed to donors (what number should you be raising toward)
Know the best way to avoid risky, annual giving patterns that keep you chasing your tail every month
Understand what you need to have in-hand during one-on-one donor solicitations
Adopt a mindset that leads to confidence during the big ask
after MONTH 2, You’ll know how to design amazing experiences for your donors.
Your goal is to receive your donor’s best gift. Planning to raise funds every year takes a step-by-step revenue plan that sets you on a monthly course for success. Every year you need to take time to plan out the individual journey your donors take with your organization. You’ll know how to create a positive experience with them all year long which results in greater results during your solicitations. You’ll also identify the things you might be doing that’s keeping your donors from giving. The objectives of this month include:
The best approach to segmenting the donor base by type and level of generosity
Understand the level of customization needed per donor segment
Design satisfying donor experiences for your top donor segments
Establish a monthly rhythm that drives accountability for growth and metrics
Create an annual gift chart to use during solicitations that grows a donor’s gift
Build a gift acceptance and fulfillment process that sets you apart from your competition
after MONTH 3, you’ll be unstoppable (solicitation training and practice)
Now, your donors need to be asked to invest in your organization. It’s time to practice all you’ve learned and created. I hear you – I know you may hate ‘the ask’. But your fear will be greatly reduced when you have the right mindset and tools in hand. The objectives of this month include:
Understand how to ask for the top gifts you need through role-playing scenarios
Gain confidence in how to present solicitation tools and answer tough questions
Know how to grow and retain donors using your gift chart
Gain clarity on your specific donor scenarios and create next steps for your next ask
Get clarity on the time the entire board, staff, and team need to spend on fundraising to maximize results
AND ALL ALONG, you’ll have me as your coach as you solicit prospective donors you're talking to right now!
“One of our board members gives $2,500 each year - but I confidently solicited him for $10,000 and he said yes!”
“You have empowered me to think differently.”
“For [our organization], this Bootcamp is a game-changer. Your expertise and guidance is sincerely appreciated and we look forward to what’s to come. I am grateful for this opportunity.”
This Bootcamp is for you if . . .
You want to know how to grow your organization’s funding, you want to learn how to do it, and you want to change to see results.
You’re frustrated with fundraising and know there must be a better way to grow.
You need a way to mobilize your board to engage in more fundraising activities.
You need more unrestricted funding to accomplish your mission and programs.
You struggle with what to share, say, or do during solicitations with individual donors.
You’re ready to invest in growing your organization to accomplish its mission (I call this the ‘let’s get real year’).
This Bootcamp isn’t for you if . . .
You’re still in start-up phase and not fundraising yet.
You are a nonprofit solely funded through membership or association dues.
You want the easy-way out. If you can’t dedicate the energy and time to regular meetings and homework during the 90-days’ time, then this is not for you. But if you’re ready ready to get different results, this WILL show you how you can secure larger donors every year.
what people are saying:
The biggest impact [of my work with Sherry] is my personal confidence in fundraising and I’ve met or exceeded my fundraising goals while working with Sherry.
- Simone, Executive Director
Sherry helped us identify roadblocks and streamline processes, which has helped grow our organization financially. I am absolutely amazed when I think how far our organization has come in the one year.
- Sarah, Executive Director
Two years into our plan, we have attained many of our organizational goals and the results are stunning.
- Michelle, Board President
I looked to Sherry each week not only for her knowledge and expertise on fundraising, but for general advice, direction and support. In my experience, it’s rare to find someone who will … adapt to the dynamic nature of the work and offer such comprehensive support.
- Blair, Executive Director
[Sherry] is constantly evolving and adapting while remaining grounded in strong, sound data as the basis to all her recommendation. Sherry is agile, decisive and fun to work with. I would, and do, recommend Sherry to anyone looking for a crash course in modern fundraising.
- Chloe, Director of Strategic Engagements
