Transcript Engaging and inspiring volunteers in fundraising

March 13, 2015
Jennifer R. Darling
Senior Vice President, Philanthropy
Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation
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Generally considered an
altruistic activity,
intended to promote
goodness or improve
human quality of life. In
return, this activity can
produce a feeling of selfworth or respect.
Volunteering is renowned
for skill development,
socialization and fun.
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According to the IRS, 85% of all charitable
nonprofits have no paid staff and are run
entirely by volunteers
Volunteer time has value BUT volunteers can’t
deduct their time on their personal income
taxes
For purposes of nonprofits annual report (IRS
Form 990) volunteer time is not reported as a
contribution (although it can be
acknowledged)
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Improve community; give
back to others; sense of
civic duty
Fight for cause or issue
that affected the
volunteer personally
Make social connections
Professional networking
opportunity
Learn new skills;
facilitate career shift
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Peer to peer fundraising
Access to high-net worth
individuals, community
leaders
Open doors and make
introductions
“Validate” the
organization and/or
campaign
Recruit others of
influence
Provide hours of service
and advice
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Assess readiness
Factors to consider to ensure volunteer
satisfaction
◦ What benefit does the organization gain through
volunteer involvement?
◦ What does the volunteer gain?
◦ What additional staff resources do you need to oversee
volunteer programs? Have staff “blessed” volunteer role?
◦ What fiscal resources are available?
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Predict future problems and know possible
solutions in advance
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See volunteers as “investors” in your organization
– they can help generate big idea; they donate as
well
Ambassadors “evangelize” for your organization
Recruit others to serve and participate
Help identify donors and prospects, open doors,
make introductions
Engage friends, family, colleagues and others in
meaningful ways
Thank donors
Partner with staff; enhance chance of success
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Board, governance, nominating
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Campaign leadership, major
gift fundraising
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Development Committee,
Annual Gifts
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Finance Committee, Audit,
Investment oversight
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Events – sell tickets, engage
others, access to talent, find
auction items, support event
Recruiting and retaining volunteers
 Know what skills you need/want
 Influential donor
 Use other volunteers to recruit others; partner
 Respect volunteers; Treat them like staff
 Provide a “job description” and train
volunteers; Agree to expectations and
deliverables
 Communicate who is responsible for what
 Supervise and provide feedback, reward effort
How to handle an inactive or “disruptive”
volunteer
 Most common problems:
◦ Performance problems
◦ Conduct problems
◦ Economic problems
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Predetermine process for warning and
dismissal of volunteer
Involve volunteer leadership when possible
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Prepare and provide information, bios/research
Script and rehearse together; know your role
Do the legwork, volunteer opens door – staff
schedules and handles details
Keep informed and follow up with volunteer,
make it easy for them and ensure success
Maximize their time, do not overuse, prioritize
activity
Be succinct and professional
Keep thorough records; assist with stewardship
Recognize volunteer success
Jen Darling
Senior Vice President, Philanthropy
Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation
[email protected]
720-777-1720
Video Clip: Thank You for Supporting
Kids Like Me