Nonprofits have little room for error when developing relationships with corporate partners. Companies are interested in your reputation and the value of your money.
Therefore, before committing to your organization for a partnership for your CSR needs, companies must understand the enlightened self-interest of the entire program. Illustrated self-interest is the benefit received in kind by a brand after participating in a charity.
Here are some of the key fundraising mistakes to avoid if you want to develop a working relationship with a corporate organization.
Laxity in cultivation
In my conversations with people who are not familiar with fundraising, I realized that most think it is just a matter of registering the organization and wealthy donors, and companies will look for it. Don’t make this assumption no matter how large your organization has grown. Make it a point to interact with potential donors. When raising funds in the corporate world, this might require more aggressiveness due to red tape and rigidity. Consequently, just because you have a good cause, it does not mean that donors will give you money. You have to convince and show that they too need to be part of the project and how it fits with their profile.
Despair
Despite the meticulous nature of the relationship, don’t let these strict requirements lead you to lose control of the project. Remember that the fundraising message is your prerogative, while the brands demand it to reinforce the message.
Superficial investigation
Your level of research is shown in the type of knowledge you show on the topic being discussed. The investigation is carried out not only on the problem and the solution, but must examine the profiles of the interested parties. For a fundraiser, due diligence should be done on the donor you are approaching to determine their interests. These details can help you successfully advance your cause. Wouldn’t it be disastrous for you to approach a dog lover to fund your cat project?
No feedback, poor communication
We have already pointed out that the brand’s mandate is to reinforce the message of the cause. It does not mean that the brand cannot be part of other activities. As a fundraiser, I am interested in making sure that I involve the representatives of the brand in the whole process. Feedback on the impact of your contribution is also vital. Also, thank them for their contributions and THANK YOU for being part of the project. Creates a better chance to reactivate this relationship and retain the brand as donors for future / other projects.
Blank application
I would be uncomfortable if you reached out to help me without specifying where my opinion will be needed. So don’t go fundraising because it’s for a ‘good cause’. Fundraising from non-profit organizations of companies with specific requests. For example, you wouldn’t expect the CEO of a company to automatically become the top gift without asking him to become one.