March 25 Presentation

1. fund raising
fairbanks children’s museum

2. Why do people give money:
Because they are asked by someone they
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know
Because they are asked by skillful
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volunteers
Because they will benefit from the FCM
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3. to raise money
•One-third of the money should be raised from about 15 gifts, the next one-third
from an additional 75 to 100 gifts and the last one-third from all other gifts.
•Need lots of visibility
•Create “story” about how FCM really touches children
•Need for immediate action -- museum needs to be built now!!!
•Clear roles for all involved -- committee structure
•Very clear statement of why $ is needed - no more than 2 sentences
•Limit any individual’s activities - do not overburden volunteers!
•Develop timetable
•Craft reasonable budget - materials, staff, mailing, etc.
•Track gifts and provide acknowledgments
•Regular meetings to review goals, strategies, etc. & revise as necessary
•Regular progress reports
•Final reports

4. phases of fund raising
•Decide on amount to be raised
•Set goals for board members
•Decide on “benefits” of donations
•Perfect case for support statement
•Train in how to make an “ask”
•Print campaign brochure
•Building committee: the museum
•Marketing committee: describe the museum
•Research committee: prospective donors
•Major gift subcommittee: those who ask
•Annual fund subcommittee small donations from a lot of people
•Have gala (Fairbanks style) campaign kick-off after 1/3 $ raised
•Final thank you event

6. building committee
Identify site
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Work with appropriate individuals to
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determine capital costs
Plan first “permanent” exhibits
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Determine costs of exhibits
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Determine costs of first year operation
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8. marketing committee
Plan all the communications, publicity, promotions
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Solicitation materials - pledge cards, letterhead
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Informative and attractive brochure with Case
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statement
Keep media updated and announce official
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campaign kick off
Maintain website
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Plan and work at events
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Regular newsletter on how campaign is going
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10. research committee
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Have major brainstorming session on who is out there
who might be potential major donors.
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Determine what a “major gift” is
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Narrow list down to 15 prospects
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Find out what each of them is interested in
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Provide written information for major gift committee
(name, contact information, why this person/
corporation has been selected, amount that is
reasonable to ask for).

12. major gifts committee
Articulate case for support for project
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Select and solicit 5-6 major prospects
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Schedule meetings with those prospects
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Attend development committee meetings and report on
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activities.

14. annual fund committee
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Determine membership levels and perks that come with
them
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Work with marketing committee to create membership
materials
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Determine budget for mailing, responding, tracking, etc.

15. grants
•writing requires special skills; if board member has
them, wonderful. If not, grant writer should be hired.
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Research appropriate grants
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Write grants
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Track grants when received

16. chair of campaign
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Asks other board members
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Gives generous gift
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Spokesperson for campaign
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Presides over meetings
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Fine tunes major prospect listing