The YMCA of Greater Cleveland is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen communities and transform lives. It focuses on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The annual fundraising campaign is important for providing scholarships to those who cannot afford membership or programs, and to fund initiatives like diabetes prevention programs. As staff, everyone has a role to play as ambassadors who can engage members through sharing stories of the YMCA's impact and asking for donations, in order to increase the currently low donation rates of only 1-2% of members. Successful asks involve believing in the cause, having a personal connection, listening to the donor, and making clear how their gift will help others.
Through my many years of working with volunteers, I have met so many wonderful people who give so much of themselves. Here are the reasons why they so generously give of themselves.
Thank you for volunteering!
Building Stronger Donor Relations SystemsColin Cumming
In recent years, phrases like “culture of philanthropy” and “donor centricity” have hit the field by storm, often with budget-breaking strategies for implementation and little information about where to start when one may not be a decision-maker. Thus at the Johnson Center for Philanthropy's Brown Bag Lunch & Learn Series, I facilitated a discussion about the importance of donor relations when it comes to long-term fundraising success and ethical fundraising practices. I also talked about the role of fundraising in the context of arts and cultural organizations.
The goal of the event was for participants to walk away with easy to understand ideas for their own organizations and volunteer roles. I discussed: Donor relations and fundraising from a historical perspective; How to integrate engaging donor relations practices into your fundraising program; Fund development challenges specific to membership-based organizations, arts and cultural organizations, and organizations that frequently request general operating funds.
Our donors rely on us to use their money effectively, efficiently and as promised. We are representatives of our organizations and those we serve. Donor relations and stewardship is all about delivering on what we promise, keeping donors informed (good news and bad) and engaging them with our organization. This session will discuss best practices in donor stewardship and what methods might work within your organization.
At the conclusion of this session, participants will know how to: Create a donor communication plan; including crisis communication, Effectively communicate with donors of all levels, Read, review and share annual report, 990's, organization budgets and investment policies, Cultivate a relationship with a donor that is based on donor needs and interests.
Through my many years of working with volunteers, I have met so many wonderful people who give so much of themselves. Here are the reasons why they so generously give of themselves.
Thank you for volunteering!
Building Stronger Donor Relations SystemsColin Cumming
In recent years, phrases like “culture of philanthropy” and “donor centricity” have hit the field by storm, often with budget-breaking strategies for implementation and little information about where to start when one may not be a decision-maker. Thus at the Johnson Center for Philanthropy's Brown Bag Lunch & Learn Series, I facilitated a discussion about the importance of donor relations when it comes to long-term fundraising success and ethical fundraising practices. I also talked about the role of fundraising in the context of arts and cultural organizations.
The goal of the event was for participants to walk away with easy to understand ideas for their own organizations and volunteer roles. I discussed: Donor relations and fundraising from a historical perspective; How to integrate engaging donor relations practices into your fundraising program; Fund development challenges specific to membership-based organizations, arts and cultural organizations, and organizations that frequently request general operating funds.
Our donors rely on us to use their money effectively, efficiently and as promised. We are representatives of our organizations and those we serve. Donor relations and stewardship is all about delivering on what we promise, keeping donors informed (good news and bad) and engaging them with our organization. This session will discuss best practices in donor stewardship and what methods might work within your organization.
At the conclusion of this session, participants will know how to: Create a donor communication plan; including crisis communication, Effectively communicate with donors of all levels, Read, review and share annual report, 990's, organization budgets and investment policies, Cultivate a relationship with a donor that is based on donor needs and interests.
Had the opportunity to do a social media audit for A Child's Place CASA, Ltd. It is a non-profit organization, in Brooke and Hancock Counties, West Virginia, supporting and promoting court appointed volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children so that they can thrive in safe, permanent homes
The benefits of volunteering discussed in a workshop led by Phil Brown, East Midlands Regional Officer for the British Science Association in April 2010 at the University of Derby
No Event? No Problem: The Power of Grassroots FundraisingFirstGiving
This webinar features new and innovative ways to raise money through grassroots fundraising.
In this free interactive webinar, you will learn about:
- Proven fundraising methods outside official events
- Easy ways to attract new donors by tapping into your supporters' existing networks
- Methods used by YMCA Metropolitan Dallas to raise thousands online.
Guest speaker: Sharon Bradley, Camp Grady Spruce, YMCA Metropolitan Dallas
Stewardship or Donor Relations – Making it all come together with Amanda StanesBlackbaud Pacific
In this presentation Amanda Stanes, Associate Director Donor Stewardship at The University of Auckland Business School shares how you can build a donor relationship program into your existing fundraising practices.
To view the full webinar please visit: https://www.blackbaud.com.au/notforprofit-events/webinars/past
The February 2016 edition of The CBIZ Women's Advantage is out! In this issue of The Advantage, we explore some great ways to work to live, not live to work, and some tips to evaluating your firm's IT and cybersecurity management. Also included, is a CWA Spotlight on Jodi Robinson, Managing Director & Tax Practice Leader of CBIZ MHM Kansas City.
IoF National Convention: Claire's Legacy - The tragic death of Claire Squires...JustGiving
On 22nd of April 2012, one of Samaritans' marathon runners died a mile from the finish line of the London marathon. In the days following there was an unprecedented public reaction to Claire's death with over 80,000 individual members of the general public logging onto Claire's JustGiving page and donating to Samaritans in her memory. The reaction and aftermath of Claire's death was never something that could have been planned for, but her story has impacted Samaritans enormously and provided the organisation with a lot of learning's and new ways of working, what we could have done differently, how we could have been more prepared, how should we communicate to our donors.
Club Leadership Education (CLE) time is rapidly approaching. Since the materials for CLE are being updated, Kiwanis International will be providing Webinars to bring current trainers up to speed on those changes.
Had the opportunity to do a social media audit for A Child's Place CASA, Ltd. It is a non-profit organization, in Brooke and Hancock Counties, West Virginia, supporting and promoting court appointed volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children so that they can thrive in safe, permanent homes
The benefits of volunteering discussed in a workshop led by Phil Brown, East Midlands Regional Officer for the British Science Association in April 2010 at the University of Derby
No Event? No Problem: The Power of Grassroots FundraisingFirstGiving
This webinar features new and innovative ways to raise money through grassroots fundraising.
In this free interactive webinar, you will learn about:
- Proven fundraising methods outside official events
- Easy ways to attract new donors by tapping into your supporters' existing networks
- Methods used by YMCA Metropolitan Dallas to raise thousands online.
Guest speaker: Sharon Bradley, Camp Grady Spruce, YMCA Metropolitan Dallas
Stewardship or Donor Relations – Making it all come together with Amanda StanesBlackbaud Pacific
In this presentation Amanda Stanes, Associate Director Donor Stewardship at The University of Auckland Business School shares how you can build a donor relationship program into your existing fundraising practices.
To view the full webinar please visit: https://www.blackbaud.com.au/notforprofit-events/webinars/past
The February 2016 edition of The CBIZ Women's Advantage is out! In this issue of The Advantage, we explore some great ways to work to live, not live to work, and some tips to evaluating your firm's IT and cybersecurity management. Also included, is a CWA Spotlight on Jodi Robinson, Managing Director & Tax Practice Leader of CBIZ MHM Kansas City.
IoF National Convention: Claire's Legacy - The tragic death of Claire Squires...JustGiving
On 22nd of April 2012, one of Samaritans' marathon runners died a mile from the finish line of the London marathon. In the days following there was an unprecedented public reaction to Claire's death with over 80,000 individual members of the general public logging onto Claire's JustGiving page and donating to Samaritans in her memory. The reaction and aftermath of Claire's death was never something that could have been planned for, but her story has impacted Samaritans enormously and provided the organisation with a lot of learning's and new ways of working, what we could have done differently, how we could have been more prepared, how should we communicate to our donors.
Club Leadership Education (CLE) time is rapidly approaching. Since the materials for CLE are being updated, Kiwanis International will be providing Webinars to bring current trainers up to speed on those changes.
My session at Maryland Nonprofits Tech to Tell conference on June 7th on how to use online fundraising to engage with and build longterm trusting relationships with your supporters.
Throughout his career, Michael Wolfe has served Greenville, SC, in such roles as church and community leader, financial advisor, and philanthropist. Also focusing his support on non-profit organizations that perform work outside of the Greenville, SC, Michael Wolfe provides charitable assistance to Compassion International.
Recruiting, Retaining, and Reviving Young LeadershipDoug Devitre
Think you’ve tried everything to attract young REALTORS® into leadership positions at your association? Think again. If you use the right communication tools to market to young members, you can attract and develop a team of new leaders to participate in a collaborative environment. Learn how to assign responsibilities based on strengths, skills, and personalities, so young REALTORS® are satisfied with their volunteer experience and keep coming back for more.
This PowerPoint can be used with your leadership team for your REALTOR Association and YPN (Young Professional Network).
Youth Philanthropy: Empowering Youth to Become Contributing Members of SocietyJason Brewer
Philanthropy has become a secondary focus in today's "me driven" society. The presentation explores the importance of creating a culture of philanthropy for today's younger generation.
Training Objectives:
1. Motivate our staff to advocate for the YMCA of Central Florida
2. Share with our staff the future of the YMCA of Central Florida as outlined in our Vision Plan
All 2,000 YMCA of Central Florida staff participated in the training.
Presented on Thursday 7 September at the NCVO Campaigning Conference 2017.
Jarina Choudhury, volunteering consultancy development officer, NCVO
Chris Lawes, media officer, Gingerbread
Chris Reed, director of volunteer mobilisation, British Red Cross
Grant Fisher, director, Model Westminster
Jude Anane-Agyei
Louise Peim, support network manager, Endometriosis UK
If you would like to find out more about our training and events, visit our website at https://www.ncvo.org.uk/training-and-events.
2. YMCA Of Greater Cleveland
A Cause Driven Non-Profit
What you will learn in this presentation:
• The mission of the YMCA of Greater Cleveland
• Why the Y is a philanthropic organization
• Your role in fundraising
• How to make a successful ask
3. YMCA Of Greater Cleveland
A Cause Driven Non-Profit
The Y is SO MUCH MORE than just a swim and a gym.
The Y strengthens communities and transforms lives.
Watch the below video to find out how:
4. YMCA Of Greater Cleveland
A Cause Driven Non-Profit
MISSION
To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build
healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
AREAS OF FOCUS
The Y is For Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social
Responsibility.
VISION
To be the premier community-based, charitable organization that
embraces collaborations to build strong kids, strong families and
strong communities.
VALUES
The character development core values of caring, honesty, respect,
responsibility, and faith will guide all our interactions and decisions.
Our promise is to ensure that nobody is turned away due to the
inability to pay…
5. We fulfill our promise with funds raised during our Annual Support
Campaign:
Provides scholarships to those unable to afford the full cost of membership or
program.
Everyone can have an enriching Y experience regardless of their financial situation.
Provides funding to maintain and expand mission-based programs such as:
• Diabetes Prevention Program
• LiveStrong at the YMCA
• Community Youth Services (Y-Achievers, Youth in Government, L.I.F.E.)
What else makes the Annual Campaign important?
Fostering in members the sense that the YMCA is their YMCA.
• Such commitment ensures the future of the YMCA as a voluntary movement.
Encouraging members to adopt and practice the mission-based and health enhancing
value of
philanthropy (giving time, talent and treasure to benefit others).
Securing community support of corporations and other businesses.
Communicating the YMCA’s work to the wide community and building goodwill.
YMCA Of Greater Cleveland
A Cause Driven Non-Profit
6. YMCA must work to build a culture of philanthropy through its
campaign.
A fundamental understanding—shared by staff, volunteers,
members, donors and the community—that the YMCA is a
charitable organization and that philanthropy is essential to
its mission.
YMCA Of Greater Cleveland
A Cause Driven Non-Profit
7. What is your role as staff?
All staff must be ambassadors for the mission of the Y –
especially front line staff.
Fundraising is ALL about relationships – who better to engage
members about the campaign than the faces they see every day!
YMCA Of Greater Cleveland
A Cause Driven Non-Profit
8. Member giving across the Association is very low.
• Only between 1-2% of members at each branch donate to
Annual Campaign.
• Our members have some of the most vested interest in the Y.
We must tap into that!
We ALL must be cause-driven leaders
TELL THE STORIES of the Y! We need you to help us spread the
word of how the Y tackles vital community needs.
YMCA Of Greater Cleveland
A Cause Driven Non-Profit
10. YMCA Of Greater Cleveland
A Cause Driven Non-Profit
In 2014, the Annual Campaign at the YMCA of Greater
Cleveland raised:
$523,297
$1.4 million in financial assistance was provided to 23,372
individuals in our community.
For every $1 raised, $2.68 was subsidized by the Y.
11. YOU ARE PART OF AN IMPACTFUL NATIONWIDE
EFFORT
Link segment video segment one
17. YMCA Of Greater Cleveland
A Cause Driven Non-Profit
Why People DO NOT Give
They were not asked (#1 Reason!)
They were asked for too much.
They were asked for too little.
They were not asked for a specific amount.
There was no sense of urgency.
The case was not compelling
Solicitor talked too much, didn’t listen enough.
No one followed up.
18. YMCA Of Greater Cleveland
A Cause Driven Non-Profit
Why People Give:
• BECAUSE THEY ARE ASKED!
• Belief in the organization and it’s
future.
• Personal involvement in the
organization.
• Sense of loyalty, gratitude, and
affection for the organization.
• Desire for recognition.
• Friendship and respect for the
solicitor
• Wish to make their community a
better place.
19. YMCA Of Greater Cleveland
A Cause Driven Non-Profit
HELPFUL HINTS
• Take time to gain rapport.
• Discuss how you both are invested in the
organization.
• Discuss how the gift will benefit others.
• LISTEN!
• Share what you have done financially.
• “I would like you to consider a gift of…”
Remember that asking makes people feel valued and
important
20. YMCA Of Greater Cleveland
A Cause Driven Non-Profit
Things to Know
What to do if someone says YES!
Have member fill out a pledge form
and collect the cash, check, or credit
card information from them. Send all
donations to the CBO in the courier.
Please ask your supervisor for any
additional direction.
Donors who give $1,000 or more are
eligible to receive a banner
Please contact Mission Advancement for
any and all questions related to Annual
Campaign
21. YMCA Of Greater Cleveland
A Cause Driven Non-Profit
THANK YOU
Editor's Notes
Welcome! As a new staff member with the YMCA of Greater Cleveland – you are part of something BIG. You may not know that the Y is not only a great place for you and your family to get a workout in or swim a few laps – it is also a cause drive non-profit, with the goal of strengthening foundations of community. <<Next>>
During today’s presentation, you will learn how the Y is SO MUCH MORE than just a gym and a swim, including what makes us a charity which relies on philanthropic giving. You will also learn what role you will play in fundraising in behalf of the Y, and how to do that successfully. <<Next>>
The Y truly transforms lives. Watch this video to see how. <<Play Video>>
As a new employee, you should be familiar with the mission and values of the YMCA. The mission of the Y is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Our three areas of focus are: Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. The core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith will guide all that we do here.
And, our promise is to ensure that nobody is turned away due to the inability to pay. <<Next>>
The way that we fulfil that promise is that every year, we hold an Annual Campaign to raise funds to provide scholarships to those who are unable to afford the full cost of membership or program.
These charitable gifts also support many of our mission-based programs such as the Y Diabetes Prevention Program, LiveSTRONG at the YMCA, and our community youth services programs, such as Youth in Government.
The Annual Campaign also fosters a sense of belonging among members – that the YMCA is THEIR YMCA. It helps to secure community support of for-profit organizations and collaborative partners, and it builds goodwill within the community.
The Annual Campaign also helps to create a stronger culture of philanthropy within our branches and programs. A culture of philanthropy is a fundamental understanding, shared by staff, volunteers, members, donors, and the community that the YMCA is a charitable organization and that philanthropy is essential to its mission.
The Annual Campaign is designed to be primarily driven by volunteer campaigners, such as branch advisory board members, but it is EVERYONE’s job to fundraise. Not only volunteers and executive directors, but front line staff as well (whether you work at the front desk, wellness, aquatics, or otherwise).
All staff must be ambassadors for the mission of the Y. Fundraising is all about relationships, and who better to engage members about the campaign than the faces they see every day within our branches!
The Y is lucky in that we have an audience of members in our facilities every day who are easily reachable and in touch with some of the work that we do. Unfortunately, many members do not realize we are a charitable organization or do not feel compelled to give. At the Y of Greater Cleveland- historically, only between 1-2% of members donate to the Annual Campaign. We must tap into this target audience in a more meaningful way. The best way to do this is to make sure every member knows the stories of the Y. It is your job to share the impact of all that we do within our branches and within the community.
Stories such as Payton’s story <<Video>>
In 2014, the Annual Campaign at the YMCA of Greater Cleveland raised over $500,000. However, over $1M in scholarship money was provided to over 20,000 members who were unable to afford the full cost. This means we most raise more. For every $1 raised, $2.68 was subsidized by the Y’s operating revenue.
The following videos were created with the role of fundraising volunteers in mind – but there are many great pieces of information that pertain to your role as Y staff. Unless you are an executive director, you will more than likely not be meeting with donors outside of the branches. However, it is important to have these conversations with members while they spend time in our facilities.
What did Mike get wrong in this scenario? He did not correct the member’s assumption that her membership dues go towards providing financial assistance. This is a common misconception, and may be the reason that some members do not give.
Fundraising can seem scary, but is really quite easy. The reasons that people, and particularly Y members do not donate, is because #1 – THEY WERE NOT ASKED! Perhaps they were asked for too little or too much, or not a specific amount. They did not feel a sense of urgency or did not feel compelled. They didn’t feel they were being listened to, or no one followed up with them after the initial conversation.
The reasons that members DO decide to donate is #1 – Because they were ASKED. They have a belief in the organization and it’s future – a sense of loyalty, gratitude, and affection for the organization, a desire for recognition, friendship and respect for the solicitor (YOU!), and a desire to make their community a better place.
Here are some helpful hints when approaching members regarding a contribution to the annual campaign. Take time to build a relationship with them. Find out their interests and passions. Are their kids in program at the Y? Have they ever benefited from financial assistance? Discuss what the Y means to you, and how you are both invested in the organization. Share that you have contributed yourself to the annual campaign. And remember that asking makes people feel valued and important!
Here are some additional items you will need to know. What do you do if someone says yes, and agrees to donate? The member must fill out a pledge form, which is provided to all branches at the beginning of every campaign. All monies collected must be kept separate in the safe and sent to the CBO in an interoffice envelope. Please ask your supervisor for further instruction if you are unclear on what to do.
You can also let members know that if they donate $1,000 or more they are eligible to receive their name on a banner, which will be hung in their branch for the entire campaign year.
Please contact Mission Advancement for any questions or concerns related to Annual Campaign, or fundraising for the Y in general.
For your commitment to the Y, and helping us ensure that we can continue to live our mission.
We could not do this without you!
