Build Your Natural Networks – Best Fundraising Growth Strategy

By Peter Heller

When I was invited to meet a client’s board of directors years ago, the first question I got was: “Who are you going to introduce us too?”

Being a bit of a wise guy, I said: “I’m going to introduce you to the people you already know.”

What’s this about?

This board, like many I have met over the years, had a misunderstanding of what a fundraising consulting company can do. We don’t bring a list of wealthy folks to our clients. Has that ever worked? If so, I’d love to hear about it.

Instead, we help you develop your NATURAL NETWORKS.

Natural Networks are the people who are already somewhere in your sphere of influence with whom you can develop closer relationships.

This is the best tactic for your immediate fundraising growth. There are several steps to building your natural network:

1. Set aside time in a small group to brainstorm together. 30 minutes is a good amount of time to get going. Doing it alone is not as effective and less fun. The group can be your development committee, your whole board, senior staff, etc.

2. Use our Natural Networks Excel spreadsheet to write down names. We have listed potential categories for your networks; use these or develop your own.

3. Do not talk yourself out of writing down any name that comes to mind. The point is to think creatively and expansively about whom you might know.

4. Collect the lists and assign someone to compile a master list. This is now your fundraising growth plan.

5. Create a strategy for weekly and monthly outreach to these people to dramatically increase your fundraising.

And if you are unclear on any part of this, email me and we can discuss how the Heller Fundraising Group can help you reach your goals.

Peter Heller is the Founder of the Heller Fundraising Group, a New York City-based fundraising consulting firm that works with local, national and international nonprofits on capital campaigns, campaign feasibility studies, major gift programs, and hands-on training. peter@hellerfundraisinggroup.com

Download our Natural Networks Worksheet and all of our Free Tools here.