Outsource fundraising, really?

Outsourcing fundraising!

And, I don’t mean to India or China either.

But, why can’t you outsource the low-end tasks of fundraising?

Remembering the 80/20 rule, those in nonprofits with limited staffing need to be keeping their eye on the “prize” and working through the bigger things that will impact the bottom line and greater mission impact.

Imagine outsourcing fundraising?

What kinds of fundraising tasks can you outsource?

What about a direct mail appeal letter, or a quarterly newsletter?

How about a special event, or a grant proposal?

What about a feasibility study, or campaign management?

What about prospect research, or development planning?

What tasks have you been putting off or just can’t seem to get to?

Outsourcing of specific fundraising projects can allow nonprofits to focus on the mission while getting important fund development tasks done at an affordable rate in half the time.

Outsourcing can truly be a time and cost saver.

No need to pay employee benefits, have overhead for office space, or provide vacation time.

How do you outsource?  Well some consulting firms do, but, you need to find the right fit for your agency.  And, don’t go by costs alone.  Experience and knowledge of the consultant is key as well.  Remember the old adage, “you pay for what you get!”  That definitely rings true in this case.  Certainly reputation should be considered as well.

Spend the time to research consulting firms and intview them to determine if tehre is a good fit.  Once you have found one, be very clear and specific in terms of your needs for the project – manage expectations carefully and keep tabs on the project, set deadlines and keep it simple.

If fundraising is not your forte, or your primary role in your nonprofit organization, consider outsourcing.

A solution to small non-profit woes, perhaps.  Definitely something in this day and age of greater effectiveness should be considered as a possibility.