A Board Member’s Top Strategies for Effective Fundraising

I've had the privilege of planning and directing our fundraising efforts in my role as vice chairman of the board for Gateway for Cancer Research. Over the years, I’ve discovered some basic principles behind impactful and effective fundraising to sustain mission-driven work. My diverse background as a doctor, business owner and philanthropist has provided even more valuable insights, so here are my key strategies for effective fundraising.

Form a Donor Connection

One of my fundamental approaches to fundraising is fostering genuine connections with donors. As a doctor of integrative medicine, I spent a lot of time listening to my patients’ needs. Now, through my books and media appearances, I’m focused on fostering even more connections nationwide. In my experience, donors are like patients. They want to be heard and crave information about your organization. When it comes to fundraising, I always emphasize the importance of showcasing the actual work the organization is doing. 

For example, as one of the only nonprofits solely dedicated to funding phase one and two clinical trials for cancers of all types, Gateway for Cancer Research finds it crucial to highlight the details and researchers for the clinical trials we're supporting. These trials often have difficulty finding funding elsewhere because, while they promise high impact, they are not always sure things. Additionally, we fund alternative cancer interventions that can significantly improve quality of life for cancer patients, but that may not be directly profitable to the industry. When donors understand this, it revs up excitement and the sense that contributions can make a real difference to real people. This level of transparency not only informs donors about the impact of their contributions, but also invites them to engage more deeply with our mission.

Celebrate a Culture of Appreciation

Celebration is another cornerstone of my fundraising philosophy. As a business owner, we always celebrate the wins of our team. At Gateway for Cancer Research, we make it a point to celebrate our donors like important members of our team, recognizing their contributions and understanding the motivations behind their support. Creating a culture of appreciation fosters loyalty and encourages ongoing engagement. By highlighting donor impact and creating a sense of community, we strengthen our relationships. 

Related story: How to Engage Board Members as Fundraising Ambassadors

To take this further, in your upcoming events and programming, consider offering awards of significance for donors and visionaries in your philanthropic space. Gateway for Cancer Research’s Mary Brown Stephenson Award is a powerful tool we've utilized to elevate our profile and inspire others. By honoring high-profile individuals who have made significant contributions to cancer awareness, we create a narrative that resonates with potential donors. The goal is to shine a spotlight on the impact of cancer research through honoring those who have made an impact at one of our live events. This encourages others to contribute more and become more involved in our work.

Plan Impactful Events

Events that reflect an organization's goals and brand are also vital. At Gateway for Cancer Research, we host prominent, prestigious events like the Cures Gala and Vino con Stelle. These events are designed to provide an exceptional experience for attendees while also advancing our mission. We ensure that our events are specific and tailored, featuring world-class entertainment and dining. Donors can have a fun and elevated experience while also learning about and becoming more inspired by the organization’s mission and appreciation for the donors who make the work possible. 

When planning and executing impactful fundraising events, make use of strategic storytelling. We use patient stories, featured trials and speakers whose lives have been impacted by cancer to connect donors to our mission and create memorable experiences. This tactic not only engages attendees but also personalizes our mission, making it more relatable and urgent.

A commitment to innovative approaches in cancer treatment reflects our broader vision for nonprofit fundraising. Gateway for Cancer Research is the only cancer institution worldwide that I know of that funds integrative therapies — a unique mission that I feel deeply connected to as someone trained in integrative care and nutrition. Highlighting what sets your organization apart is crucial for engaging donors and expanding funding streams.

Above all, I believe that fundraising should always prioritize the end-recipient of the donations to your cause. In Gateway for Cancer Research’s case, our directive is clear: It's always and only about the patient. This patient-centric approach puts a personal face on our organization and aligns our fundraising efforts with our mission, fostering authenticity and trust among our donors.

Develop Tenacity for the Cause

Finally, tenacity is perhaps the most important quality for any fundraising organization. I have this mantra that is always playing in my head that says, “Never give up. Whatever it is, just keep going.” Find what speaks to you personally within the mission of your organization, and you will be motivated to stay positive and work hard for your cause. I have stayed committed to Gateway for Cancer Research's mission because it aligns with my personal mission to empower patients to take charge of their health and seek all avenues of care. They say “health is wealth,” but, to me, health is happiness, and that is what I aim to inspire. 

The preceding post was provided by an individual unaffiliated with NonProfit PRO. The views expressed within do not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of NonProfit PRO.