Departmental Goals/Objectives
The function of the development department is to raise the funds needed to move disaster- impacted families off of the client waiting list and into the construction phase as soon as possible. In the broadest sense, this is accomplished by communicating the organization’s needs to those individuals or entities best suited to meet those needs.
Themes/Values
- Donors will help when a clear need is presented, and when the solution the recovery organization provides is tied to address that need.
- While it can be difficult to ask others for donations, the need and passion for the work can usually help to rise above the discomfort.
- Everyone working for the organization should be a fundraiser.
- Never assume that a potential donor will decline your request. After a terrible disaster, you will be surprised at the generosity surrounding your community’s event.
Responsibilites/Tactics
- Set fundraising strategy for the organization, work with the executive director and the organization’s board of directors to execute strategy and meet funding goals
- Identify and approach sources/entities (government, businesses/corporations, foundations, individuals/volunteers) capable of providing the funds to meet organizational needs
- Manage all external communications, e.g., fundraising campaigns, newsletters, letters, social media and blast emails to current and potential donors, etc.
Common Barriers and Stumbling Blocks
Raising funds can be one of the most difficult aspects of a newly developed Disaster Recovery Organization.
Below are some tips to help breed success:
- Create talking points that are easily understood and shareable by all members of the organization. Present a clear need and use personal stories.
- Develop marketing and written materials that help tell the story for the community. Click here to see sample SBP documents.
- Utilize the organizations Board of Directors to connect with community leaders when seeking sources for funding.
- Utilize foundation center and grant databases to help identify national foundations and potential corporate partners.
- Maintain a grant calendar to stay organized and keep funding needs as a top priority. Click here for sample grant calendar.
- Continuously highlight client needs and emotional impact. Use social media to keep donors up to date on current needs and successes.
Staffing
When an organization is getting off the ground, fundraising responsibilities generally fall to the executive director, founders, volunteers and anyone willing to help spread the word and bring in donations.
Development coordinator: The development coordinator is responsible for locating, researching and setting up fundraising opportunities. They will develop fundraising packets, maintain donor engagement, monitor and maintain social media sites and the website. Additionally they will assist the development director in setting up and locating both television and print media opportunities.
Development director: The development director is responsible for all media relations, social media, the group website, fundraising and donation collection. As the budgets permit, it is important to bring on a development director, who works with the executive director/CEO to create the fundraising strategy that positions the organization for financial success. The development director is a key hire since this is optimally a position that (a) pays for itself, and (b) allows the executive director to focus on partnership development and longer-term planning and program development.
No one expects a newly formed disaster recovery operation to have a fully staffed development department. It’s helpful if the following roles are filled, whether they are filled by one person or a team depends on the resources available.
- Primary point of contact. This individual will have the most situational knowledge and can clearly communicate the organization’s needs to funders, partners, media, etc.
- Fundraising strategist. Understands organizational needs, such as costs required with meeting goals. This person will know the client needs and is able to identify a diverse pool of funds and develops a strategy to secure those funds.
- Nuts and bolts person. Conducts research, sets meetings, maintains communication with stakeholders via emails/newsletters/social media and ensures donor follow-up is thoughtful and timely.
Processes and Tools
Digital campaigns (see Chapter 7 for social media examples)
- Media relations guide (within Chapter 7)
- Social media guide (within Chapter 7)
Direct donor mailings
Events
Membership campaigns
Proposals
Salesforce: Keeping track of donor contact information and donation history
