Clay Myers-Bowman

Have you studied your organization’s IRS 990? Have you even seen it?

As a fundraising volunteer, you have to be familiar with the organization or project you represent and be able to explain the mission, organizational goals and objectives, benefits of giving, ways to give, and anything else that a prospect or donor might ask about. Just as your enthusiasm will be enhanced by having made your own gift, your understanding of the project will be enhanced by studying the available information. And donors will appreciate it. Make sure to ask for and study (don’t just skim) the following from the organization:

• Case statement
• Budgets and most recent financial statements
• Audit reports
• Annual reports
• IRS 990 (great info here)
• Business plans
• Fundraising and marketing plans
• White papers they may have authored
• Clippings and articles
• Board and volunteer lists
• Brochures and flyers
• Videos
• Social media plans and activities

The more you know, the better advocate you’ll be and the more success you’ll have.

Pro Tip: Do a Google search on your organization. Then do one on your competitors to see what they’re up to. It can be a fascinating learning experience.