3 Qualities of an Advocate for Your Mission

When you run out of names.... what can you do? Most people have a circle of friends they begin to connect with when raising funds. This usually includes family, friends, social acquaintances and social media connections. Initially, they think those friends will make up most their partnership team, but quite often that's not the case. Then they hit a wall, and think, "what can I do next?" Our suggestion, as Tailored coaches, is to begin to think outside the box and work through advocates to connect you to another layer of potential financial partners. 

How do you find an advocate, think through these questions:  

1.  WHO IS MOST EXCITED ABOUT OUR MISSION? 

Think through who you've already talked to and which of them seemed most excited about the work you'll be doing. Because what you're trying to get to at this step is, who are their friends that might be interested in hearing about the ministry?

Another simple approach is ask your advocates to give you 2-3 names of their friends who they think would be interested in your organization. Then have them call or text that friend and explain that you will be touching base to share about your ministry. A personal referral adds credibility, and provides a natural opportunity to meet a new contact. 

2.  WHO ARE SOME OF THE INFLUENCERS IN OUR COMMUNITY? 

Basically, influencers just know a lot of people! They could be real estate agents, teachers, pastors, or business owners. Ask them to introduce you to some of those friends.

3. WHO ARE LEADERS THAT COULD ADD CREDIBILITY TO THE MISSION AND INTRODUCE YOU TO A NEW GROUP OF PEOPLE?  

This could be pastors, small group leaders, Sunday school teachers, and community business leaders. Asking leaders to allow you to speak to their group opens the door to a whole new group of potential financial partners.

Quite often, some of your major donors will come from a second or third level referral. Think outside your box and find those people that will be blessed to be a financial partner on your team.

 

Susie Berner, Fundraising Coach

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The Formula! Clearly Communicate Impact to Your Donors