Development for All

1. Development for All We all want money but how do we get it? Presented by: Kate Jankowski Communications and Development Coordinator, LWVNYS and Susan Wilson Prospective LWVNYS VP of Development League of Women Voters of New York State 2013 Convention

2. You want me to what?! League of Women Voters of New York State 2013 Convention

3. Why is this so difficult? Personal reasons: • It’s impolite to discuss money. • We don’t want to be perceived as begging. • We don’t want to put our friends and neighbors on the spot. • We don’t want to be rejected. League of Women Voters of New York State 2013 Convention

4. Why is this so difficult? Business reasons: • We don’t have a case for support clearly outlined. • Others are asking the same people—National, State, and Local levels of fund-raising. League of Women Voters of New York State 2013 Convention

5. How can we move forward? The Good News, on a personal level: • We are fundraising for a charity with a proven track record. • We are passionate about our cause. • The mission of the League is vital and compelling. • People who like us, want to hear about the things we are doing and what we believe is important. League of Women Voters of New York State 2013 Convention

6. Why is this so difficult? Business reasons: • We don’t have a case for support clearly outlined. • Others are asking the same people—National, State, and Local levels of fund-raising. League of Women Voters of New York State 2013 Convention

7. How can we move forward? The Good News, on a more professional front: • Research shows that volunteers make the best donors. They are familiar with and involved in your mission. • We have much success to celebrate: • Educating the next generation with Students Inside Albany. • Vote 411 • Providing Voter Guides • Registering Voters • What are the successes for your local League? League of Women Voters of New York State 2013 Convention

8. How can we move forward? • Creating a case for support is easier than it sounds. EXAMPLE: • State Need: Our community needs access to unbiased information on candidate positions. • How you will provide solution: Vote 411 allows us to provide this to our community members. • Beneficiaries: Everyone in our community will benefit from having easy access to this information before they vote. • What will the donor get?: They will know that they have addressed a real need for the community. • Your capacity to solve problem (BRAG!): The League has a proven track record of providing voters information on candidate positions and Vote 411 has been used successfully by other Leagues across the country. • ASK!!: We need you to give $50 to help us meet our goal of $500 by June 30, 2013. League of Women Voters of New York State 2013 Convention

9. How can we move forward? The Good News, on a more professional front: • Many League members have experience asking legislators to support our positions. • Your donors can give to your League with a tax deductible donation to the State Education Fund and you can use these donations to pay your PMP and for other educational programs. For more information on the grant management program, visit our website at: http://lwvny.org/localLeague/grants/guide_LocalGrantMgmt.Servc.pdf League of Women Voters of New York State 2013 Convention

10. Fun Fundraising! Creative Event Ideas: • Add a tiered membership dues system to your membership renewal letters. Additional payments can help support your local League activities. • Throw an LWV birthday party. The League’s birthday is February 14. • Host a coffee hour at a local coffee house and invite a speaker from your League to discuss a particular issue or area of expertise. • Hold a “Cook Off” and show off your best chili, macaroni and cheese, or chowder recipes. If you can, ask a local celebrity to be a judge. • Have a 50/50 drawing at community events. If you can, collect contact information during the ticket sale and use it to keep community members informed of your activities throughout the year. • Have a wine tasting or wine/food pairing event at a local restaurant. Charge a bit more than the restaurant would and make money without a lot of time commitment for volunteers. • Host a “super event” in which you recruit 4-10 hosts around your community to provide dinner and have a speaker connected to each home by internet or conference call. • Ask your members if they have any creative ideas!! League of Women Voters of New York State 2013 Convention

11. Fun Fundraising! Things to keep in mind: • You should be having fun at your events but also keeping a focus on the impact of your League on your community and the people we serve. ALWAYS tie your fundraising back to its ultimate beneficiaries. • REMEMBER to say thank you to your donors, hosts, and volunteers after any fundraising effort. • If you have any updates on the program a donor has supported, you should send them progress reports if possible. This will keep them engaged and may even lead to future gifts. League of Women Voters of New York State 2013 Convention

12. Any Questions? League of Women Voters of New York State 2013 Convention

13. We are here to help! If there is anything that Susan or I can help you with, please get in touch. Susan Wilson E-mail: sswilson@hamptons.com Kate Jankowski Development and Communications Coordinator League of Women Voters of New York State 62 Grand Street Albany, NY 12207 Phone: (518) 465-4162 Fax: (518) 465-0812 E-mail: kate@lwvny.org Web: www.lwvny.org/ League of Women Voters of New York State 2013 Convention