Gamma Iota Sigma
Grand Chapter

Administrative Guide

Chapters

Fund-Raising

A carefully planned campaign will save time, money, and your sanity.  "Haste makes waste," and a hastily composed campaign will not produce good results.  Listed below is a plan of attack, which, if closely followed, will increase your chances of having a successful fund-raising drive.

1.             Identify your product:

v      What is the purpose of Gamma Iota Sigma?

v      What does the organization offer students?

v      How will donors benefit if a contribution is made?

v      What needs and values of contributors can be satisfied by a donation to Gamma Iota Sigma?

2.             Identify your potential donors:

v      Brainstorm - compile a list of all possible donors.

v     Sources might include agents, brokers, risk managers, companies, individual past members, and any organization which has previously contributed to Gamma Iota Sigma.

v     A notebook with a running total of each organization's previous contributions would be a good source for this information.

v      Group the prospects, based on potential size of contribution.

3.             Research each prospect before making any contact:

v      Know the people who are ultimately responsible for any contribution made.

v     Know the amount of any previous donations.  It would be foolish to request a $100 donation from someone who gave $500 in the past.

4.             Plan your attack:

v      Devise a case for contributing.  State WHY you need the funds, HOW you plan to utilize the money, and WHAT benefits, both tangible and intangible, a company will receive by contributing monies.

v      Compose campaign literature.  All solicitation materials should contain: 1) a statement about Gamma Iota Sigma; 2) an idea of what your current needs are; 3) your case for contributing; 4) dates of the fund drive; 5) the manner and form in which donations are to be made; 6) a statement of whether gifts are tax deductible; and, 7) the name and address of the campaign sponsor.  You might want to enclose recent articles concerning Gamma Iota Sigma as background information.  Remember that every salesperson needs "sales tools."

v      Finalize your strategy.  Decide who, and how best, to approach prospects; devise a timetable for the campaign, and draw up a budget.

v      Train a sales team.   Provide them with the knowledge and sales materials needed to make an effective presentation.

v      Coordinate your public relations efforts.  If at all possible, solicit help from professionals.  Ask business people or industry leaders to spearhead your fund-raising efforts.   In addition, many companies are willing to contribute the time and resources of their Public Relations Department.

5.             Solicit top prospects:

v      From your list of possible donors, approach the top prospects first.

v      Set a high contribution goal for these contributors.  Later donors tend to follow their peers.  So you must seek sizable contributions.

v      Success is vital!   Use all the ammunition you possess!

6.             Announce your campaign:

Now that you have succeeded in tapping your top prospects, you are ready to attack the remaining possible donors.

7.             Approach your remaining prospects:

Your success with the top donors now can be utilized as a selling tool for your lower prospects.

8.             Thank your benefactors:

v      Send personal notes and letters to all major donors.

v      Thank all printers, Public Relations counselors, and all else that committed time and materials.

9.                   Victory Celebration:

v      Reward yourself for your hard work and a job well done.

v      Acknowledge the efforts of all officers and volunteers.  Your Annual Meeting is the perfect place for this.