Another full day at work! Here’s a blog post (here’s the link to it on the PT website: http://presentense.org/blog/a-time-to-be-bold-becky-caspi-on-fundraising) I wrote about Becky Caspi, who came to talk to us today:
A Time to Be Bold: Becky Caspi on Fundraising
“Although I’m 109, I think I look good for my age.”
The second part of her self-assessment, at least, is accurate about Becky Caspi, Senior Vice President of Israel & Overseas and the Director General of JFNA Israel.
Funny, sweet, and down-to-earth, Becky takes valuable time out of her day every year to share her wisdom (and sunny personality!) with PresenTense Fellows. Although she jokingly called herself “109,” that number could only be accurate if it were a measure of her experience rather than age. Becky may be able to tell you 109 different things about fundraising and business management, but no one could call this energetic, constantly innovating, and all-around lovely woman old, so yes—you do look good, Becky, in every sense of the word.
More than just coming prepared to give a presentation to the Fellows, Becky also gave Fellows information sheets filled with tips and suggestions for fundraising. While very helpful, those sheets were still no substitutes for her actual talk, so here are my top 5 takeaways from Becky’s session today:
1. KNOW your audience. When you’re pitching to a potential investor, always have a sense of that investor’s background story. Does this person have a personal connection to your venture? Always be thinking about ways to personally reach the donor!
2. Try to have a concrete idea or plan to pitch, not just the seed of an idea. For any investor, a project that is already in the works is much more compelling than an undeveloped venture at its beginning stages. Really work out a plan and present it to a potential donor with confidence!
3. Form relationships with your donors! In the end, the more people feel personally connected to you and your project, the more likely they’ll donate or keep donating. Don’t forget the little nuances, such as sending thank-you emails to all donors and following up with updates on your progress! Maintaining relationships can be key to the sustainability of your fundraising and venture in general!
4. Time is your most precious resource. Depending on what your fundraising goal is, whom your donors realistically are, and how much time you have to spend on fundraising, make decisions about whom you’re going to reach out to. Don’t try to pursue unrealistic fundraising opportunities or organizations. Make the best use of your time!
5. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it! Money is very seductive, especially if it can make or break your venture. However, if you’re not comfortable with the conditions that come with the money, no amount is worth it! At the end of the day, you have to be comfortable with every decision, so don’t let money change your values or goals!
Perhaps a great general theme that Becky really stressed can best be summed up with one of her original quotes: “Be a little bold around something you really believe in.” So since each and every one of us have something that we really believe in, it’s time to take a page out of Becky Caspi’s book. It’s time to fight for what we care about; it’s time to be bold!
