Power of Good

W 6 Breakout Sessions "WHat do you Have tHe poWer to create?" That is the question Alabama Possible Executive Director Kristina Scott posed in the "Fundraising for Urban and Rural Nonprofits" breakout session during the 2015 Elevate conference. Scott encour- aged representatives from nonprofit organizations throughout the state to identify the greatest source of untapped potential in their areas. With Alabama Possible, Scott relies on urban and rural partners every day to educate communities about poverty and find ways to re- duce it. The key to fundraising is to develop strategic relationships and then build upon those connections. To effectively cultivate new donors, Scott said it is important to understand the giving habits of the people and organizations. "Put yourself in their shoes and reflect their values," Scott said. "Find out what motivates them to want to give." Whether it is for fam- ily or friends, religious beliefs or wanting to give back to society, everyone has a reason for giving. However, at the core of fundraising is developing strategic relationships. "Regardless of where you are, we all have limited resources to do what we want to do," said Scott. "You must think strategi- cally about relationships and your network." Pulling examples from audience members, Scott illustrated how or- ganizations are working to cultivate community donors and support. Sissy Hembree King, Develop- ment director for the Woodlawn Foundation in Birmingham, shared her strategy of engag- ing young and old Woodlawn High School alumni to bring a new awareness to the Wood- lawn area. Organizations in Greensboro are becom- ing creative in discover- ing new donor bases, Scott said. Each year, college students from the University of Alabama and tourists from across the United States tour antebellum homes, visit Pie Lab and volunteer with organizations in Greensboro serving the Black Belt. By creating a connection between visitors and the city, relationships are developing with nontraditional donors. A few more lessons Scott shared on developing relationships and cultivating donors: p p Highlight your connections to prospective donors, friends and family. p p Be strategic in developing rela- tionships and applying for grant opportunities. p p Tailor your program to meet the unique needs of rural com- munities while sticking to core Fundraising advice: Think about what could be StOry by anna CatHerIne rOberSOn pHOtOS by Wynter byrD ADVICE continued on page 7 Below: Audience members participate in fundraising discussions during the Fundraising for Urban and Rural Nonprofits breakout session. Right: Impact Alabama Executive Director Kristina Scott leads the discussion during the fundraising breakout session.

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