6. Vendors – Everyone that supplies your organization with products or services is worth asking to support your work.  In some cases, an “in-kind” gift may be appropriate, while other times a financial gift is a better option.  Regardless, make a list and determine what is the best “ask” and who in your organization has the closest relationship to make contact.

7. Donors to similar organizations – Google is a powerful fundraising tool to research potential donors.  Look for organizations that serve similar constituents in your geographical area.  Often you’ll find their “Donor Wall” or annual report on their website, which will list those that contributed to their organization.  By circulating their names to your staff, board and select volunteers, you can quickly identify those on your team who know people on the list to reach for future appeals.

8. People of affluence in the community – Have you thought about asking your board, staff and volunteers to list who they personally know or know of in your community that have a high capacity for giving?  Compile a list and then circulate it to determine who knows that community member the best to make an introduction of your organization.  Remember, you’re only one relationship away from dramatically changing your funding; one person can make a significant impact.  The solution … generously tell your story and invite others to join you in impacting the community.  You cannot control their response, BUT you can share your heart and ask them to consider a financial gift.

9. Groups you’re associated with – We often don’t recognize the opportunities immediately before us.  What groups do you belong to?  Whether it’s a Bible study, small group, service club, or volunteering for another organization, there are relationships that could be prime for participating in your next appeal.  There are countless ways to engage people, and one of the easiest is to invite them to sponsor someone or multiple people in your programs.

10. Even more to consider – The attached “Potential Donor Identification” worksheet is an excellent tool to circulate to your staff, board and volunteers.  This will trigger the names of people in many areas, including those in businesses and corporations, current and previous co-workers, professional associations, and much more.

Now you have the top 10 nonprofit fundraising ideas for identifying prospective donors for your organization.  The question to now ask yourself: “What are you going to do to increase your prospective pool of donors?”  If you create a culture of looking to expand your donor base all year long, you’ll find you’ll never run out of people to share your story and invite to make a difference in the lives you serve.  For more information, visit our blog archives at http://blog.breakthrufundraising.com/ .  Thanks and happy fundraising!

Gregg Pawlowski's passion as a nonprofit fundraising consultant, coach, trainer and speaker is to equip nonprofit leaders to fully fund their mission.  Having served all types and sizes of nonprofit organizations across the country, he's helped raise millions of dollars by increasing their fundraising capacity.  His personal and creative approach in developing fundraising strategies for nonprofit organizations and the practical "how-to" application of best practices will benefit any nonprofit organization looking to increase funding.  For more information and free resources, please visit http://www.BreakThruFundraising.com.