When did you LAST SHARE A WOW moment?

For many Trust Fundraisers and those of us seeking grants from funders we are at the start of new financial year. That means we are in full asking mode – after all if you don’t ask you don’t get, right ?

We also know that quarter 1 to end of quarter 3 are crucial, we need to front load our years because it is hard to get a Trust to answer in less than 8 to 12 weeks in the current climate. So whilst we are pumped and sending out as many applications as we can, constantly asking – please bear one thing in mind.

When was the last time you shared a WOW moment with a funder ?  They may already fund you or they funded you last year and you’re now on a forced break.

If your answer is about sending them a nice case study when you first thanked them for funding you or when they asked for a report then that’s not what I am talking about. I am talking about unprompted communication from you to them about the difference their funding has made and how you saw it demonstrated in a WOW moment.

You may be sighing thinking it is just another thing to do on a long list, and I’m sorry if it feels like a chore because it shouldn’t do. Just like when a friend gives you a scarf for your birthday and you send them a selfie wearing it later to show your appreciation, you should express thanks to a funder with the same genuine feeling and succinctness.  

We often hear and share compelling stories internally and yet we forget to share them to those who funded our work. A brief email relaying a story, a photo, a short video – this will mean a lot to many funders and will enable you to stand out. It appears those of us who do it are in the minority.

So I encourage you to get into the habit of sharing your WOW moments – you’ll be surprised how easy and how satisfying it is to do it, and I am sure will be well received.