Relationship Building / Approaching Donors

When you approach a potential donor, be prepared to explain…

• Why child support—or the lack thereof—can have a staggering influence on children.
  
• How child support enforcement services help families and children in the community.
  
• Why you need donations; share an abbreviated version of your case statement.
  
• What kind of donations you need, and how much.
  
• What you will do with the donations.
  
• How the company’s donation will help the community.
  
• How you will recognize your donor’s gift.

Remember that people donate to a good cause because they receive something in return—be it a warm glow or a nifty tote bag. As you talk to potential donors and structure your funding efforts, highlight the benefits your donors receive when they give to you, including:

• Assurance that the bad thing your organization works to prevent—in this case, children in poverty—is now less likely to happen.
  
• The contented feelings and emotions that come from doing something to better the world.
  
• Knowledge that they have contributed to society.
  
• A tax break.
  
• Their names recognized publicly—and perhaps for perpetuity.
  
• The benefits of the products or services you are offering.