I was in Indianapolis last week at the Fundraising School at Indiana University attending the Fundraising Principals and Techniques course. Why? Because I am fundraising for GiveMN’s operation costs  and because I want to understand more about the world of development.

Fundraising is fascinating - it is a science and an art - and, according to my teacher Jim, has been around since biblical times!  It is a complex industry that is steeped in tradition and best practices.  I say that because online fundraising was barely on the agenda last week... and I think I understand why.  There really is very limited research on how much money is being donated online - we truly are in our infancy.  We’re learning to crawl, then to walk, then to run!

Prospecting donors, annual fund campaigns, special gifts, major gifts, planned gifts, bequests... as my 4 year old son Amir would say, “Holy moly guacamole!”  It is exciting to learn the top secret, not-so-secret secrets of the trade; how much do you ask people for?  When do you ask them?  How do you thank them?  When do you ask them again? 

So how does this work in an online environment?  How can we successfully attract new donors, younger donors, repeat donors online?  We know that more people are giving online than ever - check out the latest stats.  So, how are you using the internet to raise more money?  Post a comment, send Jeff and me and email (info@givemn.org).  What is working?  What’s not? 

Special shout out to my classmates... smart, fun people from all over the country who are raising money for prosthetics in the third world and the Naval Foundation, (a national treasure!) to an organization that provides a Christian ministry in the national parks across the country.  Sitting in the classroom, I was struck by the complexity of the nonprofit sector - my classmates are from hospitals, universities, churches, schools, social services, faith-based social service organizations and more.  And they all want to know how we raised $14M in a day online in Minnesota!

So how do we continue to build on the momentum with online giving in Minnesota?  GiveMN is looking for a few organizations that are interested in sharing their experiences.  We are gathering a “SuperUsers Group” to give feedback about the GiveMN site and to learn from organizations who are trying new things with online giving (like not sending hard copy thank you letters or running an annual fund campaign online...).  We want to share your stories!  Email us if you are interested in being a SuperUser!  Help us “learn to run” together.

I have heard that people fear a few things as much as death - flying, public speaking and asking for money.  So let’s do this together!

If you are ever in Indy (and I definitely recommend the course!) eat a shrimp cocktail at St. Elmo’s steak house and go for a walk along the canal downtown.