Gall’s Law states that “a complex system that works is invariably found to have evolved from a simple system that worked.”
The same is true for individual donor fundraising: a complex fundraising system that works is invariably found to have evolved from a simple fundraising system that worked.
And here are the key elements to “a simple system that works”…
- Ask like help is needed
- Thank like the donor’s generosity meant something
- Report, using “before & after” stories, to show positive change
There are additional things you can do, of course. For instance, you can manage your major donors with a proven system. You can optimize your online giving experience. You can engage people in your community.
But if your fundraising system doesn’t have these three elements at its heart, you’re unlikely to last long or grow large.
Steven Screen is Co-Founder of The Better Fundraising Company and lead author of its blog. With over 30 years' fundraising experience, he gets energized by helping organizations understand how they can raise more money. He’s a second-generation fundraiser, a past winner of the Direct Mail Package of the Year, and data-driven.






