Ask and you shall receive
Communication goes a long way towards cooperation. Set aside time to discuss what board members would like from staff (e.g., background on the people they?re approaching), and what the staff needs from the board (e.g., door-opening phone calls). The result will be stronger relationships and better results.

Think outside the board
Sometimes people who aren't on your board can help with fundraising. The key is matching the right task to the right person. Do your research to develop specific requests and ideas. In the meeting, focus on what the person in front of you could do that no one else can.

Give a little, get a lot
Show your prospective donors how you're making the world a better place by inviting them to program events, even if they're not "designed" as donor activities. The more first-hand experience you can give donors, the more likely they are to give to your cause.

Practice makes perfect
Volunteers, board members and staff all need to be able to talk to donors about the organization's work in a compelling way. Spend some time rehearsing with them. Coach them on how to explain what is happening that requires action now.

Stay true to your mission
When planning a special event, don't lose sight of your mission. Consider whether a raffle prize or auction item - no matter how flashy - is appropriate for your group. For example, if you are a children?s literacy organization, does offering a flat screen television as the top prize send the right message?

Make it personal
Go over your organization's yearly fundraising plans with each board member and agree on individual goals for the year. Don't forget to write them down, even if it's in an informal note. You'll be surprised what a difference a little specificity can make!

Going once, going twice
When planning a live auction, consider hiring a professional auctioneer. The event will run smoother and feel more authentic. Remember that the auctioneer is like the ringleader at the circus, so choose someone with the appropriate amount of charisma, charm and character.

Let less be more
Sometimes exclusivity pays. Limiting the number of tickets sold in a raffle for a high-end prize will make the "investment" more attractive because the chances of winning are better. It may be easier to find 200 people who will buy a $100 raffle ticket to win a week's vacation in an Italian villa if they know that their chance of winning is one in 200. The best part: The only expense is ticket printing!