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Financing:
Finding Funds for Technology - Part 6
We've discussed defining your vision, detailing your business plan, developng your budget, presenting your plan to your band boosters, students and parents, researching prossible donors, and making the initial contact. In our next edition we'll be covering strategies for your face-to-face meeting, but first, some basic organizational tips.
The best method is to keep a file on each of your prospects. Develop a contact sheet that you can fill with exssential information and keep track of any contact you make.
Here's what I am suggesting you include in your file:
First you need to ask yourself some questions:
- The name, address and contact information of all CEO or business owner.
- The name of the person who heads the giving committee.
- The deadline for receiving proposals
- Any budgetary guidelines they give you
- Their giving guidelines
- A history of previous contact.
- Anything that would help you and them remember previous contact. For example, "CEO's daughter is a music major at Cal State Long Beach."
The most important piece of information to keep in your file: the reason your proposal was accepted or rejected.
Many times when a gift request is rejected, educators feel awkward in asking questions about it. Truly, they are in a position to help you be more successful. Remember that every bit of feedback you get helps you make a more successful pitch, not just to that same sponsor but for every other source from whom you seek funds.
One last thing: never discard a contact in your community. Whether or not they give money to your program, it is in your best interest to consider that local business among your "preferred" list. It is a simple thing to have a "blind" e-mail list of these folks and keep them aware of your activities, send them invitations or tickets to your concerts or plays. All these thing swill help to develop a bond between you, your community and your local businesses-and most importantly-enrich the reputation of your school music program and your personal credibility.
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