The Process-Driven Annual Fund

Turn Your Annual Fund into a Revenue Machine

by Ron Rescigno

A colleague, after reading Ron’s blogs and newsletters, once said, “He is a person I would like to have a glass of wine or a beer with. His literary voice is approachable, friendly, and has a Chicago south side feel to it. His style of writing is both unique and inviting.” A great compliment when you consider that Ron doesn’t drink and isn’t originally from the south side of Chicago. He has written this book for fundraising professionals responsible for raising annual fund money. Ron has helped nonprofit organizations grow their base of support for over 28 years. Known as Rescigno’s copyediting guru, he works with clients to create appeal letters that pass the ‘donor-focused’ test. In his book, he describes the Process he has developed for annual fund success.

Book Endorsements

“This book will help any fundraiser – whether you’re just starting out or have been in the business for years – as it refocuses your work back to the basics. Work smarter, not harder! Being thoughtful around the details and consistent with your messaging will absolutely lead to greater dollars raised. All the steps are laid out brilliantly.”

Jennifer Steffus
Chief Development Officer, National Safety Council

"The Process-Driven Annual Fund provides an inspirational introduction to the annual fund process. While recognizing the importance of donor-centered relationships, the book details the components essential to building a successful annual fund through direct mail. Through years of professional trials and triumphs, the author addresses the wide range of topics contributing to a thriving annual fund."

John Andreasan
Associate Devlopment Director, Anne Carlsen Center Foundation

“Fundraising is an art. The art of compelling storytelling. Ron has created a compelling story for building a successful annual fund. He makes an easy case and provides you with a summary at the end of each chapter. Ron remains the educator and brings that into focus – write about the heroes of your organization, solve challenges, and create the pipeline for donor giving. I especially appreciated his focus that appeals can be personalized, donor centered, compelling – and then adding your unexpected gift of appreciation to the donor that builds relationships with deep roots – building a culture of philanthropy. Well done, Ron. You and Sue have built a great business – integrity and fun – by listening and building relationships with your partners – thanks for putting that knowledge  and adding your personal touch to each chapter – family – in this book.”

David J. Eaton MA
Office of Medical Advancement, University of Illinois College of Medicine

"What a gift to the sector, particularly as so many organizations build back stronger. The Process-Driven Annual Fund is an easy page turning must read for savvy development professionals seeking to take their annual giving program to the next level. This book provides proven and new approaches to building and accelerating unstoppable momentum in your fundraising program. Give your annual fund program some tender loving care as Ron recommends and watch your donors fall in love with your organization for life. Looking forward to seeing The Process-Driven Annual Fund on every development professional’s desk!”

Brenda B. Asare
President & CEO, The Alford Group

What others are saying

"Practical, no-nonsense guidance. This book lays out a fantastic pathway toward Annual Fund success."

"Such a great reminder of how critical Annual Fund efforts are for non-profit fundraising! This book provides great reminders for us long-time fundraisers to refocus on, as well as a thoughtful path to success for those just getting into the industry."

"Tried and true practical stories and applications to improve your annual fund efforts from experts who have been in the trenches with us fundraisers for more than 30 years! True partners in fundraising!"

Ron has spoken at the following conferences across the U.S., including:

  • Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)
  • Association of Lutheran Development Executives (ALDE)
  • National Catholic Development Council (NCDC)
  • Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)
  • North American YMCA Development Organization (NAYDO)
  • Illinois Resource Development Conference (IRDC)
  • Communicators for Women’s Religious (CWR)
  • Stories + Money = Change Conference (Innovative Fundraising)

Schedule Ron for Your Next Speaking Engagement

The Process-Driven Annual Fund

This 2-hour presentation will give you the blueprint for annual fund success. Walk with us as we guide you through the necessary steps it takes to create a comprehensive annual fund program. These ideas and suggestions provide you with the tools necessary to implement a revenue-generating machine for your program. Topics will include data analytics, segmentation and messaging, donor acknowledgement, and donor retention.

Donor-Centered Appeal Writing for Your Annual Fund

In this presentation, a lively and educational discussion on why new donors respond to appeals, their motivations for giving, and characteristics of effective appeals will be the focus. We will share with the audience a treasure trove of ideas and examples of donor-centered appeal writing.

How to Solve the Donor Retention and Loyalty Dilemma

The insanity of constantly looking to acquire new donors must stop! Let’s talk about the importance of retaining the donors you already have. During the presentation, you’ll get actionable ideas that will help to keep your current donors engaged longer, come away with a better understanding of what donors expect from nonprofits when they make a gift, the vital role donor service plays in improved donor retention, and suggestions for your own donor-retention plan.

The Secret Sauce of Direct Mail

Your direct mail program should work like a well-oiled machine. Knowledge of the fundamentals is essential to increasing donors and dollars. Having run highly successful annual fund programs for over 30 years, we will share with you methods for creating and improving, or simply refining direct mail campaigns. Participants will learn that by following a few simple steps they will be able to develop a sustainable direct mail program that will thrive from year to year. 

Building a 5-Star Board (Retreat)

We have found that oftentimes board members don’t fully understand the fundraising process or their role in it. During this 3-5-hour interactive board presentation, we will discuss the purpose of annual giving, the fundraising responsibilities of the board and help you to establish board goals. We will help to differentiate between what the board should be doing and the staff’s responsibilities and provide specific action steps that can be put into effect immediately.

Creating the Elusive Culture of Philanthropy

Organizations with a culture of philanthropy are the most effective at fundraising over the long haul. In these organizations, fundraising isn’t something vague that “those people in the development office down there at the end of the hall” do. It is embraced by everyone from the board to front-line staff.

Does your organization have a culture of philanthropy?

What does that culture look like?

This presentation will give you ideas and suggestions on how to create a culture that lasts a lifetime.

Buy your copy of
The Process-Driven Annual Fund today!

Available in ePub and Hardcover at the following online retailers:

For More Information

For more information, please email ron@rescignos.com or call (708) 974-2600 x105

Resources

Download a ZIP file of our most valuable free resources here!