Advancing the Mission of MU Extension and 4-H Rachel Augustine Director, Missouri 4-H Foundation

Introductions Who am I? Why am I here? Missouri 4-H Foundation Founded in 1949 501(c)(3) Board of Trustees Our Mission: The Missouri 4-H Foundation maximizes 4-H youth development through resources acquisition and management.

Partnership with MU Extension MOU University’s role To provide oversight, resources and support Foundation’s role To support MU Extension 4-H Fiscal management Independent audits Governmental compliance 501(c)(3) status

New Structure Cat Comley Adams Janice Perkins Board of Trustees Sr. Director of Advancement MU Extension Janice Perkins Advancement Associate MU Extension Board of Trustees Missouri 4-H Foundation Rachel Augustine Director of Advancement Missouri 4-H Foundation Chris Willow Advancement Coordinator Missouri 4-H Foundation Deana Brown-Hood Accountant Missouri 4-H Foundation

Our Goals Missouri 4-H Foundation Strategic Plan Provide support Numeric goals Organizational goals Provide support Gifts processing Prospect research Solicitations Fundraising strategies Direct mail, telethons, sponsored research, major gifts, planned gifts, special events

Revenue Generation Overview Grants and contracts Strategic partnerships Fees for service Private philanthropic support Endowments 14 counties in NE region already have endowments

Case Study: Henry County $350,000 endowment for 4-H youth program assistant Engaged volunteers Multiple strategies Direct mail Phone calls One-on-one visits Gentle reminders in all communications Accessible to donors

Brainstorming Activity Who do know that may already have an interest in supporting Extension or 4-H? Engaged constituents are the most likely to be receptive to fundraising solicitations.

Before you Ask Know your goal Who to ask How much? Listen “Why me?” “Why this?” “Why now?” Who to ask Already engaged with Extension or 4-H Capacity to give How much? A meaningful amount to the donor Listen Plan on a yes, but know some will say no

Anatomy of an Ask Start with small talk – not too much or too little Transition to your purpose Ask questions and make the connection Help them understand the impact Ask for something specific and in writing: Invite them to support the project with $X Wait. Let them think. Say nothing.

What if they say no? Accept it and move on Thank them Ask if you may return another time Remind yourself of what you did accomplish. You are one step closer to a yes.

Why people say no No relationship Your cause does not fit their priorities Impact is unclear The ask wasn’t effective Felt pressured or uninspired Person asking hadn’t given No follow up Don’t have capacity to give

They won’t give if they’re not asked The number one reason people don’t give is they were never asked. They’ll appreciate the opportunity. Chances are they will continue to think about your organization and may give later.

Questions? Missouri 4-H: MU Extension: Rachel Augustine Missouri 4-H Foundation Director augustinere@missouri.edu 573-884-7641 Cat Comley Adams Senior Director of Advancement Missouri 4-H: MU Extension: Chris Willow Advancement Coordinator willowc@missouri.edu 573-882-2680 Janice Perkins Advancement Associate perkinsj@missouri.edu 573-884-8570