A few weeks back, we put up a short survey about campaign fundraising. We didn’t get a large response or even a statistically-relevant number. Regardless, here are the results and takeaways from the survey.
Evidently, no multi-millionaires took the survey. There were no self-funded campaigns. Everyone who participated planned to solicit campaign donations from outside sources.
Two-thirds of participants were either using Excel or pen and paper to keep track of their fundraisers. Only about a third is using additional software. One person mentioned Reporter 5 software, but it looks like that’s only available for Massachusetts candidates.
Most campaigns are using direct mail, events, website and email solicitation for fundraising. Radio and TV ads were cited least.
Who knew fundraising would be so polarizing? There was about a 40% split for either loving or dreading fundraising. Only 18% do it because they have to.
Almost half the campaigns were doing four or more fund raising events, and about 63% thought their last event did okay. No one state that they were completely satisfied with their fundraising efforts or that any recent events did great.
90% of respondents have their own website, and about 72% are using email marketing to help solicit donations. Based on comments, it seems like the economy in general is taking its toll on fundraising. Another problem mentioned was finding staff like a fundraising manager or finding consultants who didn’t cost more than the election position paid in a year.
Thanks to everyone who participated!
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Tags: email, fundraising, site news
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