The SCALE Framework: How to increase your gifts and dollars by over 100% in 12 months

Effective fundraising demands a strategic approach that is both systematic and adaptable. By following the SCALE Framework by Further Together, you will propel your organization towards long-term success and sustainable growth. We share our best tips freely – you can watch our hour-long webinar on how to grow donations by 400% here. 

The SCALE Framework is built on Further Together’s 5 Pillars of Great Fundraising, which are: 

1. Strategic Prospecting and Solicitation 

2. Converting Supporters Through Digital Communications 

3. Achieving Campaign Success 

4. Leading with Clarity: Your Unique Value Proposition 

5. Elevated Branding 

Each pillar is crafted to ensure your organization exceeds its fundraising targets by fostering deeper connections with donors and enhancing overall operational efficiency. 

Strategic Prospecting and Solicitation 

One of the cornerstones of our SCALE Framework is one-to-one strategic prospecting and solicitation. This involves a three-step process that any organization can follow: 

1. Identify: Transition from passively building relationships to creating a network of passionately engaged advocates. This step is all about connecting with high-capacity, highly engaged prospects using an organized and methodical approach, using our Prospect with Purpose Pipeline. 

2. Upskill: Empower your fundraising team to master their craft. Through consistent coaching, help them learn one-on-one and one-to-many solicitation techniques, enabling them to effectively communicate your organization’s impact and form strong donor relationships. 

3. Solicit: Utilize tools, tracking systems, and training to make confident, large asks. If you need help, tap in a consultant. This phase transforms fear into confidence, helping your team use million-dollar fundraising techniques to grow revenue. 

Converting Supporters Through Digital Communications 

In today's digital age, and with an aging donor base, having an effective communications and acquisition strategy is crucial. The SCALE Framework's approach includes: 

1. Evaluation: Conduct a thorough review of your social media channels, website, search engine visibility, media relations, and overall donor journey to make data-driven decisions. 

2. Implementation: Optimize and automate resources to reduce redundancy and streamline operations; this will allow staff to focus on higher-value tasks. Deploy a highly efficient strategy that addresses urgent needs and capitalizes on low-hanging fruit. 

Achieving Campaign Success 

Impactful storytelling and strategic timing are essential for successful one-to-many campaigns. Here’s how you can apply this piece of the framework: 

1. Determine Campaign Goals and Methods: Learn from past wins and integrate data-informed strategies into future campaigns. 

2. Gather Stories: Use trauma-informed methods and a set of dignified storytelling questions to collect and craft stories that deeply resonate with your audience’s values. 

3. Craft and Launch Campaigns: Cut through the noise with clear and compelling calls to action, maximizing the number of gifts and dollars raised through a formulaic approach to record-breaking fundraising campaigns. 

4. Stewardship: Post-campaign stewardship is vital for retaining donors and converting one-time contributors into long-term supporters. This involves thanking donors, reporting on outcomes, and sharing stories about the impact of their donations. 

Leading with Clarity: Your Unique Value Proposition 

Your value proposition is the foundation of all fundraising and communication efforts. The SCALE Framework relies on clear key messages that: 

• Strengthen audience connection and inspire action. 

• Maintain consistency across various communication platforms and campaigns. 

• Outline the intended use of funds transparently, reinforcing accountability to supporters. 

To be successful with this pillar, bring your team together and collaborate on how you speak about the “why” behind your organization’s work.  

Elevated Branding 

Would you trust an organization with a barely functioning website and printed materials with cut-off logos? With tools like Canva and Squarespace, there is almost no excuse for bad branding. A cohesive visual identity establishes brand recognition and trust. To succeed at this pillar, the SCALE Framework guides your org to: 

1. Assess: Understand the current branding status and identify areas for improvement through a comprehensive review of all existing branding materials. 

2. Develop: Create a new style guide, logo, website, and annual report template to modernize the organization's appearance and functionality. 

3. Launch: Implement a strategic launch plan to reintroduce the organization to the market, signaling growth and evolution. 

Transform Your Fundraising Strategy Today 

By adopting the SCALE Framework and nurturing your fundraising team, your organization can achieve greater impact through efficient and targeted use of resources and enhanced donor engagement. Whether it's through structured guidance, continuous performance tracking, professional development, or long-term capacity building, the SCALE Framework is your pathway to becoming a well-oiled fundraising machine. 

Are you ready to scale your organization’s impact? Embrace the SCALE Framework and watch your fundraising strategy transform!