Pamela Witter, Trocaire College’s vice president of Development & Community Engagement, is showcasing her non-profit fundraising expertise with the publication of a new book: “Five Strategies to Increase Annual Fund Revenue: Groundbreaking Fundraising Solutions for Nonprofits.”
Published by Charity Channel Press and available for sale now, “Five Strategies” is Witter’s third book and the first to draw on her vast experience and past successes with non-profit fundraising.
She and colleague Kent Stroman, known nationally as “America’s ASKing Coach,” increased the annual fund gifts at one institution by more than 40 percent using the strategies described in her book. They presented a case study of their efforts at the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ International Conference on Philanthropy in 2014, and Kathy Wright, acquisition editor for Charity Channel Press, was so impressed by Witter that she stepped forward from the audience and invited her to submit a book proposal on the spot.
“Five Strategies” covers several key fundraising areas: utilizing data, audience segmentation, relationship building, best practices, and, the most important of all: perfecting messaging. Witter calls these strategies “precious cargo” for nonprofits—they enable charities to provide resources to the communities they serve. They also assist fundraising professionals to excel in a career that can be deeply fulfilling.
“I hope you will find what I feel: that fundraising is fun!” she writes in the book’s introduction. “It is challenging. It is awesome, important work. Every single thing we do has a purpose—to transform lives and communities.”
Amy Eisenstein, ACFRE, a national industry leader and author of “Major Gifts for Small Shops” and “50 Asks in 50 Weeks,” praised “Five Strategies” after having the opportunity to read it ahead of its release.
“If you want to increase annual fund revenue, look no further,” she said. “In her new book, Pam shares how she and her team increased annual fund results by more than 40 percent, and breaks down the process into five manageable steps so you can do it too. A must read for novices, and a great read for veterans.”
Witter is a veteran fundraiser with more than a decade of experience in increasing charitable revenue, donor acquisition and retention. She was deeply impacted throughout her life by what she calls “seed planters”—people who selflessly invest in others.
A native of Olean, NY and a lifelong resident of Western New York, she holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from St. Bonaventure University and a master’s degree in business administration from Empire State College.
Prior to her work at Trocaire College, Witter served as executive director of Development for Houghton College, Development manager and Agency Relations coordinator for Community Care of Western New York, Inc., and Events Management coordinator for St. Bonaventure University. Her consulting and speaking company is aptly named Seed Planters.
To purchase “Five Strategies,” visit Amazon.com. For more information and Witter’s life and work, visit www.beaseedplanter.com
About Trocaire College
Founded in 1958 in the Buffalo, NY by the Sisters of Mercy, Trocaire College is a private, career-oriented Catholic college that strives to empower students toward personal enrichment, dignity and self-worth through education. A career-oriented institution, Trocaire offers three bachelor’s degrees, 12 associate degrees and eight certificate programs in healthcare, business and technology. Recognizing the individual needs of a diverse student body, Trocaire College provides life learning and development within a community-based environment, preparing students for service in the universal community. Visit www.trocaire.edu for more information and follow Trocaire on Facebook and Twitter.