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You got this. Advice for a new fundraiser.
I spent last weekend at my alma mater, Franklin & Marshall College. I went for graduation (and meetings). I came home with more than that. During the weekend, I had the chance to talk with...
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Spotlight on telefunding: what you need to know
Have you considered a telefunding program? A while back, a reader asked me to write about telefunding. As a development director, I oversaw telephone fundraising departments, but I’ve never been a...
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Do you want to raise more money? Value relationships.
Make room for relationships Can you put donors first AND raise more money? Yes. And in their book, It’s Not Just About The Money, Richard Perry and Jeff Schreifels – Veritus Group – show you how. I’ve...
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How to create something they will treasure
Sad news this morning. We woke this morning to the news of David Bowie’s death. I had no idea he’d been ill. I’m not qualified to write about his music and life – so this isn’t about music. But this...
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Is your organization on the right side of the law?
Today’s post comes from James Gilmer, a compliance specialist for Harbor Compliance, which establishes 501(c) nonprofits and helps them stay on the right side of regulations. James also serves on the...
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The secret ingredient every fundraising program needs most
Did you know they make rice now in microwave cups? It wasn’t as if putting rice in boiling water was hard. But I’ll admit I like the little single-serve cups – no clean up, 60-second satisfaction. Your...
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Can you build a relationship on paper?
I think you can. I was born in the stone ages. I grew up without personal computers, mobile phones, and social media. A phone call to the next town was expensive. I kept in touch with my cousin in Ohio...
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How to raise money for an arts organization
Are arts organizations different? I’ve spent the better part of my career at arts organizations. My love of theater brought me into the nonprofit world. So let me tell you a little story. One day I was...
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4 ways silos are toxic to fundraising
Silos are death The more we learn about what works in fundraising today, the more we’re encouraged to focus on the donor’s journey or the donor’s experience. Customer service – something that has...
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7 Techniques to Boost Donor Engagement
With the rise of laptops, smartphones, social media, and more, nonprofits now have more tools available to them for engaging donors than ever before. The problem that comes with having so many choices,...
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5 Donor Stewardship Tactics Designed for Year-End Giving
End-of-year or EOY fundraising is a high-stakes time for many organizations. The focus is often directed toward receiving as many donations as possible. However, the foundation of your EOY fundraising...
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Trust: the gift you need the most
Nothing is as critical to good relationships as trust. That goes for your organization’s relationships with its donors, too. Trust is precious. And fragile. In a 2015 poll, the Chronicle of...
View ArticleIs your annual report a vanity piece or a hard worker?
It’s a serious question: what purpose does your annual report serve? What outcomes are you looking for? Too many organizations see an annual report as part required reporting and part organizational...
View ArticleWhy somebody will never save your organization
A case for personal fundraising Somebody rarely volunteers. Somebody is easy to ask. Somebody is distant, polite, impersonal… safe. And Somebody never gives. Your organization has a mission – a problem...
View ArticleHow to reach donors with a personal touch
I’ve said it before. Good fundraising is always one to one. That’s true even if you’re communicating with thousands. It should always feel one to one. That should always be your aim, even if it takes a...
View ArticleI don’t owe you: why I’m not giving back
Makes me sound awful, doesn’t it? “What a selfish person”, you’re thinking right now. But let me explain. When you ask people to “give back” by making a gift to your organization, you’re setting up a...
View ArticleHow to create a donor communications calendar
How well are you communicating with your donors? A communications calendar is a combination of messaging and timing. You can create the most amazing appeal letter, but if it’s the only time your donors...
View ArticleWhy data is the key to beautiful donor relationships
Think data is dull? Too often, data isn’t given the weight it deserves in our fundraising programs. Buy the cheapest donor management system. Give data entry to the intern. Just tell me the bottom...
View ArticleIs your annual report a waste of a great opportunity?
It’s a serious question: what purpose does your annual report serve? What outcomes are you looking for? Too many organizations see an annual report as part requirement and part brochure. But if yours...
View Article5 Essential Facts to Learn About Your Event Attendees
Community events are an essential component of fundraising success. They bring your supporters together, spread valuable information about the good work your organization does on a daily basis, and...
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