Gratitude is a basic expression of human kindness. From a young age, we teach our kids to be polite -- to say thank you and you're welcome. But how do we keep gratitude from becoming rote and automatic, rather than creative, genuine, and authentic? Are you truly grateful for your donors? Of course you are, but you have to show them in … [Read more...]
6 Definitive Fundraising Trends to Follow in 2022
As we approach the final weeks of 2021, it’s important to reflect on how your fundraising went this past year and what you might do differently in the coming year. You know the definition of insanity -- doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Likewise, the expression, "if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it." Your job … [Read more...]
6 Tips to Raise More Year-End Money in Just 4 Weeks
New Year’s Eve is just a few short weeks away, but you still have time to raise more money for your nonprofit this year. More donations are given to charity at this time of year than any other time, so it’s not time to rest yet. As a development professional, your chance for vacation will come after the New Year, not during the “busy … [Read more...]
8 Tips for a Super Successful #GivingTuesday
To #GivingTuesday or Not to #GivingTuesday? That is the question. What is #GivingTuesday? In case you’re brand new to fundraising or have been living off the grid for the last 10 years, you’re likely familiar with #GivingTuesday. It's the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, #BlackFriday, and #CyberMonday. According to the GivingTuesday … [Read more...]
Raising Major Gifts Post-COVID – Part 4: Stewardship
Stewardship is the fourth and final stage of the fundraising cycle. (Step 1 is Donor Identification, Step 2 is Cultivation and Step 3 is Solicitation.) What is Stewardship? Everything that happens after a gift is made is a part of stewardship. In other words, all forms of expressing gratitude and letting the donor know how their gift was … [Read more...]
Raising Major Gifts Post-COVID – Part 3: Solicitation
This is part three of my “back to basics” series on how to raise major gifts during Covid and beyond. Part two looked at cultivation (step 2 in the fundraising cycle). Although there aren’t very many silver linings when it comes to COVID, there is one important change for fundraisers in terms of how we ask for gifts. A key result of forced … [Read more...]
Raising Major Gifts Post-COVID – Part 2: Cultivation
This is part two of my “back to basics” series on how to raise major gifts during Covid and beyond. Part one looked at donor identification (step 1 in the fundraising cycle). Remember, there are four steps in the fundraising cycle: Identification – Who you will raise money from Cultivation – Building relationships with potential … [Read more...]
Raising Major Gifts Post-COVID – Part 1: Donor Identification
Over the years, I’ve written a lot about how to raise major gifts, but it's been a long time since I’ve gotten back to basics. As the pandemic is winds down, it's helpful to consider how things have changed as we review the basics. With that in mind, here’s part one of a 4-part series on how to raise major gifts in a post-pandemic … [Read more...]
Christmas in July: The Best Time to Prepare for Year-End Fundraising
If your fiscal year ended on June 30th, as is the case with many nonprofits, you may be taking a well-deserved week off after closing out your “year-end” last week. And after some much-needed rest and relaxation, it’s time to start planning for the calendar year-end (regardless of when your fiscal year-end is). 3 Steps to Prepare for … [Read more...]
Raise More Money: Highly Recommended Tools and Services for 2021
Every year, I invest in at least one new service, program, or technology to make my life easier or more effective (preferably both). Last week, I asked everyone who receives my weekly newsletter for suggestions about your favorites. Top Recommended Tools and Services for 2021 Keep in mind -- most of these are not personal endorsements. I … [Read more...]
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