The final months of the year are the most important fundraising period for many nonprofits. With donors eager to make meaningful contributions before December 31st, now is the time to be intentional, strategic, and proactive. A 6-Part Year-End Giving Checklist This year-end giving checklist will help you focus on what you should be doing … [Read more...]
How Many Major Gift Asks Should You Be Making Each Year?
Fifteen years ago, I published my first book, 50 Asks in 50 Weeks. Seven years later, I released Major Gift Fundraising for Small Shops. That means I’ve been writing and speaking about major gifts fundraising and the art of asking for a solid 15 years. Last week, I received a great question: How many asks should fundraisers be making … [Read more...]
The Art of Storytelling for Nonprofit Fundraisers: A 3-Act Structure
If you want donors to give — and give generously — you need to do more than present facts and figures. You need to tell stories. A compelling story draws people in, makes them care, and moves them to act. One of the most timeless and effective ways to tell a story is using the 3-act structure: Exposition Conflict Resolution I … [Read more...]
How to Raise More Money Through Your Annual Fund
Have you ever been confused when people mention their annual fund, campaign, or appeal? What exactly are they talking about? Your annual fund (or annual campaign) is your 12 month long, multi-pronged effort to raise funds for your annual programmatic and operational needs. Annual campaigns often include traditional appeal letters (close to … [Read more...]
In 2025, Major Gift Fundraising is More Important than Ever
A recent New York Times article was titled, “White House Budget Office Orders Pause in All Federal Loans and Grants,” and it took my breath away. If this “pause” holds for several days, the implications for the nonprofit sector are vast, to say the least. Diversify Your Funding and Seek Major Gifts I don’t believe private citizens can … [Read more...]
5 Alternatives to Help Your Nonprofit on #GivingTuesday
Unless you’re living under a rock (or very new to fundraising), it’s likely you’re aware of #GivingTuesday (the Tuesday after Thanksgiving). It’s a play on #BlackFriday and #CyberMonday. By this point, I hope you’ve gotten your #GivingTuesday plans in order. First, Consider Your #GivingTuesday Emails If you are planning to participate, … [Read more...]
5 Keys to Raising Major Gifts in the Final Weeks of the Year
While I would never recommend rushing a major gift ask, I’m guessing there are several asks you could make in the next few weeks. If you really want to boost your year-end revenue, as well as establish your prowess as a major gift superstar, make a commitment to solicit at least ten major gifts before year-end. I know you can do it! 1. … [Read more...]
Post-Election Fundraising: Why It Matters and How to Succeed
As the dust settles from the presidential election, you may find yourself wondering how to continue year-end fundraising during these stressful times. Depending on your mission and geographic location, it’s likely that many of your supporters are disappointed (to say the least) with the election results. Regardless of the results, you … [Read more...]
Navigating Fall Fundraising During a Contentious Election
As we enter the final quarter during a pivotal election year, fundraisers face a unique challenge -- how to keep supporters engaged, inspire giving, and maintain momentum while navigating the distractions and heightened emotions of a contentious election season. With the added layers of economic uncertainty, political turmoil, and the … [Read more...]
Challenge: Double Your Fundraising in the Next 12 Months
Have you ever asked yourself, “What would I do if I could not fail?” I find that question incredibly inspiring. The question has led me to: Write a book (three, actually) Give keynote speeches Run 5K races Build successful businesses Don’t think incrementally -- think BIG! What have you got to lose? Think BIG, but Also Think … [Read more...]
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