From time to time, I like to share a different voice, perspective, and expertise on my blog. Storytelling is such an integral part of fundraising, so I turned to my colleague, Ephriam Gopin, for some words of wisdom. For those unfamiliar with his work, Ephriam is a nonprofit fundraising and marketing expert from 1832 … [Read more...]
Back to Basics: 8 Fundraising Essentials to Live By During a Pandemic
We're coming up on one year since the WHO declared COVID-19 a worldwide pandemic. This past year has shown us, in an outsized way, that the basics of fundraising are still essential for success. Therefore, below is a list of my best “essential” reminders of what you should be doing to raise money right now -- pandemic or not. Back to … [Read more...]
6 Ways to Completely Sabotage a Major Gift
Most fundraisers, executive directors, CEOs, and board members are scared to death of sabotaging a major gift. So rather than taking the risk of asking for a gift, they often avoid asking at all costs. Of course, that’s the biggest risk of all -- not asking! The reality is that the fear of sabotaging a major gift is much greater than … [Read more...]
Virtual Solicitation Done Right: How to Ask for Donations via Zoom
For the first few months of the Covid-19 crisis, I felt like my primary responsibility was getting on the phone with hesitant CEO’s and Board Members and trying to convince them that asking during Covid wasn’t a bad idea. In other words, I was shouting for anyone who would listen that this was actually a good, and appropriate, time to be … [Read more...]
Top 5 Fundraising No-Brainers for Nonprofit Professionals in 2021
According to the Urban Dictionary, here's the definition for a "no-brainer": no-brainer -- noun -- something so obvious to be correct / appropriate, that it requires no contemplation to decide on. General No-Brainers for 2021 I put out a call on social media for 2021 no-brainers. Here are just a few of the responses I got: Wearing a … [Read more...]
Giving Out of Guilt: Good or Bad for Fundraising?
Do you “have to” fundraise? Or do you “get to” fundraise? And is there really a difference? I would argue, yes. There’s an important distinction between things you HAVE to do and those you GET to do. Fundraising and giving are two of those things where people straddle that line -- but shouldn't. Do You "Have To" Fundraise? People who … [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, less than one week out, I assume you’ve gotten your #GivingTuesday plans in order. And I hope you’ve thought about how you’ll stand out … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Follow Up with Your Donors When They are Unresponsive
Have you ever asked for a gift, and then crickets? The would-be donor doesn’t get back to you for days, weeks, or even months? You’ve left messages and sent emails. You don’t want to bother them, but you could really use that gift. You’re not sure what to do. This scenario is more common than you might think. The question is, what … [Read more...]
A 3-Step Approach to Teach Board Members How to Ask for Money
Have you ever wondered how to teach your board members to ask for money? It’s one of the questions I get asked most frequently. The problem is, that’s the wrong question to ask. The right question is this: How Do You Get Board Members to Value Helping with Fundraising? There are two important points in that second question. 1. … [Read more...]
3 Reasons Optimists Raise More Money, Especially During a Pandemic
It’s easy to be pessimistic these days with so much instability and insecurity in the world... Coronavirus spreading Rampant inequality Economic uncertainty Political instability The list goes on and on. And yet, some people are optimistic. With so much negativity all around, how can they stay so positive? Optimism vs. … [Read more...]
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