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 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...]
How to Introduce Yourself to Donors so They’ll Gladly Meet with You
The other day I received an email from a development director who asked: “How should I introduce myself to new donors?” She was talking about donors she'd personally never met with before. She went on to clarify her question: “How do I introduce myself so that raising funds is not somehow clouded in jargon or simply glazed over in … [Read more...]
The #1 Worst Habit of Fundraisers Worldwide – Break It
I’m working really hard at being healthy this summer. That means actually exercising and eating less junkfood on a regular basis. Plus, I’m in my mid-40’s. So, I figure it’s now or never. One of the “rules” I’ve made for myself is no eating after dinner. And yet, the other night, I found myself eating not one, but a second helping of … [Read more...]
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