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...]
Does Your Nonprofit Make 50 Asks in 50 Weeks?
The first fundraising book I ever wrote (more than 10 years ago, now), is called 50 Asks in 50 Weeks. Published by CharityChannel Press, it’s now available in its 2nd edition. I mention this because I’m revising and expanding my online training program, Mastering Major Gifts. In the process of improving the program and creating new … [Read more...]
5 Summer Actions to Bolster Your Fall Fundraising During Coronavirus
Normally, summer is a time for fun, relaxation, BBQ’s, family, friends and more. This summer (2020) is going to be different for everyone with the Coronavirus lurking about. Travel is limited, kids are home from camp, and big gatherings are taboo. 5 Actions to Bolster Fall Fundraising While Coronavirus Looms As far is fundraising is … [Read more...]
Virtual vs. In-Person Solicitation: Predicting the Future of Fundraising
For the last decade, I’ve written, spoken, taught, and even preached about the benefits of in-person solicitation for raising major gifts. The success I'm seeing with virtual solicitations taking place these days has made me reconsider some of my own assumptions and question what the future of fundraising will look like. Of course, … [Read more...]
Fundraising Success Stories for Raising Money RIGHT NOW During COVID-19
Are you at an organization where you’re actively raising money right now, or are you taking a “wait and see” approach? We’re many weeks into the Covid-19 crisis, and I can’t believe I’m still having the same conversation with Executive Directors, day-after-day, week-after-week. Too many EDs still aren’t sure this is a good time to raise … [Read more...]
5 Great Examples of Electronic Donation Solicitations During Covid-19
Today I’m excited to bring you examples of electronic donation solicitations done right during the Covid-19 crisis. You’re really going to want to watch the 6-minute video, because it’s all about show and tell! A partial transcript appears below, with visual examples pulled from the video for reference. Example 1: Donation Frequency set … [Read more...]
Covid-19 Creates New Ways to Solicit Donors
One refrain that always made me cringe -- yet seemed so commonplace at many nonprofit organizations -- was: That’s the way we’ve always done it. And while I was the first to encourage the boards I worked with or the senior staff I coached to try something new, it seems I may have fallen into that trap myself. Covid-19 is a … [Read more...]
Is It OK to Ask Donors for Gifts During the Coronavirus Crisis?
We’re several weeks into this global health and economic crisis and I find that fundraisers are still asking the same question over and over. The question is: Is this a good time to be asking donors for money? Is it inconsiderate to be asking for money? My answer has been consistent throughout the crisis: NOW is the best time to be … [Read more...]
How to Ask for a Major Gift: 5 Clear Steps in 30 Minutes (or Less)
Today, you're going to learn how to ask for a major gift in five very clear steps. You'll need about 30 minutes of time total to carry out these steps. But before diving in to the "how-to", it's important to know WHEN and WHERE to ask for a major gift. Knowing WHEN to Ask for a Major Gift Let’s assume you’ve built a fairly good … [Read more...]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- …
- 15
- Next Page »