With each passing year, time seems to slip by and feels more overwhelming as the world around us goes faster and faster. How is it possible that my kids are grown up and leaving the nest? And how did I become middle aged? It has made me want to focus on the most important things and be more intentional about how I spend my precious time. … [Read more...]
5 Reasons NOW is a Great Time to Ask for Major Gifts (or Start a Capital Campaign)
If there are leaders at your organization saying it’s not a good time to raise money, today’s post is for you (feel free to pass it along to them). Past is Prologue During the pandemic, many people though it was a bad time to raise money. With so much uncertainty in the world. Today feels very uncertain too. But that doesn’t mean you … [Read more...]
Top Trends Impacting the Future of Fundraising for Nonprofit Leaders
Next week I’m giving a talk called, “The Future of Fundraising: Top Trends Impacting Nonprofit Leaders Today and Tomorrow” at the NAYDO conference (North American YMCA Development Officers). (Let me know if you’ll be there in the post comments below -- I’d love to say hello.) In preparing for the talk, I’ve been thinking a lot about what … [Read more...]
10 Ways for Fundraisers and Nonprofit Leaders to Beat Writer’s Block
Fundraisers and nonprofit leaders write a lot. Whether you're thanking donors, emailing board members, sharing an impact story, developing a case for support, or sending out a program update, the pressure to write clearly and with heart can feel like a full-time job. The writing can be formal or informal. In an email, on your website, by … [Read more...]
How to Successfully Ask Your Board Members for Gifts
Imagine this... Your board president starts a meeting by letting every board member know that you are counting on 100% board participation this year. (She’s off to a good start.) Then she proceeds to hand out a pledge form and asks people to send it in before the next meeting. She then calls for approval of last month’s minutes. That’s … [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...]
The Importance of Taking Calculated Risks in Fundraising
Fundraising is not for the faint of heart. It takes courage, persistence, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. But more than anything, it requires taking calculated risks—especially when it comes to asking for major gifts. Too often, nonprofit fundraisers and leaders shy away from big asks. They're worried they’ll hear “no” … [Read more...]
Carrots and Sticks: Motivating Fundraisers to Take Action
In the world of nonprofit fundraising, success hinges on the ability of fundraisers to take proactive steps -- pick up the phone, send that email, schedule that meeting, and ask for a gift. But what truly motivates a fundraiser to act? Is it the promise of rewards or the pressure of consequences? Or simply an intrinsic value? (And is … [Read more...]
Calling All Bad-Ass Women: Empower Yourself in Challenging Times
Life can be unpredictable. And no doubt, we are living in challenging times. But you’re a bad-ass woman. So, in these stressful moments, you can choose to focus on what you can control and let go of what you can't. How to Empower Yourself in Challenging Times By shifting your energy toward the things in your control, you can navigate … [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...]
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