Do you think your fundraising results are terrible because of a poor economy? If so, think again. Many organizations are raising more money than ever before. The Winners and Losers Those organizations that are investing in development efforts are seeing a significant return on their investments. They're the winners. It should come as no … [Read more...]
How to Meet Donors with Big Wallets
Over and over I hear board and staff members complain that they don’t know any “rich” people and my reaction is always the same: it’s more important to meet people with big hearts than big wallets. Remember, the actual number of “rich” people in this country (or even in the world) is extremely small. Therefore the chances that one of them … [Read more...]
How to Organize Your Development Shop to be Donor-Focused
How organized is your development shop? More importantly, are you donor-focused? How Does Your Organization Compare? Last week I facilitated a process improvement meeting for development department directors at a local hospital foundation. Each department at the hospital foundation (annual fund, major gifts, stewardship, planned giving) … [Read more...]
Is Your Organization Changing the World?
If you follow me on Twitter @AmyEisenstein, you already know that I was at the most amazing AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals) conference this week in Chicago. One of the sessions I attended was called “From Bonsai to Redwood – Cutting Edge Thinking from the Frontiers of Philanthropy.” The speaker was Jon Duschinsky. I wish you … [Read more...]
Japan Reminds Us: Nonprofits Need Cash, So Just Ask
Yesterday I heard a report on the radio that made me frustrated and angry. The reporter had recently completed an in-depth survey of all the emergency response agencies to the crisis in Japan. What was their conclusion? If you really want to help, send cash! Is this rocket science? Did we really in need a study to tell us this? Maybe we … [Read more...]
Call Foundations First: Win More Grants!
The most important thing I ever learned about writing grants, and winning grants, I learned at a “meet the funders” panel. In response to a question about relationship building, one panelist complained that most applicants never contacted him or his foundation in any way except for the grant application itself. He continued to say that even … [Read more...]
Raise More Money Selling Sponsorships, Not Tickets
“Should we lower the ticket price to our event?” is the question I have been asked over and over by clients and colleagues this year. My answer is an emphatic NO! There are two primary reasons: First, there are people who have the ability to continue to pay the regular ticket price (or sponsorship level). By lowering ticket prices (and … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Get More Involved in Fundraising
This list focuses on easy, doable tasks which make it simple for you (or your boss) to get more involved in fundraising for your nonprofit. 1. Meet with Donors Schedule at least two meetings per month with current and prospective donors. Meeting topics can include: thanking donors for prior gifts; asking open ended questions to get to know … [Read more...]
Writing Year-End Appeal Letters: 7 Critical Tips
In the early fall it’s the perfect time to start thinking about holiday year-end giving. If you're like so many others who haven’t started your annual appeal letter, what are you waiting for? Time is running out. You can’t afford to be late with your appeal this year, because people with limited resources are going to give to the first … [Read more...]
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