Are you risk-averse? If trying something new gives you butterflies in your stomach and stops you in your tracks, you're likely risk-averse. Many fundraiser's are. Some people have an immediate and negative reaction to trying new things. And sometimes, their cautious natures are warranted. But often they’re not. So when Seth Godin … [Read more...]
The Changing Landscape of Fundraising: From Major Gifts to Capital Campaigns
If you’re one of my longtime readers, you know that for the past 10 years, I’ve been writing and talking about how to raise major gifts. From my free online Major Gift Fundraising Guide to the Major Gifts Challenge to my online course, Mastering Major Gifts, I’ve focused my career on helping you raise major gifts. So what comes … [Read more...]
Thinking Beyond Cash: How to Ask for Blended Gifts
Major gift fundraising is about helping donors achieve their philanthropic goals. Of course, it’s about achieving your mission, too. But it’s important to remember the purpose from the prospective of your donor. And many donors would like to do more for your mission than they think they can -- which would, of course, benefit your … [Read more...]
Rethinking Capital Campaigns: A New Way to Lead a Successful Campaign
Capital campaign fundraising is on the brink of an irrevocable and irreversible change. This move is making high-quality, professional expertise available at a fraction the cost. This change is taking place across a number of sectors. Whether legal, medical, accounting, or even capital campaigns, expertise is no longer held by a select … [Read more...]
Foolproof Way to Make a Compelling Case that Keeps Your Donors Giving
One of the challenges you may face when attempting to raise major gifts is struggling to “convince” donors to give. In reality, you shouldn’t have to convince them at all... they should want to give! So how can you create a compelling case for support? You do so by writing a compelling case for support, which focuses on benefits, not … [Read more...]
5 Highly Recommended Books for Nonprofits: End of Summer Reading List
The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go. ― Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut! I generally read two books at a time, sometimes three. Almost always one on fundraising, another on being a better consultant, trainer, or speaker, and sometimes a novel, just for fun. The … [Read more...]
Considering a Campaign? Gail Perry Discusses Planning and Board Members
This week, Gail Perry of Fired up Fundraising and co-founder of Capital Campaign Masters joins me to discuss capital campaigns. In this video interview, we focus on the pre-campaign and tips for making board members feel more at ease. Interview Highlights (Transcript) Watch the full interview above or read the highlights … [Read more...]
Personalize Donor Recognition for Your Campaign: Interview with Karen Singer
My latest interview brought me to Karen Singer of Karen Singer Tileworks. Karen works with her clients to create artwork that becomes a visual mission statement, sparking an emotional connection between the donor and the organization. Donor stewardship is an important part of the fundraising process. In this video interview, we … [Read more...]
Why I Hate Endowment Campaigns and You Should, Too
Do you ever wish your organization had an endowment? Do your board members believe an endowment campaign is the answer to all of your fundraising woes? If you said “Yes,” you’re not alone. It would be fantastic if you had a huge reserve, generating interest for your organization. You could kick back, put your feet up, and watch the money … [Read more...]
Pre-Campaign Prep: BEFORE You Hire a Consultant with Andrea Kihlstedt
Andrea Kihlstedt is THE go to expert on capital campaigns, and is the co-founder of Capital Campaign Masters. Interview Highlights (Transcript) The text below provides the HIGHLIGHTS ONLY as Andrea and I discuss the "pre-campaign." Be sure to watch the full interview to get all the important details. The First Steps When … [Read more...]
