It feels like yesterday that I was the youngest professional in the room. But the reality is that that’s not been the case for many, many years. In fact, today I’m probably closer to the end of my career than the start of it. As I look back, there are a number of "life lessons" I picked up through personal experience that I wish someone had … [Read more...]
3 Reasons to Start a Capital Campaign Now and How to Get Started
Nearly every nonprofit should embark on a capital campaign at least once every ten years. If your organization hasn’t had a campaign in the last decade, it’s time to start planning one today. You know the expression: If you’re not growing, you’re dying. It's a cliché, but it's also true. If you haven’t accomplished your mission, it’s … [Read more...]
6 Things You Can Do This Summer to Prepare for Fall Fundraising
Summer tends to be a slower time for fundraisers. Many donors and staff are away on vacation. However, fall fundraising will be here before you know it. That’s why it’s a good idea to take advantage of quiet time in the office to prepare for the mad dash to year end. 6 Things You Can Do to Prep for Fall Fundraising With that in mind, … [Read more...]
How to Hire a Fantastic Development Director for Your Nonprofit
Frequently, my clients ask for help in hiring new or first time development staff. Hiring an exceptional development director takes real skill. There are a few things I look for: a specific fundraising skill-set; a willingness to learn and grow; a good work ethic, and; a good personality match for the organization. Hiring a … [Read more...]
3 Efficiency Hacks for Stewarding Donors in Record Time
Stewardship is the critical, final step in the fundraising process. Stewardship is everything that happens after a gift is made -- most notably thanking a donor and letting them know how their gift was used. When done well, stewardship leads to donor retention and increased gift amounts. When donors feel great about the gift they made, they … [Read more...]
Does Your Nonprofit Need a Digital Overhaul? Interview with Lou Kotsinis
From time to time, I like to share a different voice, perspective, and expertise on my blog. Having a strong digital presence is such an critical part of modern fundraising, so I turned to my colleague, Lou Kotsinis, Co-founder and CEO of BCS Interactive, for some words of wisdom. Lou is a digital marketing expert for causes and … [Read more...]
4 Steps to Crush Your Fundraising BHAG in 2022
Do you have a BHAG? That is, a Big Hairy Audacious Goal? You may be familiar with this popular term coined by Jim Collins and Jerry Porras in their book, Built to Last. Now, it’s a widely used expression and concept to help with long-term planning and visioning. Set BHAGs to Establish Long-Term Goals Companies often set BHAGs for … [Read more...]
6 Definitive Fundraising Trends to Follow in 2022
As we approach the final weeks of 2021, it’s important to reflect on how your fundraising went this past year and what you might do differently in the coming year. You know the definition of insanity -- doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Likewise, the expression, "if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it." Your job … [Read more...]
3 Campaign-Style Ways to Engage Donors BEFORE You Ask for a Major Gift
A common refrain in fundraising is how important it is to engage donors before asking for a gift. And yet, engaging donors is easier said than done. Engaging Major Gift Donors, Campaign-Style Experienced fundraisers know they are supposed to ask donors for advice. In other words, ask them for something other than money. Asking for advice … [Read more...]
When to Take Risks: Is Your Nonprofit Penny-Wise and Pound-Foolish?
Is your nonprofit penny-wise and pound-foolish? What's your organization's risk tolerance, and when is it a good idea to take risks? This big-picture post provides the answers to those questions. Risk Aversion (i.e., The Path Untraveled) No doubt, you’ve heard the expression: It takes money to make money. But what does that even … [Read more...]
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