As children, we have no trouble asking for things we want. When we're small, we ask for toys, games, and candy. And while we hear “no” frequently as children, it doesn’t seem to deter us from asking again, and again, and again. Yet, somehow by the time we reach adulthood, “no” seems harder to swallow and our instinct to ask for what we want … [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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
You Have Everything You Need to Raise Major Gifts — Tap It!
Almost 10 years ago, I challenged development directors to get “rich and famous” in a blog post that has over 350 comments on it. (For comparison, my average post gets maybe two comments.) Rich in terms of donations to their organizations. Famous, as in a “rock star” among their board members and colleagues. In other words, the best, … [Read more...]
5 Keys to Raising Major Gifts in the Final Weeks of the Year
While I would never recommend rushing a major gift ask, I’m guessing there are several asks you could make in the next few weeks. If you really want to boost your year-end revenue, as well as establish your prowess as a major gift superstar, make a commitment to solicit at least ten major gifts before year-end. I know you can do it! 1. … [Read more...]
Navigating Fall Fundraising During a Contentious Election
As we enter the final quarter during a pivotal election year, fundraisers face a unique challenge -- how to keep supporters engaged, inspire giving, and maintain momentum while navigating the distractions and heightened emotions of a contentious election season. With the added layers of economic uncertainty, political turmoil, and the … [Read more...]
A Modern Look at Raising Major Gifts: From Cycle to Timeline
For many years, I wrote and spoke about the fundraising cycle. You know, identify donors, cultivate, solicit, and steward them. Start again, and round and round you go. But that’s not how real relationships work. Relationships evolve over time. So to be honest, a cycle doesn’t exactly make sense. Consider Donor Relationships on a … [Read more...]
Talking About the Uncomfortable Subject of Money with Donors
In many cultures -- ours included -- talking about money is taboo. It’s considered impolite to talk about how much you make, how much your home costs, etc. Of course, you can find out some of this information online, but it’s more likely you’d look it up than ask your friend how much they make. Consider the Uncomfortable Subject of … [Read more...]
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