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...]
8 Ways to Destress and Put the FUN Back in FUNdraising
You may not think of fundraising as fun, but there are small things you can do to make your fundraising responsibilities (and everyday life) more fun. And having fun really is important. Did you know...? Medical professionals universally agree -- having fun provides some of the best stress relief you can get. In our American … [Read more...]
The Zen Approach to Modern Fundraising: 11 Paths to Serenity
Fundraising can be stressful. But it doesn’t have to be... Zen is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China during the Tang dynasty. When we use the word today in western culture, we're generally describing then notion of peace and tranquility with the mind and spirit. Yet, peace and tranquility rarely define the life of a … [Read more...]
3 Ways to Achieve Work-Life Balance While Working for a Nonprofit
This year has taught many of us that we can work from anywhere (including our homes). But that doesn’t mean -- and shouldn’t mean -- we always have to work. COVID Changed Everything Pre-pandemic, many development directors felt they were always working. But since they didn’t “work from home” (as much) there was likely more of a separation … [Read more...]
Raise More Money: Highly Recommended Tools and Services for 2021
Every year, I invest in at least one new service, program, or technology to make my life easier or more effective (preferably both). Last week, I asked everyone who receives my weekly newsletter for suggestions about your favorites. Top Recommended Tools and Services for 2021 Keep in mind -- most of these are not personal endorsements. I … [Read more...]
Should Fundraisers Work Christmas Week? What Do You Think?
Historically, nonprofit organizations have raised the majority (more than half) of their fundraising income in the last six weeks of the year, with a large portion of that income arriving during the last week of the year. Not only that, but it’s not unheard of for donors to show up at a nonprofit organization, stock certificate in hand, on … [Read more...]
Adopting Better Fundraising Habits: The Happy Healthy Nonprofit
It’s ironic. Most people enter this field to help others. It FEELS GOOD doing good, right? Unfortunately, most development directors I know feel STRESSED, not happy, most of the time. That begs the question, "Why does doing good often feel so bad?" I found the answer in a new book by Beth Kanter and Aliza Sherman called The Happy … [Read more...]
Habits of Successful Fundraisers with Shanon Doolittle
In this week's video interview, I sit down with Shanon Doolittle, who helps fundraisers take better care of themselves and their donors. What sort of work habits do you have? In this video interview, Shanon discusses the importance of good work habits for successful fundraising. Interview Highlights (Transcript) Watch the full … [Read more...]
3 Ways for Fundraisers to Manage Time When Time is Tight
Today we have a question from Lacreda at a Habitat for Humanity Chapter. She says: What I need is time! As a one-person shop who handles it all -- grant writing, planning events, community outreach, data base management and the quarterly newsletters -- I feel like I juggle balls just enough to put out fires. So I don't effectively do … [Read more...]
How to Raise Major Gifts – Even When You Don’t Feel Like It
I’m going to be honest... I really didn’t feel like writing a blog post today. I have a million other things to do and I didn’t get a great night sleep. I’m more than a little cranky. I seriously considered skipping it this week. Then I thought about what I teach in terms of raising major gifts... it’s all about sticking with … [Read more...]