One refrain that always made me cringe -- yet seemed so commonplace at many nonprofit organizations -- was: That’s the way we’ve always done it. And while I was the first to encourage the boards I worked with or the senior staff I coached to try something new, it seems I may have fallen into that trap myself. Covid-19 is a … [Read more...]
Is It OK to Ask Donors for Gifts During the Coronavirus Crisis?
We’re several weeks into this global health and economic crisis and I find that fundraisers are still asking the same question over and over. The question is: Is this a good time to be asking donors for money? Is it inconsiderate to be asking for money? My answer has been consistent throughout the crisis: NOW is the best time to be … [Read more...]
How to Ask for a Major Gift: 5 Clear Steps in 30 Minutes (or Less)
Today, you're going to learn how to ask for a major gift in five very clear steps. You'll need about 30 minutes of time total to carry out these steps. But before diving in to the "how-to", it's important to know WHEN and WHERE to ask for a major gift. Knowing WHEN to Ask for a Major Gift Let’s assume you’ve built a fairly good … [Read more...]
Asking Permission to Ask and More Great Advice from Bill Bartolini, ACFRE
Last week I spoke at Congress (AFP’s signature Canadian conference). This conference attracts some of the best speakers worldwide, in addition to fundraisers from across Canada. Between my sessions, I sat in on a talk given by fundraising expert, Bill Bartolini, ACFRE. Who is Bill Bartolini, ACFRE? If you’re unfamiliar with Bill … [Read more...]
Want to Raise More Money when Fundraising? Go on a Listening Tour
Recently I was on a coaching call with a new client who doesn’t have experience raising major gifts. We discussed his plans for raising money from individual donors before year end. His idea was to call as many businesses as possible to “get meetings,” then tell them about all the amazing work his organization was doing, and then ask for a … [Read more...]
3 “Non-Risk” Risks for the Fearful Fundraiser
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...]
An Effective Major Gifts Plan Template: Just 4 Simple Steps
I’m regularly asked for a major gifts plan template. Over the years, I’ve worked to refine the process and make it as simple as possible. Here’s a major gift plan template broken down into 4 steps: Major Gifts Plan Template in 4 Steps Identify the best prospective donors for your organization. Build relationships with those donors and … [Read more...]
Misconceptions: Annual Fund vs. Capital Campaign, Restricted Gifts vs. Unrestricted Gifts
The other day, a client asked if the major gifts she raises should count toward her annual fund goal. At first, I was confused by her question. But it reinforced one of the more common misconceptions about raising major gifts. Common Misconceptions About Raising Major Gifts It turns out that the woman who wondered whether major gifts … [Read more...]
Women Fundraisers: You’re Just One Ask Away from Raising Major Gifts
Attention Women Fundraisers! You CAN raise major gifts! I know this because I’ve seen it... again, and again and again. One Ask is All it Takes... Last week I received a call from a woman named Mary who recently took my online course, Mastering Major Gifts. Although she has been the director of development at her organization for four … [Read more...]
Listen Your Way to a Major Gift and Your Donors Will Give with Joy
Experienced major gift officers will tell you they listen their way to major gifts. Unfortunately, many development directors think the opposite -- that they need to talk their way into a major gift. What’s important to remember is that fundraising is NOT about convincing, cajoling or guilting your donors to make a gift. When Fundraising … [Read more...]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- …
- 15
- Next Page »
