As a fundraiser, I often wonder about crisis fundraising... Does giving to an organization like the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, or Save the Children help those impacted in real-time during all-out war? What about sending medical supplies or even teddy bears (as I’ve seen requested this week for the children of Ukraine)? What sort … [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...]
2022 Fundraising Pep Talk: You CAN Raise Major Gifts! (In Just 6 Steps)
Two months into the new year, two years into the Pandemic, twenty-two years into the century, and let me guess -- you’re still not raising major gifts the way you’d hoped. Something’s got to give. Something’s got to change. No more excuses. There’s no time to waste. THIS will be the year you raise major gifts. First, Face Facts... … [Read more...]
Beyond the Basics: 5 Creative Ways to Thank Donors and STAND OUT
Gratitude is a basic expression of human kindness. From a young age, we teach our kids to be polite -- to say thank you and you're welcome. But how do we keep gratitude from becoming rote and automatic, rather than creative, genuine, and authentic? Are you truly grateful for your donors? Of course you are, but you have to show them in … [Read more...]
3 Surefire Ways to Alienate Your Donors on Valentine’s Day
This week, you’re going to be bombarded with ways to show #DonorLove. Much of the advice you get will be standard and sound. Some will be cheesy and tacky. Hopefully some ideas will be original and inspirational. It’s up to you to determine which is which. I suggest doing things that will make you stand out (in a good way) with your donors. … [Read more...]
How to Fundraise as a Team (and Build a Better Fundraising Team)
Fundraising is a team sport. It should NEVER be the responsibility of a single person. When it is, you get mediocre fundraising results (at best). With that in mind, take the time necessary to build and improve your fundraising team. If you do, it won't be long before you're functioning as a well-oiled machine. How to Fundraise as an … [Read more...]
Top 10 Reasons You WON’T Raise Major Gifts in 2022
After teaching fundraising for more than a decade, I have a pretty good idea of who will raise major gifts and who won’t. There are familiar patterns I've learned to recognize -- markers of success, and markers of failure. Some of these patterns are obvious; others, not so much. I've done a number of posts over the years on what it … [Read more...]
Therapy for Fundraisers – Yes, It’s a Thing
Fundraising is a tough job! You’re under enormous pressure to raise even more money every year. Every twelve months, you start from zero and do it all over again. If you work in a small shop, fundraising is isolating. You’re the only person at your organization who does what you do. If you’re working from home, you’re even more … [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...]
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