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...]
Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining: 10 Inspirational Fundraising Clichés
It all started when I recently read the famous quote: Resentment is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. The quote is attributed to several people. I’m not sure why it struck a chord with me, but I immediately thought -- that applies to fundraisers. It reminded me of a fundraiser named Nancy. I was speaking to … [Read more...]
Year-End Inspiration Grab Bag for Major Gift Fundraisers
One of my many Covid-era projects included cleaning out my office. In the process, I’ve come across lots of notebooks and post-its -- little nuggets of inspiration and wisdom -- from the past decade. In an effort to help you start off the New Year on a high note, I thought I'd share some of my favorites with you. So grab a sharpie and jot a … [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...]
6 Tips to Raise More Year-End Money in Just 4 Weeks
New Year’s Eve is just a few short weeks away, but you still have time to raise more money for your nonprofit this year. More donations are given to charity at this time of year than any other time, so it’s not time to rest yet. As a development professional, your chance for vacation will come after the New Year, not during the “busy … [Read more...]
Ditch Black Friday and Cyber Monday for #GivingTuesday
I have an interesting thought experiment for you… Imagine a world in which Time Square is plastered with the logos of nonprofit organizations as opposed to corporate brands. Where the ads between your favorite programs promote causes rather than products. Where the holiday season is a time to give to charities instead of buying the latest … [Read more...]
#ThanksForGiving: Expressing Gratitude to Donors and Volunteers at the Holidays
Thanksgiving is nearly upon us, which serves as a reminder to be especially thankful at this time of year. But sometimes it’s hard to be thankful when it seems like there’s not much to be grateful for. Maybe you didn’t raise as much as you hoped. Perhaps you have a sick family member, or you’re sick yourself. Maybe you’ve suffered a loss … [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...]
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