This week is the Association of Fundraising Professionals' International Conference (aka AFP-ICON). I’ve attended this conference every year for over a decade, in addition to speaking nearly every year. While many of us (loyal attendees) had hoped this year’s conference would be in-person, it is fully virtual for a second year due to the … [Read more...]
7 Capital Campaign Basics to Consider as a Nonprofit Leader
Leading a capital campaign can be overwhelming -- even for the most experienced nonprofit CEO or Development Director. After all, it’s not as if you sit around twiddling your thumbs on a regular basis. How can you possibly find the time for a capital campaign on top of your already-hectic schedule and massive responsibilities? How Do … [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...]
Managing Up, Down, and Sideways: 3 Ways to Lead a Fundraising Team
As a development director, you may be in the uncomfortable position of managing up, down, and sideways. It takes a lot of effort to get everyone rowing in the same direction when it comes to fundraising. After all, fundraising is a team sport -- or, at least, it should be. Unfortunately, many people on nonprofit leadership teams try to … [Read more...]
Boring Development Meetings? 6 Ways to Energize Your Team
Recently, I received an email from Janet, who asked: We have been having weekly major gifts meetings for quite some time. Our meetings seem to be getting very stale and everyone dreads them every Monday. I would love to hear if other development teams have weekly meetings, and what they actually discuss each week. Thanks! Great question, … [Read more...]
Are You Growing or Dying? Continuing Education Can Save Your Life
You’ve likely heard the popular expression, if you’re not growing, you’re dying. That being said, it has been a hard year. It can be tempting to veg out in front of the TV for hours on end. (I’ve done it myself.) In fact, I’ve watched so much TV over the past year, I often feel there’s nothing left to watch. I’m sure you don’t need … [Read more...]
How to Experience the True Joy of Fundraising
There are a lot of negative connotations associated with fundraising. And that strips it of the natural joy you should be getting as you're working so hard to make the world a better place. Negative Fundraising Language vs. Positive Fundraising Language One of the strategies I often use when facilitating a board retreat is to ask board … [Read more...]
Raise More by Asking for Two Gifts at Once
Has your organization received any planned gifts this year? If so, it just might be thanks to the hard work of one of your predecessors. The Smartest Fundraisers Ask for Two Gifts at Once Back when I started fundraising, big organizations had different staff members who were responsible for raising major gifts and others who solicited … [Read more...]
How to Ask Donors for a Gift: 4 Powerfully Authentic Scripts
One of the most terrifying moments for most fundraisers (staff members and volunteers) is asking for a gift. And yet, every fundraiser must request specific gifts if they are going to raise significant amounts of funding. Sometimes simply finding the right language for the right situation makes everything flow together. Before you ask … [Read more...]
Raise Millions, Even in Poor Areas: Tips from Sabrina Hernandez Walker
Sabrina Hernandez Walker raised millions of dollars for her Boys and Girls Club in the 3rd poorest county in the USA. If she can do it, so can you! I invited her to share her journey with you. Raising Millions: Building Relationships is Key Amy Eisenstein (AE) -- Sabrina, please paint a picture of the Boys and Girls Club when you first … [Read more...]
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