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...]
Early Xmas for Over 300 Nonprofits Thanks to MacKenzie Scott
I’d like to crown MacKenzie Scott the Giving Pledge Goddess. She took the pledge, and she meant it. If you had several billion dollars, what would you do? If you’re like most billionaires, you wouldn’t give a fraction of your wealth at the speed at which Ms. Scott has done in the recent weeks and months. Ms. Scott has now set a record … [Read more...]
Set Goals, NOT Resolutions: My 6 Goals Declared Publicly
Almost by definition, New Year’s resolutions get broken within days after they're made. It’s ironic because the actual definition of a resolution would indicate that resolutions would be kept. And yet, people are notoriously bad at keeping resolutions. One of the most obvious and common resolutions is to be healthy and lose weight. We know … [Read more...]
A Letter to Your Boss: 7 Ways to Thank Your Development Director
All years are stressful when working at a nonprofit, but I think we can all agree, 2020 takes the cake. With that in mind, I've composed a letter for nonprofit Executive Directors to remind them how crucial it is to recognize the tireless work of their Development Directors and fundraising staff. As a Development Director, you've had to … [Read more...]
Giving Out of Guilt: Good or Bad for Fundraising?
Do you “have to” fundraise? Or do you “get to” fundraise? And is there really a difference? I would argue, yes. There’s an important distinction between things you HAVE to do and those you GET to do. Fundraising and giving are two of those things where people straddle that line -- but shouldn't. Do You "Have To" Fundraise? People who … [Read more...]
The Easiest Thing You Can Do Every Day to Raise More Money
What's the easiest thing you can do every day to raise more money? Pick up the phone and call a donor. That’s it. Just one phone call. Every. Single. Day. It’s the easiest way to raise more money, and yet, so few fundraisers actually do it. It’s even okay to leave a message -- something you'll probably end up doing most of the … [Read more...]
Are You Ready for a Capital Campaign? 11 Telltale Signs
If you're like many nonprofit leaders, you might be wondering when it's a good time to consider a capital campaign. With a pandemic raging, is it even possible that NOW is a good time for a campaign? Should Your Nonprofit Consider a Capital Campaign... Now? The answer is that it's a good time to take on a campaign in the coming months, … [Read more...]
How the Craziest Ideas Can Boost Your Fundraising Efforts
Have you had a far-out, wacky idea? Something way different than you’ve ever tried before? If so, that could be the exact thing you need to try right now. How a Crazy Idea Recently Took Flight Yesterday, Andrea Kihlstedt, my co-founder at the Capital Campaign Toolkit, warned me she was going to write a blog post I might not … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Follow Up with Your Donors When They are Unresponsive
Have you ever asked for a gift, and then crickets? The would-be donor doesn’t get back to you for days, weeks, or even months? You’ve left messages and sent emails. You don’t want to bother them, but you could really use that gift. You’re not sure what to do. This scenario is more common than you might think. The question is, what … [Read more...]
A 3-Step Approach to Teach Board Members How to Ask for Money
Have you ever wondered how to teach your board members to ask for money? It’s one of the questions I get asked most frequently. The problem is, that’s the wrong question to ask. The right question is this: How Do You Get Board Members to Value Helping with Fundraising? There are two important points in that second question. 1. … [Read more...]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 15
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 19
- …
- 53
- Next Page »