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...]
Even Good Fundraisers Have Bad Days
Picture this -- It’s the start of the new school year. My kids were “Zooming to school” (as my mother would say). My 11th grader, Ethan, is in the basement. My 8th grader, Zoe, is in her room. And, I’m at the kitchen table, leading a webinar. It’s 2:15, between periods, so my son comes up to get a snack. Without meaning to, he slams the … [Read more...]
Board Management During COVID-19: 5 Tips to Keep Up Momentum
The following is a guest post from Jeb Banner, the founder and CEO of Boardable, a nonprofit board management software provider. Jeb is also the founder of two nonprofits, The Speak Easy and Musical Family Tree, as well as a board member of United Way of Central Indiana and ProAct. The pandemic has transformed many activities in the … [Read more...]
3 Reasons Optimists Raise More Money, Especially During a Pandemic
It’s easy to be pessimistic these days with so much instability and insecurity in the world... Coronavirus spreading Rampant inequality Economic uncertainty Political instability The list goes on and on. And yet, some people are optimistic. With so much negativity all around, how can they stay so positive? Optimism vs. … [Read more...]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- …
- 54
- Next Page »