This was originally posted for the 2020 election, but it has been updated and reposted for the 2024 election. Why? Because the issues at stake are even more consequential this time around. Vote, Vote, Vote! If you’ve already voted, you can probably skip this post -- or simply share it with your colleagues. And if you think reminding … [Read more...]
11 Ways for Fundraisers and Nonprofit Leaders to Cope in Stressful Times
Life is feeling heavy these days, especially when you're facing a whirlwind of global stress-inducing issues, like: tumultuous elections; environmental disasters; and worldwide conflicts. Whether you're deeply engaged in current events or simply affected by the weight of it all, it’s natural to feel exhausted and overwhelmed. Not to … [Read more...]
Navigating Fall Fundraising During a Contentious Election
As we enter the final quarter during a pivotal election year, fundraisers face a unique challenge -- how to keep supporters engaged, inspire giving, and maintain momentum while navigating the distractions and heightened emotions of a contentious election season. With the added layers of economic uncertainty, political turmoil, and the … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Make Sure Board Members Aren’t Bored
Ever wonder why your board members aren’t “out there” fundraising for your organization? How enthusiastic are they about your organization and it's mission? Keeping your board members engaged is essential for productive board meetings (and a productive nonprofit). 5 Ways to Keep Board Members from Being Bored In this post, we’ll explore … [Read more...]
Calling all Wanna Be Thought Leaders: What Are You Waiting For?
Do you have an idea you’d like to share? Do you know how to do something that would benefit others? If you’ve ever wished you could be a thought leader, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you are a development director, ED/CEO, consultant, or business owner, there are endless opportunities to share your knowledge and gain the respect … [Read more...]
A Modern Look at Raising Major Gifts: From Cycle to Timeline
For many years, I wrote and spoke about the fundraising cycle. You know, identify donors, cultivate, solicit, and steward them. Start again, and round and round you go. But that’s not how real relationships work. Relationships evolve over time. So to be honest, a cycle doesn’t exactly make sense. Consider Donor Relationships on a … [Read more...]
Attract Donors for Life by Communicating Impact
Although our sector focuses on impact, I'm not sure we're very good at communicating that impact, or for that matter, the case for support. In other words: Why should someone give to your organization? What difference will it truly make? And if the impact takes months or years, do you track it? And how will your donors know? These … [Read more...]
Talking About the Uncomfortable Subject of Money with Donors
In many cultures -- ours included -- talking about money is taboo. It’s considered impolite to talk about how much you make, how much your home costs, etc. Of course, you can find out some of this information online, but it’s more likely you’d look it up than ask your friend how much they make. Consider the Uncomfortable Subject of … [Read more...]
Learn to Raise Major Gifts: A Better Way (That Actually Works)
You’ve probably attended conferences and webinars, and maybe you’ve even read some books on how to raise major gifts. You understand the concepts but implementing them is hard. You’re still nervous about meeting with donors and asking for advice -- and for gifts. And you’re not having much luck getting meetings anyway. If that sounds … [Read more...]
Fundraising Habits: Can You Really Create New Habits?
According to Mirriam-Webster, a habit is: a settled tendency or usual manner of behavior. Good Habits vs. Bad Habits vs. New Habits I like to think about habits as something a person does regularly without thinking about it. For example, brushing your teeth. Another habit many people have is biting their nails. There are good habits … [Read more...]
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