There’s a popular expression in fundraising: Ask for money and you’ll get advice, but ask for advice and you’ll get money. The expression is a euphemism for “getting to know your donors.” It reminds us not to ask too soon. In other words, if you ask for money right away, you might get an earful -- the donor will tell you all the reasons … [Read more...]
Misconceptions: Annual Fund vs. Capital Campaign, Restricted Gifts vs. Unrestricted Gifts
The other day, a client asked if the major gifts she raises should count toward her annual fund goal. At first, I was confused by her question. But it reinforced one of the more common misconceptions about raising major gifts. Common Misconceptions About Raising Major Gifts It turns out that the woman who wondered whether major gifts … [Read more...]
Women Fundraisers: You’re Just One Ask Away from Raising Major Gifts
Attention Women Fundraisers! You CAN raise major gifts! I know this because I’ve seen it... again, and again and again. One Ask is All it Takes... Last week I received a call from a woman named Mary who recently took my online course, Mastering Major Gifts. Although she has been the director of development at her organization for four … [Read more...]
What’s Your Nonprofit Job Title – Chief Excrement Officer?
I recently facilitated a major gift workshop for professionals from animal nonprofits. You know, animal shelters and rescue organizations. Many didn't have development professionals on staff. For the most part, the Executive Director was responsible for “doing it all.” Not only was the Executive Director the chief, cook, and bottle washer, … [Read more...]
9 Ways to Engage and Motivate Your Board Members to Raise Money
Recently I provided a webinar for Candid (formerly GuideStar and the Foundation Center) called, How to Engage Board Members in Fundraising in 15 Minutes per Month (recording available here). There were a number of great questions at the end of the webinar. I promised the attendees I would respond in a blog post. This is that post, and I … [Read more...]
How to Leave a Lasting Legacy: Your Donors and You!
For just a moment, give some thought to this question: How will you be remembered? Sophisticated donors think about what type of legacy they want to leave when considering their philanthropy. If they have a family foundation, they may do a lot of thinking, talking and discussing what type of mark they want to leave on the world. These … [Read more...]
Listen Your Way to a Major Gift and Your Donors Will Give with Joy
Experienced major gift officers will tell you they listen their way to major gifts. Unfortunately, many development directors think the opposite -- that they need to talk their way into a major gift. What’s important to remember is that fundraising is NOT about convincing, cajoling or guilting your donors to make a gift. When Fundraising … [Read more...]
The Changing Landscape of Fundraising: From Major Gifts to Capital Campaigns
If you’re one of my longtime readers, you know that for the past 10 years, I’ve been writing and talking about how to raise major gifts. From my free online Major Gift Fundraising Guide to the Major Gifts Challenge to my online course, Mastering Major Gifts, I’ve focused my career on helping you raise major gifts. So what comes … [Read more...]
Thinking Beyond Cash: How to Ask for Blended Gifts
Major gift fundraising is about helping donors achieve their philanthropic goals. Of course, it’s about achieving your mission, too. But it’s important to remember the purpose from the prospective of your donor. And many donors would like to do more for your mission than they think they can -- which would, of course, benefit your … [Read more...]
Know Your Worth and Never Settle for Less than You Deserve
Last week in recognition of International Women’s Day, I received a flood of emails discussing gender equality. It gave me hope and encouragement to see so many efforts being made to promote equality. And it made me sad that in 2019 there are still so many issues of inequality, especially in the nonprofit sector. My favorite email arrived … [Read more...]
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