Today’s question comes from John, who asks: I know I’m supposed to get out of the office and be out meeting with donors, but I am overwhelmed with paperwork and can never seem to break away. Do you have any suggestions? Share it with others -- Today’s Tweetable: Create good #fundraising #habits. Make 3 calls to donors every … [Read more...]
Cultivation: How to Build One-On-One Relationships with Your Donors
Although many fundraisers understand “academically” that building relationships with donors is key to raising funds, I’ve found that many don’t really know what cultivation really means or how to go about it. This week, I’m speaking to a group of fundraisers in Texas. My keynote is on how to get started raising major gifts. But before … [Read more...]
Gail Perry’s Secrets on Preparing for a Capital Campaign
Recently, I intereviewed my friend and colleague, and capital campaign expert, Gail Perry. Capital campaigns are one of Gail’s many areas of expertise. Join us for this Ask the Fundraising Expert episode in which we discuss how an organization can prepare for a capital campaign. Interview Highlights (Transcript) Here is an … [Read more...]
3 Simple Tips to Reconnect with Your Board Members
Is summer a slower time in your office? It might be the perfect time to reconnect with your board members. This post is a short, quick read to help you do just that. Think about how often you meet with each board member individually. It’s important to do so at least once a year, and if you haven’t done so in a while, now’s the time. Meet … [Read more...]
The Easy Way to Set Up a ‘Give and Get’ Policy for Your Board
Today’s question comes from Lisa who asks: What is the most successful model for the board give or get policy? How do you set the amount? Is it: 'Give until it hurts?' And how do you reinforce the policy you set? Share it with others -- Today’s Tweetable: Forcing #nonprofit board members to "give until it hurts" is bad … [Read more...]
Know Your Donor Retention Rate? You Should! Jay Love Explains
Jay Love, the CEO of Bloomerang and my friend and colleague, recently sat down with me for an exclusive interview for my Ask the Fundraising Expert series. Interview Highlights (Transcript) Here is a very bare-bones, mini-transcript of our conversation. Be sure to watch the video to get all the important details. Critical … [Read more...]
Does Your Board Approach Fundraising Like the Underpants Gnomes?
Although I’m not a South Park watcher, a colleague sent me this 35 second video and I immediately thought of the way some nonprofit boards function. Check it out and see how working at a nonprofit can feel a bit like dealing with the Underpants Gnomes. Hey... What's "Phase 2?" These enterprising little guys have a business plan … [Read more...]
Let Board Members Tell Your Story in THEIR Words: The Un-Elevator Pitch
When facilitating a board retreat, there's one question I ask board members more than any other: Why do you give your time, expertise, and finances, (time, talent, treasure) to this organization, when there are so many other worthy organizations out there? Share it with others -- Today’s Tweetable: Have your #nonprofit board … [Read more...]
Lemons to Lemonade: How Your Nonprofit can Overcome Charity Scams
Last week, the Federal Trade Commission revealed the results into their investigation of three bogus cancer “charities,” apparently run by a single family, that were stealing donors' money. As professional fundraisers, we all know that the actions of thieves like this family, coupled with the media attention any scandal attracts, makes it … [Read more...]
Getting Donors to Help with “Chores”: Donor Advice Visits
Now that spring is here, I wanted to clean out my garage. At the same time, I've been working on teaching my ten-year-old son the importance of helping out around the house. Fortunately, I was able to use a tactic I've learned from teaching board members to conduct donor visits and accomplished both at the same time! If you've ever … [Read more...]
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