I’m currently working with two organizations that will each raise significantly more money once they improve the way their respective offices function. What can you do to improve the way your office functions? Here are four super easy processes that you can put into place right away. Team Meetings for Accountability Have a weekly development … [Read more...]
Fundraising Results: It’s Not the Economy, It’s You
Do you think your fundraising results are terrible because of a poor economy? If so, think again. Many organizations are raising more money than ever before. The Winners and Losers Those organizations that are investing in development efforts are seeing a significant return on their investments. They're the winners. It should come as no … [Read more...]
How to Meet Donors with Big Wallets
Over and over I hear board and staff members complain that they don’t know any “rich” people and my reaction is always the same: it’s more important to meet people with big hearts than big wallets. Remember, the actual number of “rich” people in this country (or even in the world) is extremely small. Therefore the chances that one of them … [Read more...]
4 Great Tips to Make Fundraising 10 Times Easier
In my most recent newsletter (join my list at right and you'll get my eBook too), I asked about your biggest challenge with regards to fundraising. Thank you to everyone who responded, and I hope some of the answers below will help with your challenges. I got a wide range of answers, but I think it boils down to the fact that fundraising can … [Read more...]
How to Organize Your Development Shop to be Donor-Focused
How organized is your development shop? More importantly, are you donor-focused? How Does Your Organization Compare? Last week I facilitated a process improvement meeting for development department directors at a local hospital foundation. Each department at the hospital foundation (annual fund, major gifts, stewardship, planned giving) … [Read more...]
Is Your Organization Changing the World?
If you follow me on Twitter @AmyEisenstein, you already know that I was at the most amazing AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals) conference this week in Chicago. One of the sessions I attended was called “From Bonsai to Redwood – Cutting Edge Thinking from the Frontiers of Philanthropy.” The speaker was Jon Duschinsky. I wish you … [Read more...]
Japan Reminds Us: Nonprofits Need Cash, So Just Ask
Yesterday I heard a report on the radio that made me frustrated and angry. The reporter had recently completed an in-depth survey of all the emergency response agencies to the crisis in Japan. What was their conclusion? If you really want to help, send cash! Is this rocket science? Did we really in need a study to tell us this? Maybe we … [Read more...]
How to Identify Potential Donors for Your Cause
Do you wish you raised more money from individuals? If so, what’s stopping you? I often hear from my clients that they don’t know where to start. If you’re stuck because you don’t know where to start, the first step is to identify potential donors or prospects. Some Simple Ways to Identify Potential Donors There are a handful of … [Read more...]
How to Raise More Money Through Your Annual Fund
Have you ever been confused when people mention their annual fund, campaign or appeal? What exactly are they talking about? Your annual fund or campaign should be a year-long, multi-pronged effort to raise funds for your annual programmatic and operational needs. Annual campaigns often include traditional appeal letters (close to the … [Read more...]
The Smartest Way to Raise More Money in 2011
Another year is almost over. Was your 2010 fundraising as successful as it could’ve been? You probably didn’t raise as much money as you should’ve because you aren’t asking as often as you could’ve. And, it’s not because you didn’t want to. It’s because you may not know exactly how, and because you’re overwhelmed with day-to-day … [Read more...]