In the 21st Century, there’s no getting around the essential nature of technology. When it comes to using the latest technology, where do you and your nonprofit fit? Ask yourself the following questions: Do you sleep outside the Apple store the night before a new phone drops? If so, then you're an early adopter. Do you simply have to … [Read more...]
Fundraising is Not Always Fun: 7 Strategies to Help You Cope
You don’t need me to tell you that fundraising isn’t always fun. Sadly, many fundraisers are miserable at work. I hope you’re not one of the miserable ones, but I imagine your days aren’t constantly filled with joy either. I know fundraising can be a drag, which is why I’ve written several posts over the years about putting the fun back in … [Read more...]
6 Winning Strategies to Raise Money in a Down Economy
It *IS* possible to raise more money for your organization, even in an uncertain economy. I help organizations do it every day! Over the last two years, I’ve watched fundraising professionals react to COVID-19 and express their concern about the economic fallout. And now, with runaway inflation and everyone tightening their belts, we have … [Read more...]
Year-End Inspiration Grab Bag for Major Gift Fundraisers
One of my many Covid-era projects included cleaning out my office. In the process, I’ve come across lots of notebooks and post-its -- little nuggets of inspiration and wisdom -- from the past decade. In an effort to help you start off the New Year on a high note, I thought I'd share some of my favorites with you. So grab a sharpie and jot a … [Read more...]
6 Definitive Fundraising Trends to Follow in 2022
As we approach the final weeks of 2021, it’s important to reflect on how your fundraising went this past year and what you might do differently in the coming year. You know the definition of insanity -- doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Likewise, the expression, "if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it." Your job … [Read more...]
16 Tools and Apps for the (non)Tech-Savvy Fundraiser
Like it or not, technology is here to stay. What's more, it's changing at an ever-increasing pace. Sure, technology can be detrimental to your productivity and personal life. But when used well, it can enhance your life and make your work as a fundraiser easier and more efficient. Technology As a Time-Saver Are you the type of person … [Read more...]
Raising Major Gifts Post-COVID – Part 4: Stewardship
Stewardship is the fourth and final stage of the fundraising cycle. (Step 1 is Donor Identification, Step 2 is Cultivation and Step 3 is Solicitation.) What is Stewardship? Everything that happens after a gift is made is a part of stewardship. In other words, all forms of expressing gratitude and letting the donor know how their gift was … [Read more...]
Raising Major Gifts Post-COVID – Part 3: Solicitation
This is part three of my “back to basics” series on how to raise major gifts during Covid and beyond. Part two looked at cultivation (step 2 in the fundraising cycle). Although there aren’t very many silver linings when it comes to COVID, there is one important change for fundraisers in terms of how we ask for gifts. A key result of forced … [Read more...]
Raising Major Gifts Post-COVID – Part 2: Cultivation
This is part two of my “back to basics” series on how to raise major gifts during Covid and beyond. Part one looked at donor identification (step 1 in the fundraising cycle). Remember, there are four steps in the fundraising cycle: Identification – Who you will raise money from Cultivation – Building relationships with potential … [Read more...]
Raising Major Gifts Post-COVID – Part 1: Donor Identification
Over the years, I’ve written a lot about how to raise major gifts, but it's been a long time since I’ve gotten back to basics. As the pandemic is winds down, it's helpful to consider how things have changed as we review the basics. With that in mind, here’s part one of a 4-part series on how to raise major gifts in a post-pandemic … [Read more...]
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