For the last decade, I’ve written, spoken, taught, and even preached about the benefits of in-person solicitation for raising major gifts. The success I'm seeing with virtual solicitations taking place these days has made me reconsider some of my own assumptions and question what the future of fundraising will look like. Of course, … [Read more...]
Fundraising Success Stories for Raising Money RIGHT NOW During COVID-19
Are you at an organization where you’re actively raising money right now, or are you taking a “wait and see” approach? We’re many weeks into the Covid-19 crisis, and I can’t believe I’m still having the same conversation with Executive Directors, day-after-day, week-after-week. Too many EDs still aren’t sure this is a good time to raise … [Read more...]
9 Unusual Ways You Can Spread Joy Remotely to Staff and Donors
The last two months have been filled with stress, anxiety, and fear. And while we may not have all the answers (or any answers) for what lies ahead, I believe it’s time to look towards the future, take action, and create joy and happiness whenever possible. In my experience, fundraising is 30% skill and 70% attitude. So if you’re … [Read more...]
Boosting Fundraising | How to Build Meaningful Relationships
The following is a guest post by Steven Shattuck, Chief Engagement Officer at Bloomerang and the guest host on a recent Coronavirus Townhall session. Nonprofits like yours rely on donations now more than ever before. With the pandemic shaking up society and a turbulent economy, organizations are doing everything they can to maintain … [Read more...]
5 Great Examples of Electronic Donation Solicitations During Covid-19
Today I’m excited to bring you examples of electronic donation solicitations done right during the Covid-19 crisis. You’re really going to want to watch the 6-minute video, because it’s all about show and tell! A partial transcript appears below, with visual examples pulled from the video for reference. Example 1: Donation Frequency set … [Read more...]
Covid-19 Creates New Ways to Solicit Donors
One refrain that always made me cringe -- yet seemed so commonplace at many nonprofit organizations -- was: That’s the way we’ve always done it. And while I was the first to encourage the boards I worked with or the senior staff I coached to try something new, it seems I may have fallen into that trap myself. Covid-19 is a … [Read more...]
Is It OK to Ask Donors for Gifts During the Coronavirus Crisis?
We’re several weeks into this global health and economic crisis and I find that fundraisers are still asking the same question over and over. The question is: Is this a good time to be asking donors for money? Is it inconsiderate to be asking for money? My answer has been consistent throughout the crisis: NOW is the best time to be … [Read more...]
Inspiration and Resources for Fundraisers During the Covid-19 Crisis
It’s the third week my kids have been home from school and we’re finally settling into a routine. I refuse to call it the “new normal” because this is anything but normal! I have worked from home for the last 12 years, but not usually with the kids around. In the last two weeks, I’ve officially relinquished my office to my 10th grader, and … [Read more...]
5 Stages of Grief: You, Fundraising, and Covid-19
You’re likely already familiar with the Five Stages of Grief, which are often referred to when someone experiences extreme loss (usually death or divorce). They can also be applied to the Covid-19 crisis. The five stages of grief apply to us both personally and professionally because the magnitude of the current global health crisis and the … [Read more...]
How to Manage Your Fundraising During the Coronavirus Crisis
Today we’re going to talk about how not to stop fundraising in the middle of the Coronavirus crisis. I know the world is topsy-turvy, and you may be working from home for the first time, and your kids maybe home, and you don’t know what’s ahead. I’m here to tell you, do not stop fundraising. That’s going to be the topic of today’s video and … [Read more...]
