Ever had a fundraising goal “handed” to you out of the blue? I bet you have, and you’re not alone. But that doesn’t make it right. I’m sick of development directors being expected to perform miracles. And, that’s generally what’s happening when their fundraising goal is created without their input. When that happens, I know their … [Read more...]
When to Hire a Major Gift Officer (and More) with Ann Hale
I had the privilege to interview Ann Hale, Chair Elect of AFP International and Chief Development Officer of Anchorage Museum. Listen to Ann’s words of wisdom as she initially discusses the process she's leading for AFP’s new strategic plan, as well as how she successfully convinced her CEO it was time to hire their first major gift … [Read more...]
5 Red Flags to Look Out for When Raising Major Gifts
Video Transcript Red flags are often used as a sign of warning or danger. Unfortunately, most red flags are not literal, but figurative, and are often missed by the people who need them most. Once you know the red flags of major gift fundraising, they might be easier to identify and tackle. 5 Red Flags when Raising Major … [Read more...]
A $37K Incentive for Fundraisers to Invest in Professional Development
I want to let you in on a little secret -- I’ve never been a huge data person. Sure, I love stories and testimonials and pictures. I like to laugh and cry with my donors. I love to have my heart stings tugged, which is what got me into this field in the first place. Can you relate? However, sometimes data comes along that is so … [Read more...]
Make the Donor the Hero of Your Case Statement with Tom Ahern
Earlier this year at AFP’s 53rd International Conference, I had the privilege to interview Tom Ahern, a world renowned expert in donor communications and fundraising case statements. Interview Highlights (Transcript) Here are some excerpts from our interview, but be sure to watch it in its entirety to get all the nitty-gritty … [Read more...]
5 Surprising Ways Event Sponsorship is Just Like Raising Major Gifts
Events and corporate sponsorship is a subject I rarely touch on my blog, but the reality is that most organizations are still highly dependent on events for a large portion of their fundraising revenue. That said, I want to make sure you’re doing the best you can with event sponsorship, as it will make or break your event. Event … [Read more...]
Do Metrics Really Matter When it Comes to Raising Major Gifts?
You know the expression, “What you measure is what you get?" It’s mostly true. Research finds that most small nonprofits are only measuring dollars raised when it comes to major gifts. Dollars Raised is Just One Metric Unfortunately, dollars raised is not always the best measure of whether your major gift program is working, and … [Read more...]
Pre-Campaign Prep: BEFORE You Hire a Consultant with Andrea Kihlstedt
Andrea Kihlstedt is THE go to expert on capital campaigns, and is the co-founder of Capital Campaign Masters. Interview Highlights (Transcript) The text below provides the HIGHLIGHTS ONLY as Andrea and I discuss the "pre-campaign." Be sure to watch the full interview to get all the important details. The First Steps When … [Read more...]
What’s Stopping You from Raising Major Gifts? Part 4: No Time
What’s Stopping You from Raising Major Gifts? Part 4 of 5: No Time It’s true that major gift fundraising is a huge time commitment... and the payoff might be months or years away. With grant deadlines looming and your gala coming up, it’s a real challenge to find time to raise major gifts. However, if you truly want to raise major … [Read more...]
What’s Stopping You from Raising Major Gifts? Part 3: A Lousy Team
What’s Stopping You from Raising Major Gifts? Part 3 of 5: A Lousy Team Raising major gifts takes a village. Unfortunately, many board members and executive directors don’t understand that. They hire a development director and expect them to raise major gifts in a vacuum, and subsequently, are upset when it doesn’t work. This post … [Read more...]
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