There’s a popular sentiment shared by many fundraisers: Managing a nonprofit board is a lot like herding cats. In other words, it can feel like a completely frustrating and unmanageable task. If you're frustrated with your board as a whole, with individual board members, or their inability to fundraise, you're not alone. Many … [Read more...]
Fundraising in Times of Crisis: What Helps Ukraine Most Right Now?
As a fundraiser, I often wonder about crisis fundraising... Does giving to an organization like the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, or Save the Children help those impacted in real-time during all-out war? What about sending medical supplies or even teddy bears (as I’ve seen requested this week for the children of Ukraine)? What sort … [Read more...]
The Zen Approach to Modern Fundraising: 11 Paths to Serenity
Fundraising can be stressful. But it doesn’t have to be... Zen is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China during the Tang dynasty. When we use the word today in western culture, we're generally describing then notion of peace and tranquility with the mind and spirit. Yet, peace and tranquility rarely define the life of a … [Read more...]
Beyond the Basics: 5 Creative Ways to Thank Donors and STAND OUT
Gratitude is a basic expression of human kindness. From a young age, we teach our kids to be polite -- to say thank you and you're welcome. But how do we keep gratitude from becoming rote and automatic, rather than creative, genuine, and authentic? Are you truly grateful for your donors? Of course you are, but you have to show them in … [Read more...]
3 Surefire Ways to Alienate Your Donors on Valentine’s Day
This week, you’re going to be bombarded with ways to show #DonorLove. Much of the advice you get will be standard and sound. Some will be cheesy and tacky. Hopefully some ideas will be original and inspirational. It’s up to you to determine which is which. I suggest doing things that will make you stand out (in a good way) with your donors. … [Read more...]
How to Fundraise as a Team (and Build a Better Fundraising Team)
Fundraising is a team sport. It should NEVER be the responsibility of a single person. When it is, you get mediocre fundraising results (at best). With that in mind, take the time necessary to build and improve your fundraising team. If you do, it won't be long before you're functioning as a well-oiled machine. How to Fundraise as an … [Read more...]
Therapy for Fundraisers – Yes, It’s a Thing
Fundraising is a tough job! You’re under enormous pressure to raise even more money every year. Every twelve months, you start from zero and do it all over again. If you work in a small shop, fundraising is isolating. You’re the only person at your organization who does what you do. If you’re working from home, you’re even more … [Read more...]
Does Your Nonprofit Need a Digital Overhaul? Interview with Lou Kotsinis
From time to time, I like to share a different voice, perspective, and expertise on my blog. Having a strong digital presence is such an critical part of modern fundraising, so I turned to my colleague, Lou Kotsinis, Co-founder and CEO of BCS Interactive, for some words of wisdom. Lou is a digital marketing expert for causes and … [Read more...]
Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining: 10 Inspirational Fundraising Clichés
It all started when I recently read the famous quote: Resentment is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. The quote is attributed to several people. I’m not sure why it struck a chord with me, but I immediately thought -- that applies to fundraisers. It reminded me of a fundraiser named Nancy. I was speaking to … [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...]
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