A good development director is worth their weight in gold. Fundraising, especially major gift fundraising, is based on relationships. It takes time to build trust and confidence. The longer a development director stays at an organization, the more likely it is they really get to know the donors and volunteers and that the donors know them! … [Read more...]
Modern Day Storytelling is Driving Changes to Nonprofit Fundraising
From time to time, I like to share a different voice, perspective, and expertise on my blog. Storytelling is such an integral part of fundraising, so I turned to my colleague, Ephriam Gopin, for some words of wisdom. For those unfamiliar with his work, Ephriam is a nonprofit fundraising and marketing expert from 1832 … [Read more...]
The #1 Secret to Get Board Members to Help with Fundraising
Later today I’m giving a webinar called How to Get Board Members to Help with Fundraising in 15 Minutes per Month. It’s a talk I’ve given many times before and it’s always been popular. Yesterday I received a notice from the host saying that it broke their webinar records for the most registrations ever. I don’t share that to brag -- … [Read more...]
Early Xmas for Over 300 Nonprofits Thanks to MacKenzie Scott
I’d like to crown MacKenzie Scott the Giving Pledge Goddess. She took the pledge, and she meant it. If you had several billion dollars, what would you do? If you’re like most billionaires, you wouldn’t give a fraction of your wealth at the speed at which Ms. Scott has done in the recent weeks and months. Ms. Scott has now set a record … [Read more...]
Set Goals, NOT Resolutions: My 6 Goals Declared Publicly
Almost by definition, New Year’s resolutions get broken within days after they're made. It’s ironic because the actual definition of a resolution would indicate that resolutions would be kept. And yet, people are notoriously bad at keeping resolutions. One of the most obvious and common resolutions is to be healthy and lose weight. We know … [Read more...]
A Letter to Your Boss: 7 Ways to Thank Your Development Director
All years are stressful when working at a nonprofit, but I think we can all agree, 2020 takes the cake. With that in mind, I've composed a letter for nonprofit Executive Directors to remind them how crucial it is to recognize the tireless work of their Development Directors and fundraising staff. As a Development Director, you've had to … [Read more...]
Giving Out of Guilt: Good or Bad for Fundraising?
Do you “have to” fundraise? Or do you “get to” fundraise? And is there really a difference? I would argue, yes. There’s an important distinction between things you HAVE to do and those you GET to do. Fundraising and giving are two of those things where people straddle that line -- but shouldn't. Do You "Have To" Fundraise? People who … [Read more...]
How the Craziest Ideas Can Boost Your Fundraising Efforts
Have you had a far-out, wacky idea? Something way different than you’ve ever tried before? If so, that could be the exact thing you need to try right now. How a Crazy Idea Recently Took Flight Yesterday, Andrea Kihlstedt, my co-founder at the Capital Campaign Toolkit, warned me she was going to write a blog post I might not … [Read more...]
Even Good Fundraisers Have Bad Days
Picture this -- It’s the start of the new school year. My kids were “Zooming to school” (as my mother would say). My 11th grader, Ethan, is in the basement. My 8th grader, Zoe, is in her room. And, I’m at the kitchen table, leading a webinar. It’s 2:15, between periods, so my son comes up to get a snack. Without meaning to, he slams the … [Read more...]
4 Steps to Replace Special Event Fundraising with Virtual Giving
One of the things fundraisers complain most about is fundraising events -- because such events take up so much time and energy. They also put a strain on donors and volunteers. Who really wants to attend another rubber chicken dinner anyway? An Opportunity to Replace Special Event Fundraising These unprecedented times provide your big … [Read more...]
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