While I would never recommend rushing a major gift ask, I’m guessing there are several asks you could make in the next few weeks. If you really want to boost your year-end revenue, as well as establish your prowess as a major gift superstar, make a commitment to solicit at least ten major gifts before year-end. I know you can do it! 1. … [Read more...]
Navigating Fall Fundraising During a Contentious Election
As we enter the final quarter during a pivotal election year, fundraisers face a unique challenge -- how to keep supporters engaged, inspire giving, and maintain momentum while navigating the distractions and heightened emotions of a contentious election season. With the added layers of economic uncertainty, political turmoil, and the … [Read more...]
A Modern Look at Raising Major Gifts: From Cycle to Timeline
For many years, I wrote and spoke about the fundraising cycle. You know, identify donors, cultivate, solicit, and steward them. Start again, and round and round you go. But that’s not how real relationships work. Relationships evolve over time. So to be honest, a cycle doesn’t exactly make sense. Consider Donor Relationships on a … [Read more...]
Talking About the Uncomfortable Subject of Money with Donors
In many cultures -- ours included -- talking about money is taboo. It’s considered impolite to talk about how much you make, how much your home costs, etc. Of course, you can find out some of this information online, but it’s more likely you’d look it up than ask your friend how much they make. Consider the Uncomfortable Subject of … [Read more...]
Learn to Raise Major Gifts: A Better Way (That Actually Works)
You’ve probably attended conferences and webinars, and maybe you’ve even read some books on how to raise major gifts. You understand the concepts but implementing them is hard. You’re still nervous about meeting with donors and asking for advice -- and for gifts. And you’re not having much luck getting meetings anyway. If that sounds … [Read more...]
Fundraising Habits: Can You Really Create New Habits?
According to Mirriam-Webster, a habit is: a settled tendency or usual manner of behavior. Good Habits vs. Bad Habits vs. New Habits I like to think about habits as something a person does regularly without thinking about it. For example, brushing your teeth. Another habit many people have is biting their nails. There are good habits … [Read more...]
Real AI Assistance for Raising Major Gifts: Interview with Nick Fitz
I recently interviewed Nick Fitz, CEO of Momentum, because I was blown away by what they do when I saw a demo as few months back. Other than Calendly (which saves me over 100 hours per year), Momentum is the first tech service for major gift fundraisers and executive directors that I’ve been truly excited about. If you're inclined, feel … [Read more...]
Challenge: Double Your Fundraising in the Next 12 Months
Have you ever asked yourself, “What would I do if I could not fail?” I find that question incredibly inspiring. The question has led me to: Write a book (three, actually) Give keynote speeches Run 5K races Build successful businesses Don’t think incrementally -- think BIG! What have you got to lose? Think BIG, but Also Think … [Read more...]
Above All, Raising Major Gifts Requires Deadlines and Accountability
Setting goals and meeting them is important -- especially when it comes to major gift fundraising. In fact, I'd argue that it's impossible to raise major gifts well if you don't: Set deadlines Keep yourself accountable Why Accountability Matters -- for ANY Goal In early January, I shared some of my New Year’s Resolutions with my … [Read more...]
2 Great Ways to Qualify Major Gift Prospects and Narrow Your List
If you're planning to raise major gifts this year or are considering a capital campaign, it's critical to focus on the right donors. You'll be far more strategic (and successful) when you qualify your donors. Qualifying Major Gift Donors is Important! If you’re not sure who your biggest and likeliest prospective donors are, you're likely … [Read more...]
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