Imagine this... Your board president starts a meeting by letting every board member know that you are counting on 100% board participation this year. (She’s off to a good start.) Then she proceeds to hand out a pledge form and asks people to send it in before the next meeting. She then calls for approval of last month’s minutes. That’s … [Read more...]
The Importance of Taking Calculated Risks in Fundraising
Fundraising is not for the faint of heart. It takes courage, persistence, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. But more than anything, it requires taking calculated risks—especially when it comes to asking for major gifts. Too often, nonprofit fundraisers and leaders shy away from big asks. They're worried they’ll hear “no” … [Read more...]
In 2025, Major Gift Fundraising is More Important than Ever
A recent New York Times article was titled, “White House Budget Office Orders Pause in All Federal Loans and Grants,” and it took my breath away. If this “pause” holds for several days, the implications for the nonprofit sector are vast, to say the least. Diversify Your Funding and Seek Major Gifts I don’t believe private citizens can … [Read more...]
You Have Everything You Need to Raise Major Gifts — Tap It!
Almost 10 years ago, I challenged development directors to get “rich and famous” in a blog post that has over 350 comments on it. (For comparison, my average post gets maybe two comments.) Rich in terms of donations to their organizations. Famous, as in a “rock star” among their board members and colleagues. In other words, the best, … [Read more...]
5 Keys to Raising Major Gifts in the Final Weeks of the Year
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...]
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