Experienced major gift officers will tell you they listen their way to major gifts. Unfortunately, many development directors think the opposite -- that they need to talk their way into a major gift. What’s important to remember is that fundraising is NOT about convincing, cajoling or guilting your donors to make a gift. When Fundraising … [Read more...]
The Changing Landscape of Fundraising: From Major Gifts to Capital Campaigns
If you’re one of my longtime readers, you know that for the past 10 years, I’ve been writing and talking about how to raise major gifts. From my free online Major Gift Fundraising Guide to the Major Gifts Challenge to my online course, Mastering Major Gifts, I’ve focused my career on helping you raise major gifts. So what comes … [Read more...]
Thinking Beyond Cash: How to Ask for Blended Gifts
Major gift fundraising is about helping donors achieve their philanthropic goals. Of course, it’s about achieving your mission, too. But it’s important to remember the purpose from the prospective of your donor. And many donors would like to do more for your mission than they think they can -- which would, of course, benefit your … [Read more...]
How Raising Major Gifts is Like a Marriage Proposal… Slow and Steady
Heading into Valentine’s Day, there will be countless marriage proposals. However, most of these proposals will not be spontaneous -- they will be well planned, and carefully executed events. The “proposer” has probably made arrangements for a memorable occasion -- at a minimum, reservations at a favorite or fancy restaurant. It’s likely … [Read more...]
Women in Fundraising: 3 Keys to be More Successful
The vast majority of professional fundraisers are women (70-80% by most counts), and yet a majority of these women would not consider themselves “power askers.” On the contrary, many would describe their asking skills as weak, timid or even passive. In the age of #MeToo, it’s time for women fundraisers to stand up and take charge. We need … [Read more...]
Find Hidden Gems in Your Donor Database: Interview with Steven Shattuck
Who's hiding in your donor database? In this video interview with Steven Shattuck, Bloomerang's Chief Engagement Officer, you'll discover how to find all those hidden gems in your donor database. Here's what to look for... The full interview transcript (with minor edits for clarity) appears below. Finding Diamond-in-the-Rough … [Read more...]
The Easiest Way to Raise More Money: Give Thanks to Donors
During the holiday season, it’s only natural that you’re thinking about gratitude. And, there’s good news -- thanking your donors is one of the easiest ways to raise more money. That’s because how (and if) you thank your donors plays a large role in whether or not they give to your organization year after year. Whether you send a … [Read more...]
Is Major Gift Coaching Even a Thing?
A generation ago, coaches were primarily reserved for athletes. Today, they're still valued for teaching the technical skills of any number of sports, strength training, endurance, focus, and so much more. If you want to be a professional athlete or go to the Olympics, you need multiple coaches. Now coaching is becoming mainstream for all … [Read more...]
Foolproof Way to Make a Compelling Case that Keeps Your Donors Giving
One of the challenges you may face when attempting to raise major gifts is struggling to “convince” donors to give. In reality, you shouldn’t have to convince them at all... they should want to give! So how can you create a compelling case for support? You do so by writing a compelling case for support, which focuses on benefits, not … [Read more...]
Raising Major Gifts with a Culture of Philanthropy: Interview with Susan Holt
From the AFP International Conference on Fundraising in New Orleans earlier this year, Susan Holt, President of Vision Philanthropy Group, talks about creating a culture of philanthropy that reinforces raising major gifts. The full interview transcript (with minor edits for clarity) appears below. Looking at Your Own … [Read more...]
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