Posting compelling content on Facebook is nice, but it won’t do you much good if no one ever sees it. For the most part, the only people who will see …
If you’re working for a small or mid-sized non-profit, there’s a good chance that you often feel overwhelmed with fundraising. There’s so much to do, and so little time (and …
There are two constants in non-profit fundraising. They are: (1) Every organization wants to raise more money, and (2) Every organization is stretched thin on fundraising resources, including staff and …
We’ve all been there… There’s a donor that is extremely interested in your work. He or she gives regularly – at almost every opportunity – and is one of your …
A number of years ago, while serving as the Executive Director of a non-profit, I faced a crisis. I had come on board 4 months before and could tell the …
Many non-profit organizations feel like they are spending far too much time online trying to raise money, with far too little return on that investment. Everyone is telling them what …
As non-profits, we tackle some serious issues: disease, homelessness, education, and everything in between. Because we want donors to believe in our mission and support our work, we spend a …
Did you know that every good non-profit fundraiser is a storyteller? As development professionals, we cast real life stories for donors that excite and intrigue. We show the world as …
Have you, and your non-profit team, thought about how well you are maximizing your donor relationships? I’ll bet the answer is “no.” And that’s ok – you’ve got a lot …
Did you know that the second gift you get from a new donor is almost as important as the first? Seriously – in large part, it is the second gift …
Most non-profits I know are skittish about direct mail fundraising, because it requires an initial investment of time and money. Picking up the phone to call a donor takes courage, …
Building great relationships is the essence of good fundraising. Your job as a non-profit is to find as many people as you can who are passionate about your work, and …
I can’t tell you how many times I have heard this plaintive cry from executive directors, development directors, and even board members themselves: “If only our board would give us …
I’m often asked what the best way is to turn large companies in a particular city or town into donors to a certain non-profit organization. The short answer is that, …
What’s the fundraising culture like at your non-profit? Do you work at an organization where everyone is focused on development… or one where the board tells you to “raise $1 …
How do your donors see themselves? Do they seem in “awe” of your program staff, or thank your staff for the work they are doing when they meet them at …