If you’re considering a potential capital campaign, pre-campaign planning and preparation is the most essential part of your effort. A successful major gift to the campaign is the result of 80% preparation and 20% asking, so don’t skimp on planning and preparation....
Asking for a donation can be a challenging task. We often make it harder on ourselves by creating fears in our mind that limit us and our success. If you want to be a successful leader and fundraiser, you have to overcome fear of asking for a donation and help others...
8 Factors of Happiness This image created by Duke University popped up on my Facebook memories from one year ago. Who knew in December 2019 that 2020 would unfold the way it did? This image really speaks to me. It highlights the 8 Factors of Happiness and creating a...
Three weeks left in the long, long year that's been 2020. You probably have enthusiastic supporters and longtime donors who want to further your mission and make a positive impact on the clients you serve. However, they may want to give something other than cash....
In a recent post, I wrote about my experience making gifts to four organizations in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. I had four different experiences as a donor. If you haven't read it yet, read Create Your Donor Stewardship Plan. I received many comments and responses to...
How would you rate your ability to build better relationships with donors? Do you know them personally? Do they take your calls? Have you met them face to face or virtually? Do they respond to your emails, notes, and communications? Do you know what brought them to...
Donors are essential to our nonprofit organizations. Without them, our organizations would not exist. When donors give, they place their trust in us and expect us to work towards achieving agreed-upon outcomes. The least we can do is acknowledge their donation...
How do you start a planned giving conversation with a longtime donor? As fundraisers, we work hard to improve our relationships with donors. With a donor that has a history of giving to our organization over several years, we may want to start a planned giving...
How do you start your development day? I'm not a morning person. I've never been a morning person. One of the first things I do is get the coffee going before I start my development day and jump into Zoom meetings and calls. I'm always looking for ways to start my...
What do we mean when we say, “culture of philanthropy?” And how can we build our organization's "culture of philanthropy?" Your culture of philanthropy is your organization’s values and attitudes about philanthropy and fundraising, and the activities that flow from...