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...
Development Office
30 days to better relationships with donors
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...
Create your Donor Stewardship Plan
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...
Happiness & Positive Mindset
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...
Tips to start your development day
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...
How to Foster a Culture of Philanthropy
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...
A Matrix to Recruit New Board Members
What's your plan to recruit new board members? Do you have a method in place, or do you simply look for people who have passion for your organization? Having the right board members on board will determine the future of your organization and its potential for...