This week was a very busy week in my world. As I reflect back on it, the biggest “thing” that comes to mind over this past week is the question, “fundraising is it an art or is it science?” I say, it is both. A good fundraiser knows technique, strategies and skill. For instance, they […]
Throughout my career, I have found that it is oftentimes not fund development issues that impact the effectiveness of fundraising, but, larger organizational ones. After doing many development audits and assessments, I can say that the top items that are lacking within an organization are: a vision for the future, a case for support, and […]
I often get asked by nonprofit organizations, what is the value of conducting a donor acquisition campaign? Well, if you are looking to make money, you probably will not at first. Donor acquisition mailings frequently do not pay for themselves. It is only when donors renew and increase their contributions that the donations from mail […]
If you say you don’t then you are missing out. Donors are like members of our family and they need to be treated like such. A welcome package for new donors is a great way to make them feel welcome and to show them that you are happy that they are part of your organization. […]
How do you encourage your supporters to share your Facebook content within their own networks? When one of your Facebook fans clicks the “share” button under a wall post or a photo, that content will be posted to their own wall and shared with their network expanding your reach and helping to spread your message […]
Lately I have been approached by a number of different groups all inquiring about special events. So while I don’t necessarily overwhelmingly think that they are a great singular and isolated strategy in your fundraising toolbox, I do think that they have a place in an overall fundraising strategy. Only if done with the aim […]
I was recently approached by my local Catholic elementary schools to put together some thoughts about building an alumni base that could possible provide scholarship fund assistance. Some elementary schools have very robust elementary alumni efforts and some, like my particular community, are non-existent. These days, elementary schools are faced with the need to provide […]
Let’s face it, our donors are not ATM machines, nor should we treat them as such. These days the average thank you, well, won’t do the trick alone. Don’t you think for all that our donors make possible, that they deserve so much more? Here are some questions to ask yourself and your non-profit organization: […]
Are you a small non-profit who has stayed away from planned giving because you don’t think it is for your organization? Or you don’t believe that you have the resources to conduct a campaign? Or you are just operating day to day trying to meet payroll with not an eye towards the long haul? I […]
It seems everywhere I turn these days, I hear of more budget cuts heading down the “turnpike” of non-profit funding. Just today, I read about the MA state House Committee on Ways and Means proposes yet another $1.2 million cut to arts, sciences and humanities in the FY13 budget. This is rather common these days. […]
Hmmm…”where do I even begin” is something I am sure that you have asked yourself many times as you contemplate dabbling in social media. Well it is my hopes that this feature will get you started out on the right foot. Here are the places that you at least need to start thinking about: Stake […]
Have you ever wondered if you should conduct a feasibility study for a Capital Campaign? Oftentimes, I have heard non-profit groups saying, “Let’s just start the campaign!” And, if you are a small nonprofit, I would urge against by-passing this important step. There is a lot more that you will find out above and beyond […]
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