Measuring your fundraising programs acquisition and retention metrics
While there are some relatively simple measures for evaluating the effectiveness of your fundraising program, such as Return on Investment (ROI) and the fundraising numbers, you often need to go beyond that to determine the long-term health…
How to acquire new prospective donors while reactivating lapsed ones
According to recent findings in the 2018 Fundraising Effectiveness Project, The Agitator points out that "The warning signs are there – decreasing numbers of new donors and decreasing reactivation rates of lapsed donors."
We are apparently…
How to create sponsorship opportunities for your fundraising event
So, you have an upcoming special event and you want to seek sponsors, and now you are wondering how to develop sponsorship opportunities that make sense and that inspire businesses to support you.
Well, when I advise my clients on how to…
How to get started with “Moves Management” in your major gift fundraising program
So, you have finally decided to start your major gifts program in your fundraising office, and now you are wondering how to establish a Moves Management system for cultivation.
Well, you may be first wondering, what are moves?
Moves are…
How to pack your annual operating expenses into a family of funds
Have you ever wondered if all you can ask for is general operating support? Or perhaps, you asked how you could offer different projects for your donors to support without creating restricted donations?
I recommend to my clients that they…
How to Find New Major Donors for Your Organization Using an “Inside Out” Prospecting Approach
Soliciting new donors, much like growing your major gifts portfolios and upgrading mid-level donors to give more, should also start with those you already know. Prospects can be hiding in plain sight. It is after you’ve culled through…
How to develop Giving Societies for your non-profit fundraising program
Giving societies can be an excellent way to cultivate, steward, and upgrade donors in your organization. Some giving societies focus on level, monthly, major, and legacy donors. Generally, non-profits set up various groups at different giving…
How to follow up after a fundraising cultivation event
The cultivation event was a starting point. It’s what you do after the event that counts when it comes to donor cultivation and building sustainable relationships with your attendees. Event follow-up is the critical element to starting…
How to evaluate your fundraising grants management program
The many factors that affect grant writing success are incredibly diverse. They include such things as the reputation and professionalism of the organization; the quality of the program or evaluation design; the qualifications of proposed…
“Why You Need It: 8 Reasons Why the CFRE Makes a Difference in Fundraising.”
I started my fundraising career almost twenty-five years ago. Like most people during those days, I learned on the job. It was something that I “chose” to be or to do. It was a necessity to keep the organization operating. Back in…
How to upgrade your donor’s giving to your organization
Organizations often become so focused on acquiring new donors and broadening their universe of prospects rather than developing and building relationships with the ones that they currently have.
Many organizations that I see are not focused…
How to create multiple giving options for all of your donors interests
A wise organization is one that provides its donors with multiple options, whether programs or projects to invest.
Donors come with all different types of passions held deep in their hearts, and it is our job to match those desires with our…
