Love me or lose me – How donor communications can do both.
We often talk about banning jargon when we speak to others about our organization. And, that is so needed. But, I would like to take it one step further, and say that we are not here to "educate" our donors about what we do.
They don't…
Great expectations for Board Members
Last week, I noted how all-volunteer and small staffed organizations must engage in governance at the Board level. I pointed out that one of the first steps is to secure commitment to change. Some groups may not want to change and need to…
Corporate Governance is a Must Even in Your Small Nonprofit
Board governance is challenging work. It is especially difficult for smaller organizations. Even more so in all volunteer organizations.
When organizations lack staff including an Executive Director, it is the Board of Directors who often…
Reflecting on a career in fundraising; simpler times
Twenty-two years is an awfully long time. I can't believe it has gone by that quickly. And, it all happened by pure chance or maybe little small choices all along the way. Now, I find myself a CFRE and have my Masters in Fund Development…
What is your aversion to asking others for money?
I enjoy asking for gifts. I like to connect a donor with a mission and see magic happen. Indeed, when you ask one for a gift, the giver gives.
When I have broached this topic as of late, I see faces cringe and heads nod, "no." The body…
Fundraising audits inside and out
The fundraising audit is a major step in fundraising planning. When you think about planning, you think about where are we, where do we want to be, and how are we going to get there?
The fundraising audit helps you to determine, where are…
How does your fundraising ROI measure up?
How are you looking at your fundraising rate of return?
It is critical that you develop a variety of ways to measure your performance and report these results to the board.
In doing so, you are ensuring appropriate stewardship of your resources…
I have a motive, and it is a bequest.
Yes, I have a motive, and it is a bequest. As a young woman with no children, I have already created my estate plans. Yes, I have. And while those I love will be taken care of as they should. There is a time after they are gone when my assets…
Insanity? Creating a fundraising plan without conducting an audit.
When developing a fundraising plan, I am often asked whether or not, I can skip the development audit analysis. And, I arguably say "no!"
A fundraising audit is probably the most critical stage of the entire planning process looking at where…
A Case Study: Donor Acquisition – It Does Work!
This week, I had a conversation with one of my very first clients. And, I wanted to share their success story. You see, too many groups don't want to invest in donor acquisition because they know that they will lose money - in the short-term.…
Younger people want to give, but can’t!
Younger donors don't give as much. You can chase the Millennials and the generation whatever's, but if you don't take into consideration the family life cycle, then you are misdirecting your energies.
What is the family life cycle I hear…
Hello, are you really listening to me?
We are all so very guilty of appearing to listen to someone, but yet already forming a reply in our head..
You know, you are sitting with a donor and rather than listening, you are rehearsing what your response may be.
Are you missing some…
