How you can find prospective donors for even your small nonprofit
One may think that there are only a limited number of donors to go around, but think again.
In my work, I assist small to mid-sized organizations in running their first capital campaigns. Many do not have established donor bases to tap into…
How a gift range chart can help you raise more money even in your small nonprofit
One might think that gift range charts are just for large projects such as capital campaigns or for significant fundraising efforts. And, while, yes, there is some truth to that, gift range charts can be used effectively in even the smallest…
Is it time to close our nonprofit doors?
As a nonprofit organization, you are here to meet a mission to your stakeholders. Maybe long ago, or not so long ago, you were founded to assist a particular group or meet a critical need. And, months go by, years go by, and you are still…
Donor cultivation and stewardship – it’s all unique and one-of-a-kind!
I often get asked from my clients, how many touchpoints do you need to give to a donor at a certain level?
And, my answer - it varies.
There is some science to the whole matter. In fact, after I conduct a rating and ranking session, I will…
Do you SWOT before accepting a job offer?
How do you make that decision to accept your next position?
Do you go by with what your heart feels? Well, there is some importance to listening to your "heart," "intuition" or "gut" when making decisions like this, there is also an important…
More than just a monetary number – the capital campaign feasibility study
There are quite a number of groups seeking to test the feasibility of a possible capital campaign.
And, so naturally being a consulting firm catering to small fundraising shops, I tend to get asked to talk about these, and I am currently in…
Oh, the woes of a nonprofit fundraising database!
So, let's talk database.
What? That seems like something so mundane. Well, it may be, but it is so critical to fundraising.
Throughout my professional career, I have been victim to bad databases, and I have been asked to work with bad databases.
One…
New “DCS” interim development services
Development Consulting Solutions is announcing NEW interim and project-based service offerings:
Who is “DCS”?
There are limited Certified Fund-Raising Executives (CFRE) providing outsourced fund development services and serving as interim…
A season of burnout?
I have worked in the nonprofit world far longer than I can remember. My job began in the sector back in 1992 or so, when I became a grant writing intern for a local non-profit organization as part of my undergraduate work.
Little did I realize…
Do not take Fund Development best practices at face value!
Best practices. We hear that phrase often. This week, I even read a question asking if "best practices were misleading?"
Are we throwing that phrase around to legitimize our field? Our do we have best practices and what are they?
Well, I contend…
OORAH – What the Marines taught me about fundraising
This weekend I took a little vacation of sorts. I ran a marathon. The Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC. Running a marathon is exhausting, but also, reflective. For you see, you run for 26 miles. That is a long time on your feet…
“Am I asking my donors too much?” Well, Virginia let me tell you the answer.
So, here it is. I am laying this question and answer right out on the line. Especially now that we are coming to the year-end giving season.
I am asked time and time again, "Didn't we just mail to them, won't we be bothering them?"
No, no,…
