How to create a manual that ensures your database stays clean and up to date
Databases are indeed the foundation of your development program.
While it is critical to have one, it is not enough to just enter data into it.
I have long advocated for consistency in data entry through developing a manual of standards…
How to have a direct mail appeal reply envelope that increases your appeal returns
When organizations create their direct mail appeal letters, the remittance envelope is often an afterthought. Far too many organizations put little thought into how the envelope or reply device should appear and what it should say. Many…
How to approach your major donors during your calendar year-end campaign
How to approach your major donors during your calendar year-end campaign
When organizations start to segment their calendar year-end appeal letters, they often start off with segmenting out active donors and non-active donors. Far too many…
How to segment and personalize your year-end fundraising campaign
It is year-end campaign planning time.
Far too often I see organizations using a blanket approach with their donor base. With a few minor tweaks in their strategy, they can increase their revenues by a third, sometimes even double.
What…
How to find new donors for your nonprofit organization
Each year, approximately 10% of your non-profit donor base will attrition naturally through death, moving, or just not giving any longer. Then you add lapsed donors on top of that natural attrition, and you are looking at an eroding donor…
How to prepare for your new fundraising job BEFORE you even start
They offered you the job, you signed the offer letter, and now you are patiently waiting for your start date.
Well, believe it or not, your start time begins before you take the job. This pre-start time is the time that you can start to leverage.…
How to have an immediate impact in your new fundraising position
You have just been offered a job as a Director of Development and now what?
Well, over the past twenty years, I have had my share of jobs and have started some fundraising offices within nonprofits as part of my consulting practice. As a…
How to ensure the success of your next fundraising campaign
Often, I get asked, "What is the magic behind a successful fundraising campaign?"
Well, it is not all magic. There is some science. And, with over twenty years of experience, I am going to share the top tips that have made it all "seem"…
How to create donor recognition opportunities for your fundraising campaign
An important part of any fundraising campaign is how you plan on recognizing your donors at different giving levels. While donor recognition opportunities do not motivate all donors, the fact is that some are. And, you need to be prepared to…
How to calculate your key fundraising metrics
Now that it is development planning season for many with the start of a new fiscal year looming, I am often asked, where do you start first when putting together your development plan and calendar.
Well, for me, I start at the beginning.…
How to engage your Board in fundraising before the ask or the thank you call.
Just this week, I was working with a client, and we were discussing Board member engagement in fund development. The assumption was, ho hum, "they just won't participate." It was then that I came across a blog article outlining all of the…
How to create a quick and easy fundraising plan to help you reach your goals
So, maybe you have been operating without a plan up until now. And, that is ok, but it is not strategic, and to meet your goals, you need to have a plan that you follow, monitor, and correct if needed.
Here are some simple instructions on…
