How to build your development program with special event attendees
Often, we get so caught up with the small event details at special events that we forget to think long-term. Just this week at a conference that I spoke at, I was asked, "How do I collect all the names of people who are attending my special…
How to facilitate a donor prospect rating session
While wealth screening is an essential tool for fundraisers of today, I still hold true to augmenting a screening with the old "tried and true" Prospect Rating and Ranking Session.
What is a Rating and Ranking Session and how would you hold…
How to easily verify your annual report donor honor roll
Quite plainly, one thing that is known for sure is that donors appreciate the fact that you get their name spelled correctly, especially when you are thanking them for past giving. When it comes time to thank them in your Annual Report or…
Using a gift chart to validate a fundraising goal and campaign
When you have been presented with a fundraising goal, the best next step is to determine the feasibility of that goal. One of the most challenging tasks is setting out to accomplish a fundraising goal without knowing whether or not you have…
Engage your Board in your calendar year-end fundraising campaign
Engage your Board in your calendar year-end fundraising campaign
When running your next year-end campaign, it is essential that your Board sends a loud, clear message to its constituents that it supports the organization's mission. The Board…
How to find and hire your next development director
Often, executive directors wonder, "what should I be looking for in a development candidate." And, my answer is, it depends.
Development directors last an average of 16 months in their positions, it behooves management to do their diligence…
Create an “evergreen” grants management system
Ever wonder the best way to approach your foundation research? Not sure where to begin or what tools to use? Don't want to have to do research over and over again each year? Do you have changing priorities that need constant research? …
Using a mini-feasibility study to determine the strategy of your next fundraising campaign
Ever wonder as to what is the best course to take with your fundraising strategy? Let's say that you have been given a challenge match by a donor or you have a fundraising goal that the Board has given to you to raise.
The question becomes not…
Plan for your new fundraising job even before you start
It is very tempting to take some time off between fundraising jobs to just rest and relax. Fundraising is difficult and demanding work, and there is a need for a recharge.
However, this is exactly the time that you should be planning for…
Characteristics of a good development director
Technical skill or personality, which is most important when hiring a new Director of Development?
That is a great question.
And, while both would be ideal, that is not always a guarantee.
So, what do you look for in this case?
While…
How to dispel the endowment myth in your fundraising
Sometimes I work with organizations that have endowments. And, these endowments scare these organizations as they consider fundraising. They wonder if having an endowment, some of them significant in amounts, will deter donors and others…
How to build a strong fund development committee
The "warm body" approach to selecting committee members, always fails the diversity and strength test. Far too often, organizations will accept those interested persons without first determining who and what they need to best serve the purpose…
