7 Fundraising Misconceptions Holding Your Organization Back
Culture of Philanthropy, Inspiration As we all know, fundraising can be a wildly misunderstood activity. Many nonprofit CEOs and board members bring their own personal misconceptions about fundraising when they walk in the door of a nonprofit. Some think fundraising is awkward…
Want to Develop a Culture of Philanthropy? Take This Simple Quiz
Culture of Philanthropy, Inspiration, Nonprofit Leadership Many organizations seek to develop a culture of philanthropy. So you might ask, why would this be so important? Consider the internal culture of your organization. What's it like? How do people "feel" about fundraising? What are their…
Why You Should Invest in Your Organization’s Infrastructure
Culture of Philanthropy, Nonprofit Leadership What exactly do we mean by infrastructure? And how important is it to your institution's health? Just consider: infrastructure is the fuel that makes everything run. If you are trying to educate kids, heal the sick, feed the hungry, or help…
How Board Members Can Help Increase Donations by 39%
Annual Giving, Board Members & Fundraising, Culture of Philanthropy, Donor-Centered Fundraising, Year-End Fundraising Campaign If you are serving as a nonprofit board member, I'm sure you are often asked to help in fundraising. Here's how you and your fellow board members can help increase donations to your organization by 39% - without having to do any "asking." To…
Build a Culture of Philanthropy & Redefine “Fundraising”
Culture of Philanthropy As we all know, a culture of philanthropy lays the foundation for excellent fundraising results. So the true question to ask is: Does your institution have a true culture of philanthropy? Diving deeper, the real question is: Is there really…
A Look at Post-COVID Fundraising for 2021
Culture of Philanthropy What is the outlook for post-COVID fundraising? There's good news to share! Giving is up - right now - across the board. What’s more, the outlook for charitable giving in the next year or two is also looking very good. We predicted a…
Three Things Your CFO Needs to Know About Fundraising
Culture of Philanthropy 1 Fundraising is predictable. 2. Fundraising is built on relationships with people who are donors. 3. Donors are not ATMs. Right now, our fundraising community is feeling tremendous pressure and getting many conflicting messages. Where…
How Your Data Can Cut Off Your Fundraising Revenue at the Knees
Culture of Philanthropy, Fundraising Strategy, Major Gift Fundraising Here's a post by my colleague Dr. Kathryn Gamble, our data expert: Are you walking away from future fundraising revenue? Try this test. Can you easily pull a list of individual donors who have given year to date including amount,…
Don’t Carry Out Your Mission on the Backs of Your Staff
Culture of Philanthropy, Nonprofit Leadership Julian was a superstar young staffer on our client’s Annual Fund team. He doubled his area's contributions in his first year. Using his social and digital skills, he ramped up donor engagement and gifts. In only six weeks, Julian…
How to Appreciate Your Fundraising Team
Board Members & Fundraising, Culture of Philanthropy In the nonprofit sector, it seems many people doing the hard work are not often thanked or appreciated. The fundraising team lavishes attention on supporters. But who remembers those hardworking staffers themselves? Many great fundraisers…
Why Are We Facing a Fundraiser Exodus?
Culture of Philanthropy Are fundraisers ready to leave their jobs? Are we really facing a future fundraiser exodus This week’s big news is a new survey of fundraisers conducted by the Harris Poll for AFP and the Chronicle of Philanthropy. The survey found that…
Rule #2 for Board Members: Know Your Fundraising Roles and Responsibilities
Board Members & Fundraising, Culture of Philanthropy, Fundraising Strategy What are the fundraising responsibilities of nonprofit board members? This post outlines Rule #2 in The Board Member's Guide to Fundraising: 10 Rules for Success Every Board Member Must Know Know Your Roles and Responsibilities in Fundraising This…
How to Get Your Whole Organization Behind Major Gift Fundraising
Culture of Philanthropy What would be possible if your whole organization supported a full-scale major gift fundraising program? You’d be able to raise tons of money to fund important projects and urgent expenses at your organization. You’d have a cadre…
Fundraising Barriers: The Idea of “Fundraising” is All Wrong!
Culture of Philanthropy, Fundraising StrategyThe New Paradigm: From “Fundraising” to “Philanthropy”
Board Members & Fundraising, Culture of Philanthropy, Donor-Centered FundraisingThere’s a new way of thinking coming along - one that is shaping the future of fundraising. It’s a move AWAY from the narrow idea of simple "fundraising" that focuses on "money." It’s a move TOWARD a much broader, more holistic notion…