(MG Series #6) How to Secure a Transformational Gift
Fundraising Strategy, Major Gift Fundraising We all dream about securing transformational gifts. Those are the gifts that can change your organization’s trajectory into a new, expanded reach. These are the gifts that can blow your mind – with all they can accomplish and the impact…
Managing Your Major Gift Portfolio Can Be This Easy
Fundraising Strategy, Major Gift Fundraising Portfolio management may seem like a technical term. But it’s an excellent format to help you focus your attention on your best, and most likely donor prospects. Of course, one of the secrets to successful mega fundraising is identifying…
Our Predictions: Fundraising Trends for 2021
Fundraising Strategy With a new year comes a hopeful new outlook. We're all glad to see 2020 go. What a year it has been: we suffered through a terrible pandemic, disruption of our lives, families, workplaces, a volatile political climate, and much more.…
Why we think there are new rules for fundraising today
Fundraising Strategy By Dr. Kathryn Gamble These days have been anything but usual. Managing a fundraising program has become almost a herculean effort. Much of the challenge is due to the uncertainty that surrounds us regarding the pandemic. For the…
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,…
4 Key Fundraising Trends to Watch from the Rogare Think Tank
Fundraising Strategy What really is the true state of fundraising in the US? Our nonprofit landscape keeps shifting and changing more than ever. Can anybody tell us what really is the true state of fundraising in the US right now? Fortunately, the international…
Top Takeaways from #AFPICON 2019!
Fundraising Strategy #AFPICON is always a terrific experience - with the best minds in fundraising in the room. We all come together to learn and share the latest research, trends and strategies. Here are some of my favorite ideas that I heard and shared…
Major Gift Series #7: How to Develop Friendly, Authentic Relationships with Major Donors
Fundraising Strategy, Major Gift Fundraising Here’s #7 in my series of major gift fundraising posts to help you build up and expand your major gift revenue. I’m sharing some of my best advice to help YOU and your team bring in the major gifts that are out there for your nonprofit. Today,…
The 12 Essential Systems Every Nonprofit Needs for Mega Fundraising Success
Fundraising Strategy, Nonprofit Leadership Your nonprofit needs revenue to run and expand its programs. And, fundraising brings in the revenue - generating money so you can do more good in the world. Perfecting fundraising is a no-brainer. So, let’s focus on the critical core systems…
Don’t Make These 5 Mistakes In Your Fundraising Appeal Letter
Annual Giving, Asking for Donations, Fundraising Strategy, Marketing & Communications, Year-End Fundraising Campaign Fundraising appeal letter mistakes - 5 key items to avoid Your year-end appeal letter just might be missing the boat. Here are some common fundraising appeal letter mistakes I see so very often: 1. Your call to action is weak. Lots…
Who Decides Fundraising Strategy at Your Organization?
Fundraising Strategy We've all been there! You run into lots and lots of discussion -- and even dissension -- even arguing -- about the best way to go about raising money. About what fundraising approaches will work best for your organization. And you know…
Takeaways from #AFPFC in New Orleans
Fundraising Strategy This week's AFP International Conference in New Orleans (#AFPFC) was full of smart ideas and great learning. That's our new CEO Mike Geiger above with fellow #AFPeep Alice Ferris and me. Here's my annual wrap-up of key takeaways…
How the New 2017 U.S. Tax Law May Impact Fundraising Revenues
Fundraising Strategy, Nonprofit Leadership The new 2017 tax law in the U.S. alters many of the tax incentives that encourage individual giving. Clearly, tax incentives are usually not most important reason most people give. But the incentives may contribute to how much donors give,…
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…
Disaster Fundraising – How Your Nonprofit Should Respond
Fundraising StrategyDisaster fundraising - when and how should your nonprofit respond? And you need to respond carefully. Communications with donors need to be precise and convey the correct tone. And this goes for all nonprofits. Even if your organization is…
Is Your Organization Aiming for the Fundraising Bull’s Eye?
Fundraising Plan, Fundraising Strategy Where are you with your fundraising plans? Are you playing the fundraising "dart game" by any chance? There's a game that many nonprofits play called “Aim for the Fundraising Bull’s Eye.” It’s the game of searching, searching…