My Top 4 Tips To Make More $$ at Charity Fundraising Events
Events, Fundraising StrategyCharity fundraising events can be huge money makers for many nonprofits. They can also be a huge waste of time. As someone commented on my post last week: Events are great for visibility and exposure,"but they are terrible ways to raise…
Fundraising Events – Are You Having Too Many?
Events, Fundraising StrategyHow many fundraising events does your nonprofit put on each year? I imagine that you are staging 2-5 events a year, of various sizes and purposes. Maybe even more. So who plans and executes all these events? It's, of course, volunteers…
The 10 Worst Fundraising Event Mistakes
Events, Fundraising Strategy It's fundraising event season! And everybody is hard at work with caterers, venues, auctions and you name it. But what about your guests? Sometimes in all the hubbub - we forget to worry about our lovely guests who are nice enough to attend!…
39 Ideas From AFPFC That Will Make You A Smarter Fundraiser in 2016
Fundraising Strategy, InspirationThe AFP International Conference is always a huge highlight of the year. And this year, I have to say that I thought it was the BEST ever! Provocative and challenging ideas, smart presenters, and an appreciative, enthusiastic audience who soaked…
What Keeps 1200 Fundraisers Up at Night?
Fundraising Strategy, Inspiration, Nonprofit LeadershipMy recent Opinion Survey of Nonprofit Leaders came back with some rather shocking – or concerning – results. People who work in our nonprofit sector clearly have too much on their plates. I know – you are probably saying – “I’ve…
An Interview With Jerry Panas: The Master of Face-to-Face Fundraising
Asking for Donations, Fundraising StrategyOne Saturday in June I managed to snag master fundraiser Jerry Panas on the phone for an exclusive hour-long private interview, just for the INSIDERS - about successful face-to-face asks. I'm making this available today to everyone so they can…
The Dark Side of Fundraising When You Don’t Have a Plan
Fundraising Plan, Fundraising StrategyCome stroll with me through The Dark Side. This is what happens when your organization doesn’t have the proper elements in place for fundraising. There’s no way you can get good results from your fundraising strategies. (Don’t worry…
How to Make Your Donors Happy With a Valentine!
Donor Cultivation, Fundraising StrategyValentine’s Day: it's time to show your donors some love! A charming, thoughtful Valentine can express your appreciation to your donors in a delightful way. After all, they are the generous wonderful people who are making your work possible. They…
How (Bad) Marketing and Branding can Kill Your Fundraising
Donor-Centered Fundraising, Fundraising Strategy, Marketing & CommunicationsWHY do you have marketing, communications and branding for your organization? It's important to ask these questions: WHY does marketing exist? What is the purpose of our newsletter? What is the purpose of our website? What…
7 Steps to Fundraising Success This Year: Strategic Tips for Your Board and CEO
Annual Giving, Board Members & Fundraising, Fundraising Strategy, Marketing & CommunicationsThe new year is a great time to take stock of your fundraising strategy. Here are my strategic tips for board members and CEOs. These will help build a well-oiled fundraising machine inside your organization - something we all want! 1. Go…
Is There a Crisis in Fundraising Leadership?
Board Members & Fundraising, Fundraising Strategy, Nonprofit LeadershipHow do we attract, develop and retain good fundraisers? At last week's International Fundraising Congress, many of us were transfixed by a provocative conversation about "The Emerging Fundraising Leadership Challenge." International fundraising…
5 Tips for Making Your Donors Love You
Annual Giving, Asking for Donations, Donor Cultivation, Fundraising Strategy, Marketing & CommunicationsYour donor has just sent in another gift! Hurray! So you reply with a wonderful, personal thank you note. And then you call her to say thanks. In addition to the paper letter that you send. Then what? You have to communicate with her…
A General Unrestricted Ask is LAZY Fundraising
Asking for Donations, Donor-Centered Fundraising, Fundraising StrategyI’m going out on a limb here to challenge one of the oldest and most cherished fundraising habits in our sector. Not to fear! I’m also showing you how to take that general ask and make it sharper, more urgent, and more compelling. I remember…
Create a Profitable Fundraising Event Plan
Events, Fundraising StrategyDo you have a solid fundraising event plan and timeline? One that will guarantee a solid ROI? Fundraising events take a lot of time and energy. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, fundraising events are here to stay. They are part of the…
How to Secure the Major Gift: 10 Priceless Tips from Jerry Panas
Asking for Donations, Fundraising Strategy, Inspiration, Major Gift FundraisingJerry Panas is clearly one of our industry’s greats. I’ve learned so much from him over the years, and I hope you have studied his advice too. Today, I’m celebrating the fact that he’s joining us for Tuesday’s amazing Telesummit on…
Use the MPI Formula To Thank Donors and You’ll Increase Donor Retention
Annual Giving, Donor-Centered Fundraising, Fundraising Strategy, Major Gift FundraisingHere's a smart formula to use for ALL sorts of donor communications. Send this information to donors AFTER they give. And your donors will love you for it. Try using the "MPI Fundraising Formula" for your thank yous. What's the MPI Fundraising…