Our Best Practices.

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How a Capital Campaign Planning Committee Develops Lead Donor Relationships

If you’re planning a capital campaign, you are very likely evaluating your fundraising potential. How much can you raise? Who will be your major funding sources? Would a Capital Campaign Planning Committee help you raise more? A…

Nonprofits, Politics and Elections

Friendmaking, Nonprofit Leadership

We all imagine that 2020 will go down in history as a difficult year. And now here we are waiting for election results in the U.S. Politics and elections can certainly be exhausting for everyone. But being involved in civic life (politics)…

Three Ways Our Current Environment Opens Unique Opportunities for Fundraising

Asking for Donations, Inspiration

We know our current environment presents challenging times. You’ve had to reinvent just about everything you do - from communicating with your donors to delivering your organization’s services. Just about everything is different. All…

Donors are Stepping Up! Giving Was Up 7.5% in the First Half of This Year

Inspiration, Year-End Fundraising Campaign

Remember April, when we were all clenching our teeth and thinking “Oh wow, this is not the year for fundraising. How will we get through it?” Well, it turns out recent data proves that 2020 is actually a great year for fundraising. So…

Board Chairs: How to Fire Up Your Board with a Call to Action

Board Development, Board Members & Fundraising

Here's a call to action for all board chairs! You have a big job. Especially these days. Many organizations are facing major decisions - about funding, staffing, service delivery - and everything else. As we said two weeks ago, a small…

Step Up Your Ask With These Proven Strategies

Annual Giving, Asking for Donations, Major Gift Fundraising

We are coming up on year-end and, as usual, there is one thing on fundraisers’ minds: “How can I effectively use this season to ask for gifts?” I hope you are not thinking of using these themes or phrases in your appeals: “Please…

A Small Goal and A Small Vision Won’t Cut It In This Environment

Board Members & Fundraising

Okay, forewarning - this is a bit of a rant. Prepare yourself for some tough love, some hard truths, and some tangible takeaways to keep your organization on the right track during this pandemic! Trust me, a small vision won't cut it. Nonprofits…

5 Ways Board Members Can Boost Your Virtual Year-End Campaign

Board Members & Fundraising, Year-End Fundraising Campaign

This year, your year-end fundraising campaign may look a little different. With social distancing still the norm for many people, you'll be using digital tools and direct mail, with no personal visits or gatherings. You need your board members'…

How Will We Cultivate Donors This Fall?

Donor Cultivation

“Cultivate donors.” I bet you’ve heard that before. But how do we accomplish this in the virtual environment? We like to think of cultivation as nurturing your donor’s philanthropic interest in your organization’s work. And…

Advice for a New Major Gift Officer: Raise Money the Minute You Hit the Ground

Asking for Donations

This week on Facebook LIVE we discussed common mistakes that a new major gift officer often makes. Now we’re following up with ideas to help you get started quickly and see some quick fundraising wins. Being new can be daunting,…

How COVID Times Provide Unique Opportunities for Fundraising

Asking for Donations, Major Gift Fundraising

Yes, COVID times are hard for everyone to handle. But don’t despair: We are finding that these times offer some pretty interesting and unique opportunities for fundraising. Unusual times often bring up unusual opportunities…

What’s the Right Time to Ask for a Gift?

Asking for Donations, Major Gift Fundraising

Today, we want to help you with one of the thorniest questions of major gift fundraising: What's the right time to ask for a gift? When should you ask your donor? We all struggle with this issue. And when we are unsure about timing, we…

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