
Fundraising Blog Topics


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!…

The 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…

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…

Take Our Donor-Happiness Quiz
Annual Giving, Marketing & CommunicationsMr. Donor, How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I hope you are happy with my organization, Mr. Donor! I hope you will stick around and become a die-hard long term supporter!
Your donors are your "money in the bank" because they are funding…

Your Donor-Centered Appeal Letter Checklist
Donor Cultivation, Donor-Centered FundraisingCongratulations! You want to create a real, live donor-centered appeal letter!
Let's nail the proper tone and wording.
This makes your donors happy. It engages and excites her about your work. And inclines her to be more generous.
Clearly…

2 Steps to Create Loyal MAJOR Donors Who Give You More Each Year
Major Gift FundraisingWouldn’t it be wonderful if you could attract lots of generous repeat gifts from your donors?
As my mentor at Duke University used to say,
“The first gift is, hopefully, never the largest!
Don’t you just love that optimism?
What is…

The Best Way to Raise Endowment Funds – Via Planned Giving and a Capital Campaign
Capital Campaign, Planned GivingOne question we hear a lot is: "What's the best way to raise endowment funds?"
Especially if you are in a capital campaign, you probably have planned gifts and endowments on your mind.
Here are some simple ideas that might help you understand…

Asking for a Major Gift and a Planned Gift in 4 Easy Steps
Capital Campaign, Major Gift Fundraising, Planned Giving
Wow - the Ultimate Ask - a major gift and a planned gift all at one time!
How to pull this off?
Well, let's start with your donor.
Cultivating a donor for a major gift involves many conversations with her.
You talk with her…

4 Easy Ways to Get The Appointment with a Major Gift Prospect
Major Gift FundraisingDon’t you just love asking potential donors for appointments? Or do you hate it?
If you dislike this step in the major gift process, you are not alone.
People often tell me that trying to get an appointment can be the worst part of fundraising…

3 Key Major Gifts Fundraising Strategies for 2023
Major Gift FundraisingNo matter what the economy is doing, many donors still give big gifts. Major gifts. Transformational gifts, even.
It's always possible for you to bring in serious money from your major gifts program.
Major gifts fundraising strategies are changing!
We're…

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