Our Best Practices.

Discover our advice. Put it into action. Thrive.

Is There a Crisis in Fundraising Leadership?

How 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…

112 Tips to Raise More Money by Direct Mail Fundraising

Annual Giving, Asking for Donations, Marketing & Communications, Year-End Fundraising Campaign

Direct mail fundraising is a major workhorse for all nonprofits. And, yes, online giving and digital appeals are important - but donors pay far more attention to a paper letter that arrives in their mailbox. Here's a smart guide to help you…

5 Tips for Making Your Donors Love You

Annual Giving, Asking for Donations, Donor Cultivation, Fundraising Strategy, Marketing & Communications

Your 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 Strategy

I’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…

6 Steps to Creating The Fundraising Results You Really Want

Annual Giving

Want mega productivity in the coming year? Want to raise as much as you possibly can? Then let's get cracking on your smart, systematic fundraising plan. I'm talking about a plan that gets everybody in your organization on board. a plan…

#1 Strategy for Fundraising Appeals This Year: Make Your Donor the Hero

Asking for Donations, Donor-Centered Fundraising

You are planning those fall appeals right now, during the summer months. And it's time to start thinking about how you'll construct your appeal. Please don't make it the same old series of appeal letters. Please don't make your letter…

Our Guide to Brilliant Major Gift Cultivation Events

Donor Cultivation, Events, Friendmaking, Major Gift Fundraising

Many fundraising teams are hosting major gift cultivation events often – to open doors, make friends, cultivate potential supporters and thank your current donors. All of these gatherings are wonderful opportunities to bring people…

9 Point Profitability Checklist for Your Next Fundraising Auction

Annual Giving, Events

There's nothing like an experienced charity auctioneer's coaching when it comes to a high-profit fundraising auction. And I was quite impressed with the tips that Sherry Trular of Red Apple Auctions shared with us this week in our Highly…

Create a Profitable Fundraising Event Plan

Events, Fundraising Strategy

Do 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 Ask Your Donors for Feedback So They’ll Love You Even More

Annual Giving, Donor Cultivation, Major Gift Fundraising, Marketing & Communications

Have you tried asking your donors for feedback? This is a huge new trend that smart fundraisers are spearheading. Why can donor feedback be so important? How can you send communications to donors if you don't know if they like what…

How to Nail Your Online Messaging to Your Donors

Annual Giving, Marketing & Communications

Kivi Leroux Miller of Nonprofitmarketingguide.com is one of the smartest communications gurus anywhere. What I like about Kivi’s approach is that she cuts to the chase - no fluff, no bull. It’s straightforward advice on how to shape your…

Five Ideas That Will Make Major Gift Asks Much Easier and More Successful

Annual Giving, Asking for Donations, Donor Cultivation, Major Gift Fundraising

We all know that fundraising comes down to one exciting, scary moment: when you actually ask for support. This is when knees start knocking under the table, mouths get dry and suddenly words evaporate. But it doesn't have to be so awfully…

Partner with Gail Perry Group

Find out how we can help you achieve your fundraising goals with world-class consulting and custom training.

Reach Out