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How to Secure the Major Gift: 10 Priceless Tips from Jerry Panas

Asking for Donations, Fundraising Strategy, Inspiration, Major Gift Fundraising

Jerry 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 Fundraising

Here'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…

6 Steps You Can Take Today to Improve Your Donor Retention

Annual Giving, Donor Cultivation, Donor-Centered Fundraising, Fundraising Strategy, Marketing & Communications

We all know that donor retention is where the easy money is for you, your team, and your organization. It's the key to sustainable fundraising for your organization. Getting current donors to renew is far, far easier than bringing in new…

When in Doubt, Throw a Party!

Events, Fundraising Strategy

Believe it or not - this is my #1 motto after more than 25 years in fundraising. But let me be clear - I DON'T mean throw another fundraising event! Heaven forbid! But here's what I really mean: I believe in making everything you do as…

How to Create a Fundraising Action Plan for Your Board

Board Development, Board Members & Fundraising, Donor Cultivation, Major Gift Fundraising, Motivating Board Members

Board members are naturally nervous about fundraising. But there are ways to calm them down and make fundraising fun for them. No kidding! Here's how: set them up to do fundraising jobs that DON'T involve soliciting. Tell them…

Myths and Realities of Board Members and Fundraising

Board Development, Board Members & Fundraising, Friendmaking

How do YOUR board members feel about fundraising? Not enthusiastic, I'll bet! One of the biggest myths around is that board members should be willing and able to raise money. We wish! But here's the reality: Most board members…

Your Board Members Can Become “Door Openers.” Here’s How!

Board Development, Capital Campaign, Friendmaking, Major Gift Fundraising, Motivating Board Members

What would you MOST love your board members to do? Many nonprofit ED's tell me that - of all possible things - they wish their board members would simply open doors. That's all. Just open doors. But what happens when you ask board members…

Major Gift Prospect Visits: Your Questions and My Ruthlessly Practical Answers

Fundraising Strategy, Major Gift Fundraising

Visits with major gift prospects can be scary. How do you handle them? What do you say? Here are my answers to all your questions from last week's webinar: Q: What if your donor hijacks the conversation and you lose control? That will certainly…

Encourage Planned Gifts By Telling a Bequest Story

Marketing & Communications, Planned Giving

For the first time ever, I have a guest post today! I'd like to introduce you to Claire Meyerhoff, who is my favorite Planned Giving marketing expert. As owner of the PG Agency and Editorial Director at Planned Giving Marketing.com, Claire…

No Time for Planned Giving? Try These Quick Ideas!

Capital Campaign, Major Gift Fundraising, Planned Giving

I'm as fired up as I can get about something big these days: planned giving. I know, I know -- you've heard it before. "Jump on planned giving," the consultants say. "I can't," you say back. "I don't have the bandwidth." Okay, I get that. But…

Does Your Organization Really Support Fundraising? Take This Simple Quiz

Board Members & Fundraising, Fundraising Strategy, Nonprofit Leadership

Many organizations pay lip service to supporting their fundraising team, but end up failing miserably. Your board, your executive director, and your program and admin staff can undercut fundraising efforts easily. And in many organizations…

Five Clues Your Fundraising is Headed Downhill

Board Members & Fundraising, Fundraising Strategy, Inspiration, Nonprofit Leadership

Don’t we all want fundraising that provides reliable, consistent, revenue? Money we can count on year after year? But that kind of reliable success doesn't just happen. It takes serious work and commitment. And many organizations…

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