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Fundraising Blog Topics

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…

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…

Whaaaaat? Did you say “fundraising??!!!”

Myths and Realities of Board Members and Fundraising

Board Development, Board Members & Fundraising, Friendmaking

Whaaaaat? Did you say “fundraising??!!!” 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…

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…

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