I couldn't stop laughing! Last week I was having some fun with a nonprofit client as we were brainstorming how they could expand their donor base. They are just 18 months into a new effort around relationship-based fundraising. They have been working hard – systems are lined up, volunteers are feeling the momentum and joining [...]
Raise your hand if you love fundraising events and can’t wait to do a new one for your nonprofit! They’re fun to attend, right? Whether it’s a community run, gala, chocolate fest, or fashion show, you get to see your pals, eat some interesting food, maybe take home some cool bling, and show off your [...]
It’s time to come clean. Did you wake up this morning and think – I hope I get to ask somebody for money today?! Chances are you didn’t. Why? Because there’s all this weird psychological stuff that goes on when we think of nonprofit fundraising. The good news is we can do something about it. [...]
For all of you in the U.S., I hope you’re enjoying the holiday week, and preparing for a wonderful Thanksgiving! The Nonprofit Blog Carnival theme for this month is about creating an attitude of gratitude for your donors (heck, most could apply to customers in any business too, not just donors). Instead of my typical [...]
Tis the season of year end giving! And you must earn the right to receive by being prepared to thank donors and really honor their gifts. I know you want to. You try to get to it. Then some other competing priority sneaks up on you. You feel like you can’t do everything you need [...]
More often than you’d think, I get asked this question by amazing nonprofit leaders “What should I say in the upcoming donor meeting?” Usually it’s a meeting with a major donor or someone they would like to become a major donor. But here’s the thing….. If you have done your research and cultivation up front, [...]