Data Mining

Strength 
Training for 
Fundraisers
May 1, 2011

These 12 strategies aren't the only things I'd do to transform my donor-development office. They may not even be the most urgent things I'd do, or even the most important. But they are the things I'd do that I think would have the most lasting impact. They would make the most difference to converting my imaginary donor-development department from the under-funded, misunderstood appendage to the fundraising function that I found on joining the organization into the finely honed, high-
earning core activity that I'd like to leave behind when, in the fullness of time, I move on to pastures new (you have to indulge me a little here, in this fantasy). Anyway, here we go.

Are You a Fundraising Maverick or Working to a Plan?
April 18, 2011

Fundraising mavericks are those who have the right contacts, make inspired judgment calls, and play fast and loose with data-entry standards, but somehow the funds come in. Meanwhile, the rest of us rely on more prosaic techniques, or at least a blend of inspiration and perspiration, to win the support of our donors.

Go On ... I Dare You
January 1, 2011

Do you have the guts? I have 10 ideas that might scare the daylights out of you. They're probably difficult, politically unpopular or against the rules of your organization. Furthermore, these ideas might not work for you. They could even be very, very bad for you. But I don't think so. These are good ideas that have worked for others who made them happen despite the difficulties. I dare you to try at least one.

5 Fundraising Trends for 2011
December 28, 2010

At the Direct Marketing Fundraisers Association Year-End Luncheon, veteran fundraising expert Roger Craver, founder of DonorTrends and editor of The Agitator, shared five fundraising trends to get on top of in 2011.