Jeff Jowdy

Don’t forget to carpe quartam! Seize every quarter of the year – especially this one, when most charitable gifts are made.

When I opened the email, I cringed. It was from one of my alma maters, but I still wanted to throw the fundraising penalty flag.

The granting processes can seem daunting. It can be a wasted effort or a program that yields great results. Like with other fundraising, be sure to do your research, have the right approach, establish relationships, follow guidelines, communicate clearly and follow up as appropriate.

A seismic transfer of wealth is on the horizon. Research firm Cerulli Associates estimates that $68 trillion will transition to heirs and nonprofits over the next 25 years. This presents an incredible opportunity for nonprofits to partner with donors who want to leave a legacy through the missions, visions, values and programs.

Quality data is critical in helping to deepen our relationships with our donors. Data can help develop an action plan to use with each donor. It is needed to determine donor interests, appropriate gift requests, appropriate timing and appropriate recognition and appreciation...

Nonprofit strategy is a plan of action designed to achieve a goal. Strategy is essential for fundraising success. No… proper strategy is imperative for you to fulfill your fundraising potential...

Recently I enjoyed lunch with two friends who also happen to be my mentors. One is a former manufacturing operations guru who, for decades, has enjoyed success in human resources. The other is the former CEO of a Fortune 500 company. The focus of the conversation ended up on a vital nonprofit and fundraising topic: succession planning...

If you’re looking at a major campaign in the next few years, the time is now to ensure that your nonprofit CEO is 100% committed to its success. If you’re a CEO, it’s time for a gut check and a commitment. If you’re a board chair, or incoming chair, you need to have a serious conversation with the CEO...

It’s always good to have that outside perspective. That voice of experience. Those fresh eyes. The wisdom of someone trained in your area. That is the role of a good consultant—not only to be that objective voice that can speak to you and others, but to bring needed expertise and experience...

Fundraising urgency is really a way of life. It doesn’t mean panic. Panic happens often when you have not been moving with urgency, and you have to catch up. Think of the duck, calmly moving ahead on the surface with feet moving rapidly below. Set your goals and then make them happen...

Be fully present in your work and be alert to opportunities and roadblocks. Listen and observe. Know the data. Ask questions. Pay attention to the surroundings. Use your skills and genuine understanding to deepen relationships at all levels for your organization. A key is to always be aware of your circumstances...

In fundraising communications, it is important to tailor your message as much as possible to the recipient. This can mean segmentation on a larger scale or individual personalization on a smaller scale. The same is true about fundraising relationships.

Years ago, when we were crafting our firm’s mission statement, there was a lot of discussion over one word: respect. Our mission statement says that we “partner with respected nonprofit organizations.” Unfortunately, organizations sometimes stray, and honesty and integrity are compromised...

For many nonprofits, the final quarter of the year—especially November and December—will determine their fundraising success. With the demands of year-end giving and a plethora of events and activities around the holidays, the final weeks of the year will be a blur. But it is time to close your door and do a quick check on these important points...

Last week I made a quick trip to New York City for the memorial service for fundraising legend Jerry Panas. I am sure that Jerry was smiling down on the gathering at the Century Club. Seeing Felicity, Jerry and others was heartwarming. It was a pleasure meeting new friends and learning nonprofit lessons from a fundraising leader...