Fundraiser Education

To give it your best you must be on top of your game and give 100 percent. Our jobs are not easy, and we need to understand that a balance is required for success. If you do not know what the problem is, you will not have a solution for it. Think about what you need to do each day and how you can increase the quality of productivity over time. In reality, it is only a grind if you let it be a grind. Adjust your attitude, and you will look at each day in a positive way!

Here's your chance to chime in and help us paint a picture of trends and best practices across all aspects of the nonprofit world in the new year.

In this video, join Rich Dietz, senior product manager for digital fundraising at Abila, as he discusses the key nonprofit fundraising trends to watch in 2015.

But that's still not enough. You also have to be ready, willing and able to follow through in a timely manner.

Happy New Year, and welcome to 2015 (in a couple days). I was in the dental chair the other day, and between drill sounds, I thought of 15 ideas to share with you as you enter January.

Gifts in whatever form enable your charity to be a center link between your donor and recipient of good will. Never take your charity for granted, and always make your organization's existence meaningful.

As you look at your fundraising program, and priorities, always keep a focus on what you can do with excellence versus what has to get done — and when. Don't be afraid to make tough calls — it may even have you thinking of new and better ways to accomplish your goals.

But — wow! — it's the greatest job in the world, isn't it?

Ted Hart speaks with CFRE and fundraising author Kay Sprinkel Grace about 2015 fundraising success plans on his Nonprofit Coach radio show.

As we close out 2014 and head into what is considered the warmest, kindest, most spiritual and “giving-est” time of the year, I leave you with these thoughts. Not all heroes wear capes, and we have no idea what the person in line ahead of us does or is capable of making happen. Your donors are heroes. Remember that, and treat them as such. Engage with them, give thanks to them and for them. Figure out what you need to do to unlock their inner hero, and do it.

And so are you. Remember that, too, when the day-to-day of what you do feels overwhelming. Or disappointing. When it breaks your heart. Or your back. What you do matters. Thank you for doing it. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our family to yours.