Fundraiser Education

Why keep learning? Because things are changing, and we need to change along with them. There are great opportunities to learn, no matter what your learning style is.

Three themes seemed to emerge at the Engage Conference among all the presentations — retention, risk and reward, or the three R's.

In a recent LinkedIn discussion group for fundraisers, many people shared their observations about whether commitment to the mission was essential to a fundraiser’s success. There were two sides: people who believe "it's all about technique" and people who believe that "belief in the mission is essential." I find myself on the “commitment to the mission matters” side of the argument. Technical mastery is important, or course, but it will only get you so far. Here are some of the benefits of being in a job you are passionate about.

In her Little Shop column last June — "Staying Focused in … Oh Look, a Unicorn!" — author, coach, copywriter and nonprofit marketing consultant Pamela Grow said that balanced fundraising begins with a fundraising plan and a fundraising calendar.

Whether you end up in the penthouse or the outhouse depends on personal success, timing, being in the right place at the right time and good luck. Treat people as you would like to be treated. Your success depends on that of others.  

We are all on a learning curve. After all, not that many years ago, not one of us had any idea how to raise money through e-mail. So no excuses! Make today that day you start managing your career so you can become the best fundraiser possible.

Here are the 12 principles of fundraising that Pamela Barden thinks are most important.

Funny how such a simple, five-letter word (brand) can be so complex and so much more than just a logo.

For the month of April, I’m hosting the nonprofit blog carnival. A carnival is a mix of contributions from bloggers and readers on a shared theme, and I chose the theme “best advice.” I asked you the following question: What was the one, best piece of professional advice you ever got and why? How has it transformed your work? I also invited readers’ best single piece of advice for people who work at nonprofits. There was an incredible response. Here are your answers! 

The majority of nonprofits struggle to bring money in the door. And they often don't know why. When you are on the inside of an organization that is used to doing things a certain way it can be nearly impossible to see new opportunities, to understand what you could do differently. There can be many reasons why a nonprofit doesn't bring enough money in the door. But here are the top five reasons a nonprofit struggles financially.