Fundraiser Education

The best storytellers will tell you: Keep your message concise, relevant and engaging. Yet, you put time and hard work into crafting your nonprofit’s story—how it started, grew over time and became the success it is today—all to find out your donors couldn’t care less. What’s the deal? You probably know the basics of good…

The 100 percent model—the idea that 100 percent of funds raised will go to programs, none to overhead—attracts nonprofits, as well as donors. Charity:water is one well-known nonprofit following this course. But is it a good idea for your nonprofit? Let's see. First of all, if you look at it from the donor's perspective, you…

Of all the nuggets of essential fundraising knowledge buried within all the lists, books and articles ever written, which would be the one list, if room for only one was all there was, that you’d choose to hang directly above your space at your workplace? This is that list. These handpicked treasures are the essence…

Why is fundraising so hard? One reason: We barely give people a reason to give, much less talk about us and spread the word for us. Really. Can you imagine normal, sane humans saying any of these things? "You've got to hear this: I can give some amount of money and this charity will use…

We’ve all had them—aha moments. Those instances when a light bulb suddenly turns on and causes you to rethink your way of doing things. I asked some of the leading fundraisers to share their biggest aha moments with you. Listening. Straightforward bluntness. Asking more. Creating a genuine connection. Learning to lead instead of follow. You’ll have an aha moment or two yourself. Here they are, in no particular order...

A dollar bill’s value is very different depending on the state where it is being used. So, are charities getting the most bang for their donor-contributed bucks? Because of the variability of the dollar, and the always-increasing need for programs and services by charities, one obvious solution is to stay ahead of the curve by continuing to increase donor gift size...

Do you recognize this donor? She’s been on your house file for three-and-a-half years now. You know exactly how old she is, where she lives and the channel she was recruited on. And, of course, you know how she gives and how much. But do you know why she gives?...

How do donors want charities to approach them? That’s the question at the heart of new research by Rogare, a fundraising think tank at Plymouth University Centre for Sustainable Philanthropy in the United Kingdom. Led by Dr. Adrian Sargeant and sponsored by Pursuant and Bloomerang, the comprehensive, four-volume study provides a detailed look at relationship fundraising and the potential benefits it can have for nonprofits...

If there is one thing we can expect in fundraising, it’s the unexpected. We’re sure it’s a winner, but the donors don’t respond to an e-appeal or direct mail. The worst drought in history ends on the night of the gala. The website goes down right as we announce a big fundraising campaign...

Success is a funny thing. We all want it, but not all of us are comfortable with it. I remember sitting with a group of major gift officers (MGOs) once, and we were talking about the important work each of them did. In the middle of the discussion I asked the question: "You all do…