Giving Pyramid

The Nonprofit Optimization Guide
October 16, 2017 at 2:18 pm

Most nonprofits struggle to make online fundraising work. And most agencies will add "digital" on to a direct mail program, but few have cracked the code to discover what really works to raise more money online. In this free eBook, you'll learn a new methodology that will help you optimize your fundraising and grow your online revenue.

What Do You Control in Major Gifts?
May 1, 2017 at 12:45 am

There’s quite a bit of noise out there in the major gift world on management—what next step to take, how to approach the donor, how to frame the ask, etc. And still, with all of that information, Jeff and I find hundreds of major gift officers frustrated in their jobs...

Fundraising Lessons Learned From 'Groundhog Day'
February 6, 2015

Doing the same thing over and over is relying on increased dollars, donors and gifts without expanding the number of prospects, number rated, number solicited, etc. Break out of Bill Murray's cycle in the movie "Groundhog Day" and the experience of déjà vu. Complete fundraising success depends upon your 360-degree view of the total fundraising process.

R.I.P. Donor Pyramid?
May 1, 2014

Digital toppled the donor pyramid. Actually, it crumbled it … slowly, surely … until there was nothing left but an empty frame. A triangle on paper. The donors no longer fit inside of it. R.I.P. donor pyramid. You had a good run.

Each Donor Is a 'Guest of Honor' in Your Fundraising Budget
May 1, 2014

Budgeting as a fundraiser can be challenging. Too often, the overall goals seem to be (1) spend less and (2) raise more. It's as if it was as easy as simply willing it to happen … I am unable to solve that problem for you, but here are six groups you need to be sure have a starring role in your next fiscal year budget.

How to Start Stewarding Donors Better
April 28, 2014

Could you be stewarding your donors better? In today’s video, Vanessa Chase shares a technique that will help you get started when it comes to stewarding your donors. If you have any stories or advice around stewarding and retaining donors, please share it with everyone else. Leave a comment under the video. Thanks.

March Madness Brackets for Fundraisers
March 21, 2014

Create your own "March Madness" bracket theory for your fundraising program, and your organization will be the ultimate winner over time!

The Great Thinkers' Guide to Donor Relationships
February 3, 2014

As I was thinking about this whole donor relationship thing, I looked up a few thoughts from some really smart people to see what kind of insight they could offer on how to make relationships strong and lasting. Here’s what some of them had to say.