How can you invite others if you’re not giving monthly yourself? You could even be the first monthly donor to give a quote on why you’re giving monthly. You can ask someone to take your smartphone and video you while you’re saying it and create a video testimonial...
The truth is the fundraising world is very complex and dynamic. We use simple tools and basic principles that we feel will provide easy answers for us. The truth is all of us make mistakes daily in our jobs. The question is do we know we are making mistakes and try to correct them, or do we assume the wrong way to do things is the right way to accomplish success?
Our lives are full of noise. We’re bombarded by messages designed to interrupt and grab our attention. Here are three keys to help you find your voice and communicate with power, so that your message will resonate with donors...
When we think about the characteristics of a true entrepreneur, we think about their exceptional talent, skills, vision and willingness to take extreme risk; and of course, years of instant ramen, couch hopping and other similar sacrifices, all in pursuit of the next game-changing product or service that would change the way everyone thinks, works, travels, eats, learns, sleeps, loves or banks.
Whether you’re a member of an established nonprofit or an up-and-coming small shop, you’re likely always looking for new-and-improved ways to make the big ask. Your nonprofit doesn’t need to be in dire straits to benefit from a review of your gift solicitation process. In fact, it’s smart for every nonprofit to regularly review their ask strategy...
There it was: a text and an email message from my credit card company. Someone was trying to use my card in a different state! I had traveled there the week before and stopped at one of those travel plazas to fill up my car. Maybe that’s where it happened...
Jeff and I very strongly feel that authenticity is one of the key attributes of a successful major gift officer. And one key to authenticity is that the words coming out of a MGO’s mouth are believable and true...
June 1 marked the 80th birthday of “National Doughnut Day.” This day was established by The Salvation Army and is a tribute to the fact that, in 1917 and 1918, about 250 Salvation Army volunteers served American troops on the front lines in France, supplying clothes, support and baked goods...
Quick question: How do you feel about your marketing and fundraising? Do you feel like everything is going as well as possible? Are you hitting your goals? Bringing in potential donors?
Many nonprofit charities are starting to see changes in the donor composition of their fundraising programs. This is due in large part to the huge generational shifts occurring in the U.S. population today. As next-generation donors become the dominant givers, their needs and behaviors also have a greater impact on the giving process...
