We all talk about the need for relationship in major gifts. And we all know that relationship is the key to success—servicing the desires and dreams of the donor in an ethical, sincere and caring way is what will cause a generous financial response...
If you have a small number of monthly donors, you always want to be moving toward growing that number: to the next 50, to the next 100 or, perhaps, to the next 1,000, but moving you must. I’m also a strong believer of writing down your “moving” goal and developing a plan to get there. There’s something truly magical about writing down goals because you will indeed get there...
I was recently asked to make a presentation at a hospital foundation’s board of directors meeting. The foundation executive director wanted me to speak on how to engage his board members in fundraising. I truly enjoy teaching and speaking to groups, so I was prepared. The secondary benefit for me in meeting with this group was to watch the executive director interact with his board chair and board members and see how the meeting was directed...
Recently, we met with a major health care nonprofit that was reviewing its fundraising portfolio. Their peer-to-peer campaign had become an unholy mix of walks and runs, often holding runs and walks on the same day, mixing constituents who showed great affinity to their cause with others who showed great affinity to running 5K races...
A nonprofit in the process of launching its monthly donor program has its annual gala coming up this spring. Donors typically pay $100 to $150 for a ticket to attend. Usually this is the event where you’re looking for “people who can show you the money...
Don’t blow this great opportunity with your donors. Thank them in the right way. Show them they are appreciated. Remember, it not just about the money; it’s about creating a deep relationship and respect for your donors...
For thousands of us in the nonprofit profession, a goal of self-improvement is a must. The complex nature of the profession implores the need for constant examination and re-examination of one’s skills and abilities. There is a foundation for which that everyone must have if they are to succeed in this profession...
Foundations and nonprofits have ambitious goals. In our work, we often talk about how systems change and foundations make major investments to achieve societal impact. This work is incredibly challenging and complex, and, increasingly, we are all coming to the realization that the old ways of working are becoming obsolete...
To the uninitiated, phubbing is the act of snubbing people in favor of your cell phone. The practice has become so widespread, you may not even notice it. We've all been there: out to eat with friends, instead of conversation or even menu-grazing, people are working their phones. Then there are meetings where employees pull out their mobile phones, slap them on the table and tap out messages, unapologetically multitasking, as the meeting proceeds...
There are some fantastic leaders in our nonprofit arena—CEOs, chief development officers and beyond. There are also some leaders who are underperforming and too often get passed from organization to organization...
