In a recent, intentionally provocative opinion piece on the Plymouth University Critical Fundraising blog, Joe Jenkins shared the notion that the social benefit sector has “a big problem: the entrenched homogeneity of charity communications. To the rest of the world we mostly look, act and appear to be the same.” Does nonprofit fundraising have an innovation problem? In part one of of a four-part series, we look for answers...
Believe it or not, an understanding of what causes post-traumatic stress disorder tells us a lot about what motivates people. How? We in nonprofit can make people feel necessary. We can give them purpose. We can give them ways to show competence, and to be part of something bigger than themselves. We can make them happier than they were before while accomplishing important goals for humanity...
How well do you know your donors and their motivations for giving? Your donor thank-you letters are only the first step in your donor retention plan. If you’re looking to create sustainable funding, you need to develop a plan for understanding your donors and their motivations on a deeper level...
We were meeting with people at the Atlantic City Rescue Mission to help them build a major-gift program and start developing real relationships with donors. The rescue mission has some really faithful donors, but many of them have not been challenged to make a real investment in the mission...
In 21st century fundraising, the landscape is filled with potential for greatness. Not that many decades ago, fundraisers relied on direct mail and face-to-face fundraising. Now we have multiple ways to talk to people, meeting them in their mailboxes, inboxes and mobile devices; on their cause-related shampoo bottle, the radio and billboards; through an app; and the list goes on and on.
The fun thing about working in major gifts is that you have an opportunity to loosen money’s hold on people by encouraging them to give it away. When people give away their money, they short-circuit its negative influence. As a major-gift fundraiser, you perform a powerful and unique service to donors...
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?...
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...
