Random Fundraising Resources and Thoughts
April 19, 2017 at 2:30 pm

Learn from others. Measure what matters. Start out right. Live out thankfulness. This old dog knows that it takes more than these four things to be a successful and fulfilled fundraiser, but this isn’t a bad place to begin for anyone new to the profession or looking to hit the reset button on his or her career in the nonprofit sector...

What Is the Most Important Position in a Nonprofit?
April 19, 2017 at 9:06 am

Leadership makes the difference! Of this, I have no doubt. Effective CEOs can transform an organization, and donors look to the CEO as a benchmark when considering a major investment. However, I believe that there is one leadership role more important to an organization—and more critical to its short and long-term success...

No Puppies? No Problem: Digital Marketing When You Don’t Have Easy Imagery
April 18, 2017 at 10:20 am

Big-eyed kittens and cute puppies are great ways to catch donors’ attention and play on their heartstrings. But sadly, we’re not all animal welfare groups, and we need creative that represents our missions and brands. There are many techniques and tactics that can help you make the most of digital marketing when you can’t rely on easy imagery...

Delivering Emails that Deliver $$
April 12, 2017 at 9:02 am

Turnkey deploys hundreds of thousands of emails each month on behalf of dozens of nonprofits. Email communication is cheap, and its effects are measureable. It is a great channel to nurture and deepen relationships with constituents on which nonprofits depend...

Questions I Have for Nonprofit Organizations (As a Donor)
April 5, 2017 at 9:01 pm

I get a lot of fundraising mail, which is good because to this fundraiser, that’s like food to a starving person. I receive great nourishment from other people’s mail (OPM)—creative stimulation, chuckles, thoughtful moments, emotional engagement, smiles and an occasional tear...

How to Ask for What You Want (And Get It)
March 31, 2017 at 2:18 pm

Just the thought of asking for things can make even the most confident amongst us sweat. Whether it’s asking for something simple like a social media shout out or asking for a major donation, the “ask” part can really trip someone up. Not any more...

The Walk Is Dead
March 29, 2017 at 8:42 am

Maybe it is time to accept that walk is dead. Maybe enough people have done walk that we just can’t attract enough participants. Maybe the digi-verse gives them a new way to fundraise, and they don’t need to face-to-face with each other. Maybe no amount of lipstick is going to dress up this pig...