4 min read
Asking someone for a gift. It’s the most intimidating part of fundraising. But most asking strategies are focused on simply getting the money; some of them even border on manipulation. That’s not an effective method. Instead, you need to adopt an asking strategy that honors the donor in the giving...
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2 min read
Every fundraiser has gotten a “no” at some point in their career. Sure, it’s part of the job, but it’s an experience that can make you feel frustrated and dispirited with your work and your...
3 min read
Are you getting antsy? Wondering why money hasn’t started pouring in from your major gift program? We hear this all the time from leaders and managers and it feels like a crisis. Many non-profit...
3 min read
To create a successful major gifts program, it is essential for MGOs and their managers to establish clear plans and goals, and maintain strong communication. This approach forms the foundation for...
3 min read
When you’ve been coaching and working with major gift officers for as long as I have, you meet a lot of good ones and, unfortunately, some pretty bad ones. But throughout my career, I’ve also had the...
2 min read
The non-profit industry is coming up against another crisis. With the latest freeze on government funding for many agencies, we will start to see a ripple effect down to the everyday non-profit...
2 min read
If I had a dime for everyone that has said to me how their donors are different than other non-profit’s donors, I would be extremely wealthy. Let me begin by saying that I’ve pretty much seen it all...
3 min read
Reporting back on impact is THE key in retaining your donors. In fact, when donors are asked why they stopped giving, one of the top reasons is that the donor didn’t know the impact of their gift....
2 min read
I remember sitting at my desk 36 years ago, opening reply envelopes from a mailing I sent out weeks prior. I was right out of college, and this was my first job… working as a fundraiser for a small...
3 min read
Development Directors are the unsung heroes of a non-profit. Over the years of working on major gifts (and by that, I mean mid-level, major, and planned giving), Richard and I have developed the...
