2 min read
How effective is your board at helping you solicit major gifts? If your board is like most of the boards Richard and I have encountered over the years, probably not great. It’s not easy to recruit your board to help you fundraise. But it can be extremely effective if you manage it the right way....
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2 min read
When I was a development director, there were times that I felt really alone. Especially when I was struggling. I didn’t have many people I could bounce ideas off easily. And at that time, it wasn’t...
3 min read
The other day I was talking to an executive director of a regional, well-established non-profit. She was lamenting that her organization was steeped in very strict silos, and the situation made it...
2 min read
Back in November I wrote about what you should be doing in December to finish strong. I really hope it’s going well. Today, I want to suggest what you can do in January that will set the stage for an...
2 min read
Building trust in any relationship is essential if that relationship is going to be real and authentic. As a major gift fundraiser, creating mutual trust with your major donors is really your...
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A question that Richard and I often get from development directors and MGOs is whether or not caseload donors should get regular direct-response appeals (mail and email) just like the rest of the...
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Being “donor-centered” or “donor-focused” had a good run. But Richard and I believe it’s dead. It’s dead because it’s not working. That is, not working well enough. What was great about...
2 min read
“So, tell me what you did with my money,” the donor said. And the silence and lack of response drove her away. Jeff and I hear stories like this every week. Every week! Sadly, this is one of the...
3 min read
The word transformation is an interesting and inspiring word. It means “a thorough or dramatic change.” It is positive and aspirational, and it carries a lot of meaning when it comes to giving. There...
2 min read
You’ve heard of the term “Solo Player.” In a sales environment, it refers to someone that does everything on his own and won’t include others in his work. Over the years, Richard and I have run into...
