2 min read
How You Can Help Your Board Succeed
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...
Passionate Giving BlogTM
Fundraising (6)
2 min read
You Need ‘Your People’
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...
2 min read
Here's What MGOs Should Do in January
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
Can You and Your Organization be Vulnerable?
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...
3 min read
Seven Ways MGOs Can Avoid Burnout
I talk to many major gift officers, development professionals and non-profit executives every week. Perhaps it’s the time of year, or the stage in their careers, but I’m hearing from a large portion...
3 min read
No Answer? Try 7 Times!
We have all had the experience. We try to contact donors and no answer. They will not answer the phone. They will not answer their email. They probably don’t open our mail. And the silence is...
2 min read
Go Tell Your Donors They are Making a Difference!
“How are you telling your donors they are making a difference with their giving? No, really. How are you letting them know they are making an impact on the world?” Richard and I find ourselves asking...
4 min read
How to Turn a Donor Into a Stranger
When Jeff sent me this letter I took a little trip in my mind. I went to this lady’s home and sat beside her as she was writing. It was a very sad experience. Take a moment to read what she wrote. I...
3 min read
It’s Not Enough to say Thanks
You know that when a donor gives a gift, your first job is to say thank you, as quickly as possible. Amazingly, colleagues in our industry, (and that includes Richard and myself), have written,...
4 min read
Packaging Your Budget For Donors, Series: #1 – The Principles
In 2004 the Sony Corp came out with a revolutionary product. It was the LIBRIe, the first e-book reader with electronic ink display. It was impressive back then and technology experts saw it as a...
