by Richard Perry and Jeff Schreifels | Nov 16, 2011 | Fundraising, Passion, Philanthropy | Development Directors, Donor-Centered, Major Gifts, Marketing Plans, Mission, Philanthropy, Uncategorized
I was shocked when the MGO closed the door and told me about how her manager related to her. “No one ever asked me for a goal for the year,” she said. “In fact, I didn’t even have a work plan. My job description was vague and general. And – listen to this – my...
by Richard Perry and Jeff Schreifels | Oct 19, 2011 | Development Directors, Director of Major Gifts, Donors, Fundraising, Stewardship, Strategic Plans | Development Directors, Donor-Centered, Major Gift Officers, Major Gifts, Mission, Non-Profits, Philanthropy, Uncategorized
I think I’ve had it. Just recently the Chronicle of Philanthropy published its “Top 400” non-profits. No, not “Top 400” in effectiveness, but in total revenue. I can’t wait for the day that actually happens. What really bugged me was one of the articles that went with...
by Richard Perry and Jeff Schreifels | Oct 17, 2011 | Caseload Value, Development Directors, Director of Major Gifts, Donors, Fundraising, Fundraising ratios, Giving, Non-Profits, Philanthropy, Results, Strategic Plans | Development Directors, Donor-Centered, Major Gift Officers, Major Gifts, Marketing Plans, Mission, Non-Profits, Philanthropy, Uncategorized
“Yeah, we realized we needed a major gift program so we just started one!” This statement summarizes what Jeff and I hear very frequently. A leader says, “We’ll just hire someone and get going.” As if the money will flow like water out of a tap. And then people like...
by Richard Perry and Jeff Schreifels | Oct 10, 2011 | Asking, Development Directors, Director of Major Gifts, Donors, Fundraising, Giving, Impact, Non-Profits, Passion, Philanthropy, Results | Development Directors, Major Gift Officers, Major Gifts, Marketing Plans, Mission, Non-Profits, Philanthropy, Uncategorized
I am often asked about the state of major gift fundraising during these difficult economic times. Are people giving less? Should we budget less? Should we move more into a stewardship mode with donors vs. asking them for gifts? What should we do? The surprising thing...
by Richard Perry and Jeff Schreifels | Sep 12, 2011 | Development Directors, Director of Major Gifts, Donors, Fundraising, Giving, Impact, Joy, Non-Profits, Passion, Philanthropy, Qualifying Donors, Stewardship | Development Directors, Donor-Centered, Major Gift Officers, Major Gifts, Mission, Non-Profits, Philanthropy, Uncategorized
If you are always looking for the right moment to ask for the money, you will never find it. You have to be ready, willing and able to close what you started. You have to take the risk of hearing “no”. If that happens, don’t take the rejection to heart. The...
by Richard Perry and Jeff Schreifels | Sep 9, 2011 | Development Directors, Director of Major Gifts, Fundraising, Giving, Impact, Joy, Money, Non-Profits, Stewardship | Development Directors, Donor-Centered, Major Gift Officers, Major Gifts, Mission, Non-Profits, Philanthropy, Uncategorized
“What’s more important, Richard,” the major gift officer asked, “a relationship with my donor or the money they can give?” Well, I couldn’t answer that question easily. So, I didn’t. Instead I started where I always start. And that’s in talking about the role of...
