Question of the Month: What do major donors want in their first meeting with you?

Question of the Month: What do major donors want in their first meeting with you?

When you’re meeting with a donor for the first time, you probably have a lot going on at your organization that you’re just bursting to tell them about. But that first conversation should really be about getting to know the donor, what they care about, and what...
What Does The New Phone Etiquette Mean for Your Donor Calls?

What Does The New Phone Etiquette Mean for Your Donor Calls?

I recently re-read an article in the Washington Post on the new phone etiquette. Their hot take? “Text first and never leave a voice mail.” And while I get the sentiment behind that, it’s not universal – certainly not when it comes to communication with donors, many...
Six Meaningful Ways to Start a Conversation with Your Donor at Year-End

Six Meaningful Ways to Start a Conversation with Your Donor at Year-End

As you prepare for the year-end giving season, there are so many moments when you might feel stuck. You have something you need to ask a donor but don’t know how to do so in an honoring way. You may want to ask if they will increase their giving, or give a second...
Getting Over The “Ick” Factor in Planned Giving Conversations

Getting Over The “Ick” Factor in Planned Giving Conversations

If you are newer to the world of planned giving, or perhaps you’re an MGO or MLO being asked to have planned gift conversations with your donors, you may be experiencing what I call “The Ick Factor.” The first time you learn about some of the strategies used in...