Here’s a smart formula to use for ALL sorts of donor communications. Telling donors exactly how you spent their money will build TRUST. Send this information to donors AFTER they give. And your donors will love you for it.Read more…
Giving Pledge Signers Gave Big in 2013 but Not Much for Today’s Needs
More than 120 of the world’s billionaires have committed publicly to giving at least half their wealth to charity, including 19 on this year’s Philanthropy 50 list. But while the number of people who have signed the Giving Pledge, unveiledRead more…
5 Tips for Your Next Email Newsletter
The arrival of the New Year is a great time to look at your overall marketing strategy and think of new ways to grow your organization in 2014. An email newsletter is a great way to do it! With aRead more…
Generosity and Your Marriage: Keep the Flowers Coming
Those brave souls who study marriage are continually looking for the positive behaviors that add to marital satisfaction and longevity. In October 2013 edition of the Journal of Marriage and Family, W. Bradford Wilcox from the University of Virginia and JeffreyRead more…
WHAT CAN ONE DO? NOT MUCH! BUT…
Gandhi once said, “There is enough for everyone’s need, but not enough for everyone’s greed.” This often quoted phrase began as an encouragement to me. “That’s right!” I thought. “The needs of the world are not greater than our resources.”Read more…
3 Concerns for Those Raising Funds
As a fund raiser I’m always concerned as to how effective I am as a fund raiser. Now is the time when you and I can take a look at three of those concerns. Why do some raising funds haveRead more…
What’s Driving Your Donors?
In seminars I do at conferences, I’ll frequently ask the question, “What is the primary purpose of development?” Answers always vary, but they tend to cluster in several areas like raising funds, building relationships, advancing the organization’s mission, and teaching stewardship. There’s truth inRead more…
6 Mistakes Nonprofits Make in Online Fundraising
Well, really, there are more than just six mistakes that nonprofits make when they try to raise funds online. But these six really stand out. They are from a new study from Dunhan+Company, a consultant for nonprofit fundraising and marketing,Read more…
Strengthen Your Fundraising Appeal With the “MPI” Formula
Here’s a very smart, efficient way to present your fundraising appeal. I’ve run into this format lately and think it’s extremely effective. It forces you to be crystal clear about the three fundamental parts of any fundraising conversation: How muchRead more…
5 Ways Great Strategy Can Transform a Nonprofit
I’ve been working with several clients lately to create a strategic plan, and I love the moment when the real value of the strategic plan and the process of creating one becomes blatantly obvious. It’s the point at which board, staff,Read more…