Nearly every day, I come across a billionaire I’ve never heard of who’s engaged in serious philanthropy. But for every one of these donors, there are a couple other billionaires whose giving is paltry, or even non-existent. Just yesterday, we wrote aboutRead more…
Next Gen Generosity – An ease with technology and a focus on effectiveness are helping a new wave of donors roll up their sleeves and change philanthropy
For all the parents who practiced philanthropy with their kids, a survey released this year provides some good news: The next generation of donors, who stand to inherit trillions of dollars and create trillions more in their lifetimes, has grownRead more…
What Every Board Member Needs To Know About Fundraising
If you’re a board member for a nonprofit organization, I bet you are dealing with fundraising issues more often than not. As a board member, you are voting to support (or not support) various fundraising strategies. You are probably allocatingRead more…
Making a Good Ask
As you engage in fund raising (People Raising), one of the most important questions that needs to be answered is, “What does a good ask look like?” To learn the answer to this important question, I asked a major donorRead more…
The 5 W’s of Philanthropy
Too often fundraising appeals emphasize what the charity needs, not what the supporter wants. Customized, strategic communication should focus on identifying and building relationships to increase donations and support. Who are your fundraisers? What is the demographic makeup of your supporters andRead more…
Timeline for Planning a Profitable Fundraising Event
Many ministries and churches use events to raise funds. The attached timeline and worksheet might be useful in planning fundraising events.
7 Ways to Kiss Fundraising Goodbye [Slideshare]
Traditional fundraising is broken. It lock nonprofits and charities in an endless cycle of chasing low return activities. A much better approach is to create a sustainable financial model that aligns well with your mission and core competencies. Nonprofits must moveRead more…
5 Tips for Making Your Donors Love You
Your donor has just sent in another gift! Hurray! So you reply with a wonderful, personal thank you note. And then you call her to say thanks. In addition to the paper letter that you send. Then what? You haveRead more…
Charitable Giving in the U.S. vs the UK
“The UK should not aspire to a U.S. model of philanthropy and tax incentives — it is not replicable and is a unique product of social, political and historical factors,” a report released by the UK-based Charities Aid Foundation back inRead more…
Is It Good to Be Radical?
As believers in Christ, if we look at the cross when it comes to generosity, I believe we can never be too radical. Consider the following definitions of radical – aggressively intentional; relating to or affecting the fundamental nature of someoneRead more…