Once upon a time, in an era not long past, YUPPIES (Young, Upwardly-mobile (sometimes Urban) Professionals) were the sought-after target of fundraising teams in nonprofits… Read More »Meet HENRY, the fundraiser’s dream catch
If the idea of a capital or major gifts campaign hasn’t popped up in a boardroom or staff conversation, wait a day or two and you’re likely to hear it mentioned. Wherever money is tight (and that’s just about everywhere these days), someone is likely to propose a campaign as the financial cure-all. And well it could be. But then again, maybe not. Or at least not at the level proposed.
Before launching head-long into a campaign, it’s a good idea to test your organization’s giving waters with a feasibility study. Okay, I hear you. The idea of spending money to decide if you can raise money can seem a silly idea for a cash-strapped organization. Isn’t it better simply to get out there and ask?
Again, it could be, but more likely the answer is “no.” At least if you’re concerned about embarrassing yourself and your organization.Read More »A two-part apologetic for the campaign feasibility study
I find it fascinating how the questions that come my way run in cycles. In May the phone calls and emails were all about board… Read More »7 requisites for doing fundraising well
Several times a year, I watch as board members and ministry staff struggle to keep overhead expenses as low as possible. Never mind that most nonprofits have already stripped administrative lines to the bone. Overhead can’t be too lean, or so conventional wisdom tells us.
And if a brave CEO suggests pumping up the budget in pursuit of a growth opportunity, well watch out. The 990 trolls and other guardians of the myth that a dollar spent on infrastructure is a dollar robbed from mission will be all over the organization. Read More »At long last, overhead expenses get some respect
If you’re among the thousands of nonprofit leaders staring into a June 30 fiscal year-end, you’re probably not thinking beyond the next two weeks. I see you out there – hanging on and hoping to finish out FY13 with your pride intact. Planning for the fiscal year to come is likely the last thing on your mind.Read More »As you plan in your endings, so shall it be in your beginnings.
A fundraiser friend of mine is struggling to meet her goal for number of donor visits per week. She’s heard it said often enough to believe she won’t raise money – real money that is – sitting at her desk. My friend is eager to be out and about, meeting with the good folks who support her organization. Unfortunately, not as many of them are eager to meet with her.
“How can I up the percentage of yes’s to my requests for visits?” she asked. “People are polite, but most say it’s not necessary for me to come see them – that I shouldn’t waste my time stopping by. They tell me they’ll continue giving without a visit. What more can I say?”Read More »Tips for getting your toe in the door
Fundraising maven Pamela Grow has presented her followers with a daring challenge: for one whole year, cease donor acquisition activities. “What if you made 2013… Read More »Put the focus on thank you, please.
Donor-centered fundraising has never been as important as it is now. Or so goes the buzz among development gurus. I’ve said as much myself – first in Growing Givers’ Hearts: Treating Fundraising as Ministry and then again (and again and again) in my interaction with clients. When it comes to nurturing loyal giving, nothing beats meeting donors where their hearts are.
And truth be told, that is how it has always been.
We modern-day fundraisers may think we’ve happened upon a “new truth,” but the best of our tribe have been at this donor-centered thing for years. Centuries in fact, as I was reminded via a most unlikely of sources – the 1872 biography of Sarah B. Judson, the second wife of Adoniram Judson.Read More »Two century-old fundraising wisdom from the second Mrs. Judson
Previously I referenced research that claims donors aren’t much impressed by outcomes data. It’s heart-warming stories givers want, we’re told, not bone-dry facts.
But not all data points are tedious. Some are as interesting and as encouraging to the folks writing checks as the best told tale. Consider, for example, findings from a recent study of Compassion International’s child-sponsorship program.Read More »Data even donors can love
When fundraising is treated as ministry, organizational leaders don’t worry about the proliferation of good causes to which people can give their time, talent, and treasure. In Kingdom company, there’s no hint of a competitive spirit. In fact, the fast growing community of organizations operating under the banner of Christ is heralded as a benefit. Or as Pam Reist, pastor of the Elizabethtown (PA) Church of the Brethren sees it, as opportunities for “symbiotic mutualism.”