To see ourselves through donors’ eyes
“I have difficulty warming up to receiving cold calls.” It’s been a couple of weeks since a reader posted this 9-word comment and I’ve yet… Read More »To see ourselves through donors’ eyes
Fundraising as ministry
Get more done by doing less
Here’s a message to fundraisers who qualify as control freaks, self-appointed messiahs, and/or living without margin in their work lives. Run, don’t walk to the… Read More »Get more done by doing less
If I had a rich board, deedle, deedle, dum
Should you get big names and deep pockets on your board? This question from a LinkedIn discussion group left me scratching my head. What’s the alternative — a… Read More »If I had a rich board, deedle, deedle, dum
Surviving the emotional ups and downs of fundraising
“Our emotional lives move up and down constantly. Sometimes we experience great mood swings: from excitement to depression, from joy to sorrow, from inner harmony… Read More »Surviving the emotional ups and downs of fundraising
GenXers or Gray Hairs, which will it be?
This week’s Chronicle of Philanthropy sent fundraisers scurrying every which direction. A front-page headline trumpeted the importance of “tomorrow’s donors.” A few pages back, readers… Read More »GenXers or Gray Hairs, which will it be?
Making the most of your first 90 days on the job
‘Tis the time of year when development folk are on the move. If you’re among the thousands of fundraisers stepping into a new position (or… Read More »Making the most of your first 90 days on the job
A challenge to pastors: embrace the ministry of fundraising
Over the years, I’ve sat through hundreds of prospect review sessions where the giving records of faithful supporters are analyzed down to the dollar. Bumps in giving are cheered, declines worried over, and the next ask planned with care. No one frets that donor files are regularly reviewed by the “right” people. Information is, after all, a fundraiser’s most valuable tool.
It’s the rare ministry CEO who worries that knowing who gives what will prejudice his or her relationship with friends of the organization. In fact, organizational heads usually want more information, not less.
Except, that is, when the CEO is a pastor. Read More »A challenge to pastors: embrace the ministry of fundraising
7 requisites for doing fundraising well
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
I found my obituary
Not that I anticipate needing an obituary soon. But when the time comes, I can’t imagine a lovelier tribute than what the The Agitator guys had… Read More »I found my obituary
Put the focus on thank you, please.
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.