About a year ago, my friend Mark Vincent, then serving as interim CEO for the Christian Leadership Alliance, invited a group of writers (yours truly… Read More »Three reasons for focusing on givers’ hearts
My first post here at Generous Matters focused on the critical role of planning in fundraising success. Fast forward a year, and planning is again… Read More »Fundraising as ministry begins with a plan
Tracking the performance of loyal supporters is basic best practice in most development shops these days. (I assume that includes yours.) But what about the… Read More »Why a warm welcome to first-time donors matters
Back in April, I addressed the question of what boards of faith-based nonprofits should be doing in these tough economic times. My answer: What they… Read More »In tough economic times, what’s a fundraiser to do?
A few posts back, I identified a board’s willingness to ask pointed, even uncomfortable questions as a characteristic of exemplary governance. I’m sticking with that… Read More »Small questions won’t get you big answers
Earlier this fall, I agreed to contribute to a book project sponsored by the Christian Leadership Alliance. Tentatively titled A Stewardship Primer, the aim is… Read More »These things I still believe about fundraising as ministry
It started with a post from Oneicity. Blogger Steve Thomas claims that major donors stop giving not because they’re mad, but because we don’t give… Read More »Forget the stuff, give ‘em information
“I couldn’t do what you do, but I’m glad you’re willing to do it.” If I had a penny (okay, make that a dollar) for… Read More »And you thought fundraisers just raised funds
Can someone please get John Naisbitt on the line? For more than 30 years, his notion of high tech/high touch has held sway. But now, as … Read More »Speaking up for high touch in a high tech world
I have to chuckle when non-church folks trot out as something new, a bit of wisdom that’s well-known and long-followed in religious circles. Consider for example an article… Read More »Teach your children (to give) well