How a feasibility study can determine whether or not to invest in a fundraising program
Recently, I have received several inquiries from organizations who, for the first time, are seeking to start fundraising efforts. Many have subsisted on federal and state funds, finding ways to "cover" the expenses that the federal and state…
Making a case for your state-funded organization's fundraising
When meeting with new clients, I often hear this exact same question, "But, our organization receives state and federal funds...how can we realistically make the case for our fundraising?" And, my answer is, "Even more so you can! It…
Incorporating Peer-to-Peer Fundraising as a Calendar Year-End Donor Acquisition Strategy
I worked with various sized organizations all with different causes and the one thing that I see most in common is that they lack strong broad-based donor bases at the lower level. Most have focused their efforts on building relationships with…
Are you in a fundraising foxhole of expectations?
I coach nonprofit fundraisers to either advance in their career or to make a mark in their first 90 days in their new position. As a coach, I sometimes hear and feel the same situation in different ways. Most are not satisfied with their…
How to use social media to acquire new donor prospects and turn them into loyal supporters
Development audit after development audit of small- to mid-sized organizations reveals that while donor retention remains a critical issue there is also another that is equally as important. Far too many groups are not focusing their fundraising…
How to Communicate during a Nonprofit Leadership Transition
This article originally appeared in Dennis Fischman's blog, Communicate, on July 29, 2019 I’m certain that many of you reading this have experienced a change in leadership at your nonprofit organization at one time or another. Someone reached…
How to reduce the frantic pace in your nonprofit fundraising workday
Just recently, I noticed as I was driving around that everyone seems to be frantic. Or, is it more frenetic? Folks weaving in and out, road rage, and overall cortisol on overload. In comparison, I just spent three months in Australia. And,…
How your nonprofit should spend its summer vacation
A guest post by Dennis Fischman of Communicate! Consulting For many nonprofit organizations, summer is a slow time. If you are in Development and Communications, you know that many of your supporters are at the beach or running “mommy camp”…
The top seven steps to creating special event sponsorships that sell
Before you can even solicit sponsors for your fundraising special events, you need to take several key steps first to best position your organization. What most groups fail to do is evaluate their sponsor value proposition first and foremost,…
What one thing can make or break the success of YOUR organization?
The Board. It can make or break your organization. If assembled and organized correctly, it can chart a successful future that prospers and preserves inspiration and creativity of its members and benefactors alike. If not, well...insert…
The key indicators of a strong nonprofit fundraising campaign
I often get asked, "What are the key indicators of a strong nonprofit fundraising campaign?" In order to have a strong fundraising campaign of any sort, whether it be capital, endowment, or even annual, you need several hallmarks of success…
Raising more money from your current loyal donors through repeat and best-ever gifts
What happens when you don't invest in donor acquisition? Well, your organization will face a declining donor base with the need to raise more money from fewer donors. With about 10% of donor bases naturally declining each year, the focus…
