How to start a major gifts fundraising program without any major donors
How to start a major gifts fundraising program without any major donors
I often get asked, "How can I start a major gifts program if my organization does not have any major donors?" Is it even possible? And, the short answer is YES!
Even…
How to begin preparing for the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) application and exam
For those interested, in the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential, the most often asked question is, "How do I prepare for the application and the exam?"
Well, for starters, the CFRE is the first globally recognized credential…
How to follow up with your donors for your calendar year-end campaign
The clock is ticking ever so close to midnight on December 31.
Are you ready?
Have you taken all of the steps that you possibly can to give your donors opportunities to contribute during this giving season?
Here are a few simple last-minute…
How to create a manual that ensures your database stays clean and up to date
Databases are indeed the foundation of your development program.
While it is critical to have one, it is not enough to just enter data into it.
I have long advocated for consistency in data entry through developing a manual of standards…
How to raise more money this Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday, the Global Day of Philanthropy is on Tuesday, November 28. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is partnering with Facebook again this year to provide a match up to $2 million to donors who give during that day.
Here…
How to have the most leverage in your new fundraising office
Many organizations when seeking to start their first development office do not which way to turn or where to start first.
Far too many organizations often start and end with grant writing. They don't get beyond this particular strategy…
How to re-engage lapsed donors in your organization
A lapsed donor is one who has lapsed from giving at least a calendar year. They are the most significant donors to focus your efforts on re-engaging since they have already demonstrated an interest in your organization.
There are several…
How to prepare for your new fundraising job BEFORE you even start
They offered you the job, you signed the offer letter, and now you are patiently waiting for your start date.
Well, believe it or not, your start time begins before you take the job. This pre-start time is the time that you can start to leverage.…
How to create donor recognition opportunities for your fundraising campaign
An important part of any fundraising campaign is how you plan on recognizing your donors at different giving levels. While donor recognition opportunities do not motivate all donors, the fact is that some are. And, you need to be prepared to…
How to calculate your key fundraising metrics
Now that it is development planning season for many with the start of a new fiscal year looming, I am often asked, where do you start first when putting together your development plan and calendar.
Well, for me, I start at the beginning.…
How to engage your Board in fundraising before the ask or the thank you call.
Just this week, I was working with a client, and we were discussing Board member engagement in fund development. The assumption was, ho hum, "they just won't participate." It was then that I came across a blog article outlining all of the…
How to turn your fundraising event attendees into supportive donors
Spring is the season of Galas or so it seems.
And, rightly so, the weather is turning warmer and everyone's thoughts seem to be on getting out after a long winter.
I am often asked by organizations who are holding galas or other fundraising…
