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 a direct mail appeal reply envelope that increases your appeal returns
When organizations create their direct mail appeal letters, the remittance envelope is often an afterthought. Far too many organizations put little thought into how the envelope or reply device should appear and what it should say. Many…
How to approach your major donors during your calendar year-end campaign
How to approach your major donors during your calendar year-end campaign
When organizations start to segment their calendar year-end appeal letters, they often start off with segmenting out active donors and non-active donors. Far too many…
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 segment and personalize your year-end fundraising campaign
It is year-end campaign planning time.Far too often I see organizations using a blanket approach with their donor base. With a few minor tweaks in their strategy, they can increase their revenues by a third, sometimes even double.What…
How to find new donors for your nonprofit organization
Each year, approximately 10% of your non-profit donor base will attrition naturally through death, moving, or just not giving any longer. Then you add lapsed donors on top of that natural attrition, and you are looking at an eroding donor…
How to have an immediate impact in your new fundraising position
You have just been offered a job as a Director of Development and now what?Well, over the past twenty years, I have had my share of jobs and have started some fundraising offices within nonprofits as part of my consulting practice. As a…
How to ensure the success of your next fundraising campaign
Often, I get asked, "What is the magic behind a successful fundraising campaign?"Well, it is not all magic. There is some science. And, with over twenty years of experience, I am going to share the top tips that have made it all "seem"…
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…
