How to create a manual that ensures your database stays clean and up to date
Now that December is here, I have been running many lists and queries and during those list pulls, I have noted inconsistent data in databases that have caused numerous complications during one of the busiest times of the year.As a result,…
How to recruit the best fundraising volunteers possible
Fundraising volunteers are critical to our success as they are the "ambassadors" of our fundraising efforts. I often get asked, what is the best way of recruiting them to join in fundraising efforts?And, while I believe that, in some cases,…
How to run your annual fund like a capital campaign
Annual campaigns can be run just like capital campaigns. Yes, you heard it right. Far too often, I see an annual campaign as only a single, direct mail campaign. However, you can apply the same campaign structure to annual campaigns as you…
How to facilitate a donor prospect rating session
While wealth screening is an essential tool for fundraisers of today, I still hold true to augmenting a screening with the old "tried and true" Prospect Rating and Ranking Session.What is a Rating and Ranking Session and how would you hold…
Using a gift chart to validate a fundraising goal and campaign
When you have been presented with a fundraising goal, the best next step is to determine the feasibility of that goal. One of the most challenging tasks is setting out to accomplish a fundraising goal without knowing whether or not you have…
Create an “evergreen” grants management system
Ever wonder the best way to approach your foundation research? Not sure where to begin or what tools to use? Don't want to have to do research over and over again each year? Do you have changing priorities that need constant research? …
Using a mini-feasibility study to determine the strategy of your next fundraising campaign
Ever wonder as to what is the best course to take with your fundraising strategy? Let's say that you have been given a challenge match by a donor or you have a fundraising goal that the Board has given to you to raise.The question becomes not…
Plan for your new fundraising job even before you start
It is very tempting to take some time off between fundraising jobs to just rest and relax. Fundraising is difficult and demanding work, and there is a need for a recharge.However, this is exactly the time that you should be planning for…
Characteristics of a good development director
Technical skill or personality, which is most important when hiring a new Director of Development?That is a great question.And, while both would be ideal, that is not always a guarantee.So, what do you look for in this case?While…
How to dispel the endowment myth in your fundraising
Sometimes I work with organizations that have endowments. And, these endowments scare these organizations as they consider fundraising. They wonder if having an endowment, some of them significant in amounts, will deter donors and others…
Developing “Strategic Relationship Building Strategies” for your donor prospects
Developing relationship building strategies for your donor prospects
So, you have the start of a donor portfolio. You have run all the lists, sorted them, and then ranked them. And now, you have your top two hundred donors.Do you start…
Items you should bring on a donor fundraising visit
You have made the call and scheduled the meeting with your major donor.Now, the question is, what do you need to bring to this visit? Do you bring a brochure or a video, or perhaps even a PowerPoint presentation? I say you bring it all. …
