Planning your first fundraising cultivation event
Cultivation events are great ways to begin to qualify prospective donor relationships and deepen already existing donor relationships. Cultivation events should be a part of any individual giving.However, when first getting started with…
How a matching gift challenge can boost your fundraising donor acquisition and retention rates
Matching gifts offer an excellent way to help organizations raise more money to fund their missions than they ordinarily do on their own. This type of gift program gives donors a sense of immediacy and urgency to their giving.A matching…
How to get started with “Moves Management” in your major gift fundraising program
So, you have finally decided to start your major gifts program in your fundraising office, and now you are wondering how to establish a Moves Management system for cultivation.Well, you may be first wondering, what are moves?Moves are…
How to Find New Major Donors for Your Organization Using an “Inside Out” Prospecting Approach
Soliciting new donors, much like growing your major gifts portfolios and upgrading mid-level donors to give more, should also start with those you already know. Prospects can be hiding in plain sight. It is after you’ve culled through…
How to follow up after a fundraising cultivation event
The cultivation event was a starting point. It’s what you do after the event that counts when it comes to donor cultivation and building sustainable relationships with your attendees. Event follow-up is the critical element to starting…
How to evaluate your fundraising grants management program
The many factors that affect grant writing success are incredibly diverse. They include such things as the reputation and professionalism of the organization; the quality of the program or evaluation design; the qualifications of proposed…
“Why You Need It: 8 Reasons Why the CFRE Makes a Difference in Fundraising.”
I started my fundraising career almost twenty-five years ago. Like most people during those days, I learned on the job. It was something that I “chose” to be or to do. It was a necessity to keep the organization operating. Back in…
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…
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…
How to create a quick and easy fundraising plan to help you reach your goals
So, maybe you have been operating without a plan up until now. And, that is ok, but it is not strategic, and to meet your goals, you need to have a plan that you follow, monitor, and correct if needed.Here are some simple instructions on…
