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…
Creating a framework for your annual fundraising campaign
While the calendar may have just turned to the month of June, fundraisers are starting to prepare for their end of year campaigns. Now, the question is, how do you plan the structure of this campaign? What are the elements that need to…
Creating a "Grateful Resident" Fundraising Program
If you have ever worked for a non-profit senior residential community, you know the importance that the residents play as a prospective donor constituent audience. It is they, and their families, who are the "warmest" potential prospective…
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…
Measuring your fundraising programs acquisition and retention metrics
While there are some relatively simple measures for evaluating the effectiveness of your fundraising program, such as Return on Investment (ROI) and the fundraising numbers, you often need to go beyond that to determine the long-term health…
How to acquire new prospective donors while reactivating lapsed ones
According to recent findings in the 2018 Fundraising Effectiveness Project, The Agitator points out that "The warning signs are there – decreasing numbers of new donors and decreasing reactivation rates of lapsed donors." We are apparently…
How to create sponsorship opportunities for your fundraising event
So, you have an upcoming special event and you want to seek sponsors, and now you are wondering how to develop sponsorship opportunities that make sense and that inspire businesses to support you. Well, when I advise my clients on how to…
How to develop Giving Societies for your non-profit fundraising program
Giving societies can be an excellent way to cultivate, steward, and upgrade donors in your organization. Some giving societies focus on level, monthly, major, and legacy donors. Generally, non-profits set up various groups at different giving…
"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 upgrade your donor's giving to your organization
Organizations often become so focused on acquiring new donors and broadening their universe of prospects rather than developing and building relationships with the ones that they currently have. Many organizations that I see are not focused…
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…
