Fundraising audits inside and out
The fundraising audit is a major step in fundraising planning. When you think about planning, you think about where are we, where do we want to be, and how are we going to get there?
The fundraising audit helps you to determine, where are…
How does your fundraising ROI measure up?
How are you looking at your fundraising rate of return?
It is critical that you develop a variety of ways to measure your performance and report these results to the board.
In doing so, you are ensuring appropriate stewardship of your resources…
Are you stuck in the fundraising dark ages?
With some nonprofits, there seems to be a disconnect. These groups have operated using the same fundraising methods as they did twenty years ago, perhaps with the same leaders leading the organization.
They fail to look at national giving…
I have a motive, and it is a bequest.
Yes, I have a motive, and it is a bequest. As a young woman with no children, I have already created my estate plans. Yes, I have. And while those I love will be taken care of as they should. There is a time after they are gone when my assets…
Younger people want to give, but can’t!
Younger donors don't give as much. You can chase the Millennials and the generation whatever's, but if you don't take into consideration the family life cycle, then you are misdirecting your energies.
What is the family life cycle I hear…
Hello, are you really listening to me?
We are all so very guilty of appearing to listen to someone, but yet already forming a reply in our head..
You know, you are sitting with a donor and rather than listening, you are rehearsing what your response may be.
Are you missing some…
A great time for bequests, but are you ready?
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that the number of people dying in the United States will double in the next forty years. WOW!
Hard to read, but surely reality. And, sometimes reality is stark.
The Baby Boomers will soon be facing…
We need money now! An ethical decision.
This week, I read a post by the very insightful Veritus Group. In the post, they asked,"When you think of your donor, do you first think of them as a source of cash – as a way to reach the goals you have set?"
This question indeed touched…
When your donor loves you way too much.
For many donors who hold great wealth, they sometimes want to do more than just give. In fact, they want to shape directly rather than just support a charitable cause. This term is often called, "hyperagency."
In most cases, that is fine. In…
Let’s ban the title Newsletters – all in favor?
The one best tip I have for nonprofit newsletters - stop calling them newsletters. I am of the mind that this title creates a great deal of confusion both for the nonprofit and the donor.
Why?
First, donors are like investors. They are giving…
What is cultivation really about?
Cultivate, cultivate, cultivate. The way we talk about donors sometimes makes me think that we are in relationships. And, in a sense, I guess we are.
Cultivation, what is it?
Well for one, it's about learning more about a donor and his or…
Are you asking for money? Or inviting investors in your nonprofit organization?
What is the old saying, "You say it 'potato' and I say it is ..."
Unfortunately, when it comes to donors, I don't think you can splice words.
Are we asking for money? Asking for support?
Or are we thinking about this relationship differently…
