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 develop nonprofit membership levels that inspire giving
If your nonprofit organization has a membership component to it, you may have found that individual’s membership levels remain the same year after year. Or, members seem to be choosing one specific level over another, time after time. What…
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…
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 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 create multiple giving options for all of your donors interests
A wise organization is one that provides its donors with multiple options, whether programs or projects to invest. Donors come with all different types of passions held deep in their hearts, and it is our job to match those desires with our…
How to start a major gifts fundraising program without any major donors
How to start a major gifts fundraising program without any major donors I often get asked, "How can I start a major gifts program if my organization does not have any major donors?" Is it even possible? And, the short answer is YES! Even…
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…
