Oh, the woes of a nonprofit fundraising database!
So, let's talk database.What? That seems like something so mundane. Well, it may be, but it is so critical to fundraising.Throughout my professional career, I have been victim to bad databases, and I have been asked to work with bad databases.One…
New “DCS” interim development services
Development Consulting Solutions is announcing NEW interim and project-based service offerings:Who is “DCS”?
There are limited Certified Fund-Raising Executives (CFRE) providing outsourced fund development services and serving as interim…
Is it time to go public with our campaign? Maybe, maybe not!
When to go public?A question that I am asked a bit. When can our capital campaign go public? When can we put a thermometer out on our lawn? When can we start to ask our constituents and the general community? When can we have a special event…
Do not take Fund Development best practices at face value!
Best practices. We hear that phrase often. This week, I even read a question asking if "best practices were misleading?"Are we throwing that phrase around to legitimize our field? Our do we have best practices and what are they?Well, I contend…
Yep, the Board does have a role in a capital campaign!
What, wait, we hired that Capital Campaign Consultant to run the campaign, and now you are telling me that I have to do something. No, this can't be possible.Yep! It would be unrealistic to think that a capital campaign is left up to…
Sink or swim: the capital campaign steering committee
So, I have a niche somewhat of assisting smaller nonprofits with their capital campaigns.This niche can be challenging because many of these groups have not had an ongoing, comprehensive fund development program in the past. However, working…
OORAH – What the Marines taught me about fundraising
This weekend I took a little vacation of sorts. I ran a marathon. The Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC. Running a marathon is exhausting, but also, reflective. For you see, you run for 26 miles. That is a long time on your feet…
“Am I asking my donors too much?” Well, Virginia let me tell you the answer.
So, here it is. I am laying this question and answer right out on the line. Especially now that we are coming to the year-end giving season.I am asked time and time again, "Didn't we just mail to them, won't we be bothering them?"No, no,…
Holy cow, fifty shades of fundraising consulting, which do you prefer?
Lately, I have been doing a lot of driving. And, as a result, a lot of thinking. I have clients all throughout the Northeast. And, sometimes, yes, the driving does get "old." But, then I sit back and reflect.You see, there are many…
Culture of place and how it impacts fundraising campaigns
There is so much science behind fund development. You can study it, take courses in it, and read books on it. Campaigns have become honed regarding best practices; there are easy steps to put into place, materials to be created, and people to…
Meetings – are you positioned right?
Meetings, meetings, meetings. We all know them, and we all attend them.here are three types of meetings and the way that you position yourself physically within the meeting could make a world of difference. Including meeting with our donors.But,…
Love me or lose me – How donor communications can do both.
We often talk about banning jargon when we speak to others about our organization. And, that is so needed. But, I would like to take it one step further, and say that we are not here to "educate" our donors about what we do.They don't…
