From here to minutia…Board of Directors and their committees
Ah, Board committees. Now, we get knee deeper into confusion. So, keeping the Board focused on governance is challenging work. Keeping the committees focused on governance seems at times almost impossible.
A few observations from the field.
Just…
Great expectations for Board Members
Last week, I noted how all-volunteer and small staffed organizations must engage in governance at the Board level. I pointed out that one of the first steps is to secure commitment to change. Some groups may not want to change and need to…
What running Mt. Washington taught me about fundraising
This past weekend, I embarked on an event that frightened me. Literally and figuratively.
You see, several months ago, I entered a lottery. And, the drawing was for a chance to run up Mt. Washington in the Mt. Washington Auto Road Race.…
Reflecting on a career in fundraising; simpler times
Twenty-two years is an awfully long time. I can't believe it has gone by that quickly. And, it all happened by pure chance or maybe little small choices all along the way. Now, I find myself a CFRE and have my Masters in Fund Development…
Fundraising in the trenches, getting out of your funk!
Feeling listless, stressed, in a funk? Snap out of it!
I have been in the field of fundraising for a long time. And, I know that sometimes (maybe a lot of occasions), development work can be hard and draining, and sometimes you end up in…
Is your fear of asking causing you to make assumptions for your donors?
Let's cut to the chase. I know, and you know that one of the biggest things that stop us from being effective in our fundraising is fear. Good old, heart pumping, nail biting, fear.
Recently, I had a conversation with some folks, and I…
Is scarcity stopping you from asking for a major gift?
Do these phrases sound familiar to you?
"I never have enough money!"
"Money goes out faster than it comes in!"
"Money doesn't grow on trees!"
How often have we heard these phrases growing up? Well, if you were like me, probably a lot. As…
Let’s talk about YOU, not me!
Research has shown that people like to talk about themselves. And, there is a reason why. It stimulates areas of the brain. It makes them physically feel good to talk about themselves – stimulating the same areas in the brain that sex, cocaine,…
What does your body language say about you in fundraising?
Recently, I had some conversations with a former co-worker. Her outlook and atmosphere had changed so dramatically that I had pause and ask, what is different. Well, she set me on the course of all of her "research" on the importance of human…
Ask your donors key questions, and fundraising becomes simple!
Let's get rid of our printed newsletter and just send an e-newsletter.
Our donors don't like personal solicitations.
We are only going to send out one appeal a year because we don't want to send too much mail to our donors.
I hear statements…
Where are all your donors going?
Are you looking at your donor retention rate? It seems like this is old hat in the field, but yet, it is such an important metric to be measuring in your development office. The question is, are you?
It is more expensive and difficult to…
What is your aversion to asking others for money?
I enjoy asking for gifts. I like to connect a donor with a mission and see magic happen. Indeed, when you ask one for a gift, the giver gives.
When I have broached this topic as of late, I see faces cringe and heads nod, "no." The body…
