How to run your annual fund like a capital campaign
Annual campaigns can be run just like capital campaigns. Yes, you heard it right. Far too often, I see an annual campaign as only a single, direct mail campaign. However, you can apply the same campaign structure to annual campaigns as you…
How to follow-up on your calendar year-end appeal once it is mailed
Now that your calendar year-end appeal has gone out in the mail, what is left to do?Well, if you take the "sit back and wait" approach you will be missing out for your organization.Here are some follow-up steps that you may want to consider…
How to easily verify your annual report donor honor roll
Quite plainly, one thing that is known for sure is that donors appreciate the fact that you get their name spelled correctly, especially when you are thanking them for past giving. When it comes time to thank them in your Annual Report or…
Using a gift chart to validate a fundraising goal and campaign
When you have been presented with a fundraising goal, the best next step is to determine the feasibility of that goal. One of the most challenging tasks is setting out to accomplish a fundraising goal without knowing whether or not you have…
Create an “evergreen” grants management system
Ever wonder the best way to approach your foundation research? Not sure where to begin or what tools to use? Don't want to have to do research over and over again each year? Do you have changing priorities that need constant research? …
Using a mini-feasibility study to determine the strategy of your next fundraising campaign
Ever wonder as to what is the best course to take with your fundraising strategy? Let's say that you have been given a challenge match by a donor or you have a fundraising goal that the Board has given to you to raise.The question becomes not…
Plan for your new fundraising job even before you start
It is very tempting to take some time off between fundraising jobs to just rest and relax. Fundraising is difficult and demanding work, and there is a need for a recharge.However, this is exactly the time that you should be planning for…
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…
How to dispel the endowment myth in your fundraising
Sometimes I work with organizations that have endowments. And, these endowments scare these organizations as they consider fundraising. They wonder if having an endowment, some of them significant in amounts, will deter donors and others…
Creating a system of reconciliation for your fundraising and finance offices
Development and Finance both report financial numbers to the Board of Directors, but sometimes the numbers reported don't add up. Questioning Board members wonder, "Whose numbers are correct?" While embarrassing at times, it may just be that…
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…
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…
