
Making a case for your state-funded organization’s fundraising
When meeting with new clients, I often hear this exact same question, "But, our organization receives state and federal funds...how can we realistically make the case for our fundraising?"And, my answer is, "Even more so you can!It…

Ten steps to supercharge your nonprofit fundraising in the new decade
A new year and a new decade are quickly moving upon us. Is your organization ready to hit the ground running when the clock hits midnight on December 31? After what seems like months of preparation, and a rush headlong in the "Giving Season,"…

How a feasibility study can determine whether or not to invest in a fundraising program
Recently, I have received several inquiries from organizations who, for the first time, are seeking to start fundraising efforts. Many have subsisted on federal and state funds, finding ways to "cover" the expenses that the federal and state…

Making a case for your state-funded organization’s fundraising
When meeting with new clients, I often hear this exact same question, "But, our organization receives state and federal funds...how can we realistically make the case for our fundraising?"And, my answer is, "Even more so you can!It…

Incorporating Peer-to-Peer Fundraising as a Calendar Year-End Donor Acquisition Strategy
I worked with various sized organizations all with different causes and the one thing that I see most in common is that they lack strong broad-based donor bases at the lower level. Most have focused their efforts on building relationships with…

Are you in a fundraising foxhole of expectations?
I coach nonprofit fundraisers to either advance in their career or to make a mark in their first 90 days in their new position. As a coach, I sometimes hear and feel the same situation in different ways.Most are not satisfied with their…

How to use social media to acquire new donor prospects and turn them into loyal supporters
Development audit after development audit of small- to mid-sized organizations reveals that while donor retention remains a critical issue there is also another that is equally as important. Far too many groups are not focusing their fundraising…

How to reduce the frantic pace in your nonprofit fundraising workday
Just recently, I noticed as I was driving around that everyone seems to be frantic. Or, is it more frenetic? Folks weaving in and out, road rage, and overall cortisol on overload.In comparison, I just spent three months in Australia. And,…

The top six tips to avoid the “Hope and Pray” method of calendar-year end campaign planning
Often, I work with clients who don't adequately plan for their calendar year-end efforts. This lack of planning does a disservice to the organization for a couple of important reasons. One such reason is that calendar year-end efforts and…

The top seven steps to creating special event sponsorships that sell
Before you can even solicit sponsors for your fundraising special events, you need to take several key steps first to best position your organization.What most groups fail to do is evaluate their sponsor value proposition first and foremost,…

What one thing can make or break the success of YOUR organization?
The Board.It can make or break your organization. If assembled and organized correctly, it can chart a successful future that prospers and preserves inspiration and creativity of its members and benefactors alike.If not, well...insert…

The key indicators of a strong nonprofit fundraising campaign
I often get asked, "What are the key indicators of a strong nonprofit fundraising campaign?"In order to have a strong fundraising campaign of any sort, whether it be capital, endowment, or even annual, you need several hallmarks of success…