Category Archives: Fundraising

Raise Cash. Save Lives. Embrace the Major Gifts Buddy System.

Posted on August 4, 2017 by

I was with a non-profit Executive Director not too long ago, who had this observation about building relationships with the organization’s key supporters, “I feel strongly that fundraising staff shouldn’t meet with our biggest donors, since they won’t stay around … Continue reading →

Posted in Cultural Entrepreneurship, Fundraising, Philanthropy | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Get Off the Internet and Raise More Money.

Posted on June 7, 2017 by

It is much, much to easy to dump upon Development Directors in today’s non-profit environment. Yours is an almost impossible job, responsible for Herculean revenue targets but without the authority to set priorities and budgets. Add all the bosses in … Continue reading →

Posted in Fundraising, Leadership, Philanthropy | 5 Comments

Donor Centered Fundraising Is Not The Real Problem.

Posted on May 22, 2017 by

I’ve read, re-read, and then read a third and fourth time Vu Le’s recent broadside against the donor centered fundraising model and its moral limitations. Please study it if you haven’t already, for the issues raised are fundamental to our industry, … Continue reading →

Posted in Fundraising, Philanthropy | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Be the Asker. Seek the Connector.

Posted on April 21, 2017 by

Among the many daily challenges for the modern Development department is the care and feeding of fundraising volunteers. “Challenge”, though, does not even begin to describe the difficulty in recruiting, training, tasking, and stewarding the precious few souls willing and … Continue reading →

Posted in Fundraising, Leadership, Philanthropy, Volunteers | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Some Observations about Your Board Meetings.

Posted on March 22, 2017 by

Whenever a non-profit colleague leaves a job, or is dismissed, and reaches out to me, the first thing I say is, “Well, at least you don’t have to go to the next Board Meeting” and that person’s spirits are immediately … Continue reading →

Posted in Annual Fund, Board Development, Fundraising, Leadership, Philanthropy | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

The One Hour (daily) Fundraising Challenge

Posted on March 2, 2017 by

I was in Nebraska this week, with one of my favorite all time clients, and where the Marketing department is working hard to secure subscription renewals for next season. All day long, on the phone, one relationship at a time, … Continue reading →

Posted in Annual Fund, Fundraising, Philanthropy | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Donor Retention is (probably) Not Your Biggest Problem.

Posted on February 7, 2017 by

We talk a great deal about donor retention in our fundraising programs, and with good reason. Acquisition is an expensive and time consuming endeavor, and donors who don’t return bum everyone out. But let me throw a Hot Take: we are … Continue reading →

Posted in Fundraising, Philanthropy | Tagged | 3 Comments