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Category Archives: Fundraising
Be the Asker. Seek the Connector.
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 Board Roles, Development Committee, Philanthropy
4 Comments
Some Observations about Your Board Meetings.
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 board development, Board Meetings, Mission Moments
3 Comments
The One Hour (daily) Fundraising Challenge
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 Fundraising, Philanthropy, phone solicitation
4 Comments
Donor Retention is (probably) Not Your Biggest Problem.
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
2016. Travel Postcards From an Unsettled America.
What can be said about 2016? A look back at another year of Traveling, Consulting, and Writing in the Americas: The signs for a challenging 2016 were evident in early January, when I was very nearly struck by a fast … Continue reading
Confessions of an Introvert Fundraiser.
Someone wiser than me said, “A fool at 40 is a fool forever” and I believe that is true. So it was one afternoon approaching my 40th birthday that I said, out loud for the first time, “I am in … Continue reading
Posted in Fundraising, Leadership, Philanthropy
Tagged fundraising culture, introvert, Philanthropy
2 Comments
Smoldering Piles: Will Philanthropy Survive the 2016 Election?
Will America recover from this election? Whatever the result, there will be lasting impact to our society, as actual American Nazis, misogynists, and bigots of every persuasion have crawled out of their bunkers for a public hearing. This has damaged … Continue reading
Posted in Fundraising, Philanthropy
Tagged 2016 election, Clinton Foundation, Philanthropy, Trump Foundation
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The Seven Virtues of High Achieving Fundraising Shops
I got to spend time in Omaha this week, one of America’s great philanthropic cities, and was happily reminded of the force for good that is a high functioning fundraising department. Show me a focused group of professionals devoted to … Continue reading
Posted in Annual Fund, Fundraising, Leadership, Philanthropy
Tagged Fundraising, non-profit leadership, Philanthropy, Virtues
6 Comments
The Seven Deadly Sins of Hapless Fundraising Shops
Labor Day is behind us, football has begun, and the time for actual work is now. Congrats, friends, it is fundraising season once again! I hope your shop is ready, with an actionable fundraising plan. Traveling to meet a new … Continue reading
Quit Selling Sponsorships. Start Cultivating Partnerships.
Working with non-profits and arts organizations, my most practical advice goes mostly unheeded. Most of you should not be bothering at all with corporate sponsorship. Why? Local decision making is increasingly rare, as banks, law firms, health care organizations, and … Continue reading
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