Tag Archives: Philanthropy

Your Online Giving Page Makes Me Sad.

Posted on September 19, 2018 by jeremymhatch

I read every darn direct mail solicitation that is delivered to my home mail box, but more and more I make my gifts online, even in response to a traditional written letter. I find it less trouble not to fool … Continue reading →

Posted in Annual Fund, Fundraising, Philanthropy | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Hiring Major Gift Officers is Almost Impossible. Be Your Own MGO.

Posted on August 21, 2018 by jeremymhatch

The most challenging position in any fundraising program is the Major Gift Officer. The most difficult to hire position in any fundraising program is also the Major Gift Officer. Why? In a typical non-profit, the MGO has sizable responsibility for … Continue reading →

Posted in Leadership, Philanthropy | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

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

Posted on August 4, 2017 by jeremymhatch

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

Donor Centered Fundraising Is Not The Real Problem.

Posted on May 22, 2017 by jeremymhatch

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 jeremymhatch

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

The One Hour (daily) Fundraising Challenge

Posted on March 2, 2017 by jeremymhatch

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

Confessions of an Introvert Fundraiser.

Posted on November 30, 2016 by jeremymhatch

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 , , | 2 Comments

Our Biggest Fundraising Challenge? Following Up.

Posted on October 19, 2016 by jeremymhatch

What is the magic in fundraising? Those times when the strongest connections are made, the right donor at the right time to the right project. But it is awfully hard to get there. We can all recognize those moments: the backstage … Continue reading →

Posted in Annual Fund, Performing Arts, Philanthropy, Sponsorship | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Smoldering Piles: Will Philanthropy Survive the 2016 Election?

Posted on October 4, 2016 by jeremymhatch

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 , , , | Leave a comment

The Seven Virtues of High Achieving Fundraising Shops

Posted on September 19, 2016 by jeremymhatch

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 , , , | 6 Comments