Note: This post is adapted from a recent presentation to the Maine Planned Giving Council. Thanks to MPGC! My planned giving story begins more than twenty years ago, when my spouse and I created our first wills. In addition to including our daughter, niece, and nephew, we designated six nonprofits to each receive a small percentage of … [Read more...]
Time or money: Which is easier to get?
When leading a fundraising workshop, I often use the following two-minute exercise. “I want to try a thought experiment,” I might say, “and this experiment is about you.” That gets everyone’s attention. “I'm starting with two assumptions: you don’t have enough time and you don’t have enough money. I could be totally wrong – in … [Read more...]
Help your board promote monthly giving
Note: This guest post is from Erica Waasdorp, author of a new book, Monthly Giving Made Easy. Thanks, Erica! Pandemic lesson number one: you need reliable revenue, no matter what. Your best solution is monthly giving: encouraging automatic monthly payments from your donors, typically via credit card or electronic funds transfer … [Read more...]
Board president confidential
Several years ago I shared Treasurer Confidential, which described my experience as treasurer of a nonprofit board. My volunteer career has progressed and (surprise!) I’m now president of our grassroots, one-employee organization. In theory, I am well-qualified. I’ve served on multiple boards. I train boards for a living. I write books … [Read more...]
Who is your fundraising about?
For a long time, the dominant fundraising strategy has focused on creating better donor experiences. The concept of donor-centered fundraising was popularized by Penelope Burk and others. When donors feel connected and empowered, according to this theory, they are more likely to give, give again, and give more … which raises more money … [Read more...]
Statistics and storytelling: How to turn numbers into narrative
Note: This guest post is from Dana Sanders of Osage Hill Associates. Thanks, Dana! Does the word statistics stress you out? Do you have bad memories of math class? I’m here to help. The nonprofit world is filled with data. This post outlines the methods you can use to collect data for and about your organization, and how to use what … [Read more...]
How to reduce your grant dependence
It’s striking how many people – specifically those who are new to fundraising – assume that grants are the key to success. I can’t begin to count the number of conversations in which the word “grantwriting” (I prefer “grantseeking,” because the process goes way beyond writing) is substituted for the word “fundraising.” They aren’t … [Read more...]
Fundraising with H.E.A.R.T.
In my work as a fundraising consultant, I’ve noticed how clients tend to begin the conversation by asking about tactics and details. Typical questions: Who should sign our fundraising letters? (Board chair, executive director, development director…?) How often can we solicit our donors without annoying them? When we ask our … [Read more...]
Want more major gifts? Share your impact
Note: This guest post from Megan Amundson describes the case for more consistent donor communications that emphasize the donor’s impact. For a different (and useful) perspective, check out Community-Centric Fundraising and Nonprofit AF. When I talk with leaders of small nonprofits, they ask me how to build a major donor … [Read more...]
“Why me?” (and other questions donors ask)
Note: This guest post is adapted from Harvey McKinnon’s book, The 11 Questions Every Donor Asks and the Answers All Donors Crave. Next month, I’m excited to be joining Harvey for a webinar on this topic… and you’re invited, too. “Me” is everyone’s favorite subject. It’s no surprise that a donor’s first question (whether spoken or … [Read more...]