As a consultant, I handle a lot of inquiries – by phone, via email, and in person. For example, Can you train our board to raise money? Do you do strategic planning? We’re dealing with “founder’s syndrome” – can you advise us? Can you help with our fundraising plan? We’re considering a merger with another organization and … [Read more...]
The big (bad) shift in fundraising
A year ago, I wrote The Big Shift in Fundraising, an upbeat post about changing trends in giving. To sum it up: After decades of gradual “wealthification” of U.S. philanthropy – a greater percentage of the philanthropic pie contributed by wealthy and uber-wealthy donors – donors flipped the script in 2016. Most of the growth in giving … [Read more...]
The three most powerful words in fundraising
What gets in the way of you and your board raising more money? For a fundraising trainer like me, this is a key question. Any sort of fundraising education must address the barriers that make it difficult for people to participate. This list of common barriers won’t surprise you. Perhaps you’ve experienced them yourself. … [Read more...]
Asking Styles: Boost Your Board’s Fundraising
Note: The following guest post from Brian Saber is adapted from his new book, Asking Styles: Revolutionize Your Fundraising. Thanks, Brian! At Asking Matters, we developed Asking Styles to directly address the myth of the ideal, stereotypical fundraiser. Our model is based on the concept that authenticity is central to building … [Read more...]
Seven steps to successful event sponsorships
Today's guest post is from Joanna Hogan, the Strategic Fundraising Coach. She adds, “If you get stuck along the way, feel free to reach out to me.” Thanks, Joanna! For any conference or event planner, one of the big challenges is securing funding. Like it or not, your success with sponsorships will determine whether your conference or … [Read more...]
The New Tax Law: How It Affects Nonprofits and Fundraising
Note: This guest post is adapted from a recent article by Kim Klein, one of the nonprofit community's most clear-eyed thought leaders (and a terrific fundraising trainer). Having heard many concerns about the new tax law, I found Kim’s perspective to be helpful. Regardless of your political views -- I generally agree with Kim; perhaps you … [Read more...]
Fundraising Therapy, Part 2 – It’s Not About You
If you’re a fundraiser, it’s often helpful to think like a donor. When leading workshops, I encourage people to flip this mental switch. “How many of you have ever given away money to anybody for any reason at all?” Of course, all the hands go up. Then I ask people to pair off and talk about why they give. These small groups … [Read more...]
My big fundraising failure – and what you can learn from it
In October, I rolled out a fundraising appeal for our new Training, Facilitation, and Consulting Certificate Program with Marlboro College. We had launched the week before and – after a decade of dreaming and a solid year of planning – I was SO EXCITED to see it all come together. I wrote a fundraising pitch, sharing my excitement. … [Read more...]
Year-End Fundraising: Give People What They Want
President Harry Truman once famously said, “The secret of raising children is to find out what they want to do and then encourage them to do it. “ I think that’s great advice – and so did my kids! Note to self (and to you, too): Apply the same advice in your outreach to donors. Year-end fundraising: Beyond the tried-and-true As … [Read more...]
Fundraising Therapy, Part 1 – Getting Over the Fear of Fundraising
Are you afraid of fundraising? How about your board – when it’s time to raise money, do they run away? As a fundraising trainer and consultant, this is my biggest challenge: many people are frightened of fundraising. If you ignore or avoid this “fear factor” – especially during your year-end fundraising push – you’ll miss … [Read more...]
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