We’re not selling t-shirts
Fundraising isn’t just about raising money one time. If it were, we could sell t-shirts. Fundraising is about connecting values – the values of donors with the values of your cause. Sure, there are...
View ArticleClik here to view.
After the Ask: Understanding Nonprofit Payment Processing
Your organization has just made a compelling fundraising ask to your potential donors. Now that one of the hardest parts is over, what are the next steps you should take? There are a few practices your...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Tracking Performance: 6 Fundraising Data Points You Need
Most fundraising professionals know that having good information is the secret to increased revenue, stronger relationships, and more successful appeals. By analyzing the donor data you have available,...
View Article4 specific tips for each stage of the ask
When it comes down to it, successful fundraising is about successfully executing the basics. When you want to raise money for something, be sure to do these fundraising basics: Research Remember, run...
View Article3 problems with the major gift as carrot analogy
Have you ever been about to ask for a major gift only to be warned about the carrot in the garden? It goes something like this: “Sure, you could ask them now. But it might be better to wait. You see,...
View ArticleGoing beyond a no in your nonprofit fundraising ask
I recently heard author Andrea Waltz remind fundraisers to “go for no!” (That’s the name of her book too.) It’s a reminder that too often we give up before the donor has really made a decision....
View ArticleClik here to view.
A Leader’s Social Media Presence: 4 Ways to Make It Count
Do you doubt the power of your, and your nonprofit’s, social media presence to be a powerful tool for connecting with supporters? Maybe you’ve maintained your brand across profiles and networks,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to Make the Most of Your Next Text-to-Donate Campaign
In today’s fundraising landscape, the importance of mobile platforms cannot be overstated. Researchers estimate that by 2025, almost 75% of internet users worldwide will only use their smartphones to...
View ArticleShould I ask my friends?
One of the scariest things about fundraising is the fear that you’ll ruin relationships. One of the most common questions I get as a fundraising coach is “Should I send this appeal to people I hangout...
View ArticleFire that donor!
Money does weird things to us, doesn’t it? A lack of money leads nonprofits to a growing desperation. A feeling they “need” every donor. Anyone who’ll give them money. Including bullies. But sometimes,...
View ArticleFundraising Kick: Don’t Grow Weary
This issue of the weekly Fundraising Kick seems to have come at the perfect time for subscribers. So I’m sharing it here as well. Fundraising Kick coaching emails are written for busy nonprofit CEOs...
View ArticleThe biggest mistake with major gift asks
One of the biggest mistakes I see with major gift solicitations is incredibly easy to fix. If you’ve ever made an appointment for a major gift ask, you’ve probably felt the stress of “getting it...
View ArticleClik here to view.
4 Fundraising Tips for your Nonprofit from Jerry Panas
Facebook used this picture to remind me that twelve years ago, I was with Jerry Panas at a fundraising training at the University of Southern Maine. What struck me about the picture is the pad of paper...
View ArticleFundraising in Uncertain Times
Last week, I blogged about leading in uncertain times. It’s gotten the most feedback of any blog post this year. As I’ve been thinking about it, the three things that help leading through uncertain...
View ArticleFuture of Fundraising: 5 Nonprofits That Are Leading the Way
This article is contributed by Cassie Losquadro, Solutions Executive at GoodUnited. Cassie has spent the last 5 years in the fundraising technology space. Cassie is energized by working with nonprofit...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Fundraising is leading – from within
I’ve said for years that fundraising is all about leadership. And we all have leadership opportunities, even if we don’t have leadership titles. One of the best ways to grow in our ability to lead is...
View ArticleThe 2 things to avoid in year end fundraising
With 4 weeks left in the calendar year, staying focused is more important than ever. Rather than feeling like you’re living out a well planned fundraising year, these last four weeks can often feel...
View ArticleJust ask!
I’ve been doing LOTS of trainings in the last few months. And getting a lot of the same types of questions. They generally sound like: “How do I know when a right time to ask so-and-so?” “How do I know...
View ArticleWhy high-achievers find fundraising hard
As a leadership coach, I work with a lot of high-achievers. People who’ve experienced success enough times to be promoted to the head of a team, a department, or even the head the organization. One of...
View ArticleYou don’t need to be in crisis!
Last week, I heard board members make a classic blunder. They were worried that they couldn’t fundraise any more. Why? Because they weren’t in a crisis. They had good reserves and the finances were...
View ArticleApple’s Privacy and your nonprofit’s email marketing
Have you noticed a change in your email open rates? Do they seem to have drastically increased? That increase isn’t what you think. Apple’s Mail Privacy Protection Even if you’re not an iPhone user,...
View ArticleDeadlines drive donations
One of my favorite fundraising colleagues, John Donovan, once said, “Deadlines drive donations.” As we approach the end of June, this truth can help your fundraising efforts. Many nonprofits in North...
View ArticleWhy fundraising asks are so hard
Fundraising is said to top the lists of things people find most scary. Right up there with fear of public speaking and fear of untimely death. Nonprofit fundraisers and volunteers refer to that fear...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How Ambassadors Can Further Your Recurring Giving Programs
Whether it be the latest TikTok dance, Instagram live conversation, or a Facebook Challenge, influencers everywhere are taking to their chosen social media platforms to highlight brand partnerships....
View Article3 Tips for Fundraising in a Recession
One of the interesting things of being an active blog for twenty years is you get to cover things like fundraising in a recession. Multiple times. A quick search shows blog posts on recession proof...
View ArticlePleasant Persistence (it’s boring but effective)
One of the hard truths about fundraising is that: fundraising isn’t always fun. Good fundraising is tedious, meticulous, regular, pleasant persistence. (Even when you don’t feel like being pleasant.)...
View ArticleWhat do we do now?
You’ve made it. It’s after GivingTuesday. Your year-end fundraising letters are written, edited, and stuffed. Your year-end fundraising emails are scheduled. Your fundraising systems are in motion. Now...
View ArticleIt’s weird to ask for money in January, isn’t it?
January can be a hard month to make fundraising calls in. As the leader of a nonprofit, you are acutely aware of all the work that went into your organization’s fundraising last month. So it can feel...
View ArticleDon’t build your fundraising on rented land like AmazonSmile
Did you see the news about AmazonSmile? After 10 years, they’ve decided it doesn’t work for them. So they’re stopping the program on February 20, 2023 and they’re going a different way. Did you share...
View ArticleCEO’s – are you leading your nonprofit? In fundraising?
As the CEO, the leader of your nonprofit, how much time are you really giving to fundraising? As the top leaders, the organization will follow your lead. You should be involving all your direct reports...
View ArticleNonprofits are NOT self-reliant
One of the biggest red-herrings I see nonprofit boards pursue is a pipe dream of “self sufficiency” for their nonprofit. Rather than pursuing their mission, the board directs the executive director to...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Not all fundraising calls have to be about asking for money
This week, I shared with my Fundraising Kick subscribers that I recently heard Stevie Wonders “I just called, to say, I love you.” (Sorry for putting that earworm in your head. And you’re welcome.)...
View ArticleClik here to view.
3 Ways Nonprofit Storytelling Helps You Maximize Donations
When you create marketing content to reach out to donors or introduce your nonprofit to a wider audience, how do you describe your organization? Do you stick to the basics, repeating your mission...
View ArticleWon’t asking for money change the relationship?
On Saturday, I was honored to do a training at the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina in Charleston, SC for founders of nonprofits in the Facebook Grant for Supporting Black Communities...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Understanding Stock Donations: Quick Guide for Nonprofits
Has your nonprofit accepted gifts of stock? If not, perhaps donors have mentioned the possibility of giving stock, or you’ve heard about stock giving programs from peers in other organizations. Maybe...
View ArticleHow many times should you follow up a fundraising ask?
A common fundraising question from nonprofit leaders is “How many times should I follow up on an ask?” The situation I’m seeing a lot recently: A nonprofit leader asks a donor for a specific amount of...
View ArticleYou can’t cram for fundraising results
Successful fundraising is built with human relationships. It’s not a mechanical process that you can “turn on” when you need it. I find it’s better to build a habit of consistent communication with...
View ArticleProtect Your Nonprofit from the Dip in Donations
The latest GivingUSA numbers are out. And the numbers aren’t pretty. Yes, the USA recorded over $499 billion was given from non-government sources last year. But the trend of fewer individuals giving...
View ArticleYour fundraising is stronger than a 1980’s power tie
I talk with a lot of nonprofit leaders who get really, really nervous about the wording of their fundraising ask. While I love the intentionality they show in wanting the right words, their fretting...
View ArticleIntegrating Your Nonprofit Website With Social Media: 4 Tips
This article is contributed by Murad Bushnaq, Founder and CEO of Morweb. As a nonprofit professional, you understand the importance of a strong online marketing strategy. By tapping into digital...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to Write Compelling Text-to-Give Requests: 4 Key Tips
Before you can dive into leading a text fundraising campaign, you need to familiarize yourself with nonprofit text messaging best practices. One of the most important components of running a successful...
View ArticleCharity Auctions: 3 Best Practices for Fundraising Success
One of the most profitable events a nonprofit can host is a charity auction. These events give donors a new way to support your organization while being highly cost-effective. Auctions are also very...
View ArticleClik here to view.
A Beginner’s Guide to Creating a Nonprofit Auction Catalog
This article is contributed by Jeff Cova, President of Winspire. When your nonprofit hosts a fundraising auction, your catalog is a vital resource for connecting with supporters and sponsors before,...
View ArticleFollowing up IS fundraising
A few weeks ago, I heard that 65% – 70% of sales happen during the follow up phase. 65% – 70%! The person sharing this information said that most business owners get stuck chasing the “cream,” just...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Fundraiser Troubleshooting: 3 Hurdles + How Software Helps
As a fundraiser, you’ve surely run into obstacles during fundraising campaigns before. Maybe you’re still a few hundred dollars away from your goal during your most important fundraiser of the year,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Evaluating Nonprofit Impact: Analytics to Take from Form 990
As a nonprofit professional, you understand the importance of filing Form 990 in a timely and accurate manner. After all, your status as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization depends on it. However, did...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Staffing for a Capital Campaign: How to Prepare
Growing your fundraising staff for a capital campaign is the norm for most nonprofits. After all, you’re planning a campaign to jolt your organization beyond its current capacity, a campaign that will...
View ArticleAre people not giving? Or are you not asking?
I while ago, I spoke with a nonprofit leader who wanted to explore working with me. She posed a problem that many fundraising coaching clients have: she has a six-figure fundraising goal and is...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Impactful Legacy Giving Benefits for You and Your Donors
While every donation is impactful for your nonprofit, it takes more than small gifts to fund your work. Specifically, your organization needs sustainable, long-term funding sources to make a lasting...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Web Accessibility: A Nonprofit Website Design Must-Have
Your nonprofit’s website has the potential to help you get the word out about your mission, showcase the impact your organization is making, secure donations, encourage volunteering, promote events,...
View Article