Making big gifts is most often a function of age. The older you are, the more capable you tend to be of making a major gift. It’s perhaps one of the few areas where it’s more beneficial to be older rather than younger.

Fundraisers are superheroes. Each of us has special powers. #fundraising #fivetoolfundraiser #fundraiser #philanthropy

Despite what many board members and other nonprofits executives believe, fundraising is not an “ATM” situation. It takes significant work to generate funding to meet an organization’s needs.

Most organizations struggle to distinguish themselves. Most organizations get lost in the sea of sameness. How do you break free and get recognized? Think of the ways your organization is different. Think FUBO – First, Unique, Best, Only. Was your organization first to do something? What makes your organization unique from others? Is your organization the best at something? How is your organization the only one that does something?

Fundraising is an emotional act. People very often give based on how they feel. Your organization’s brand should cause them to feel something – compassion, sympathy, anger, etc.  Spending time purposefully building your organization’s brand is time really well spent.

It costs much less to retain an existing donor than it does to acquire a new one.

It’s easy to make things overly complicated in fundraising. You’re often better following the KIS strategy (Keep it Simple). Many know there is an additional “s” added at the end for emphasis but we’ll keep it simple here as well.

It’s most unfortunate that so few fundraisers stay with an organization for more than eighteen to twenty four months. It’s nearly impossible to create sufficient value for the organization from a fundraising perspective with such a limited tenure given the significance of time to develop meaningful relationships. It’s one of the greatest challenges within our profession.

The give or get, the give and get, or the give and/or get requirement for Board members are all valid tactics to assure each and every Board members take some ownership for helping to resource the organization and building a culture of philanthropy.

Generous donors take great joy in giving and pride in supporting an institution that is meeting needs and creating a better world.

You don’t get what you don’t ask for. Wayne Gretzky told us that you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

While annual support gifts often come from income and cash, major and planned gifts often come from non-cash, asset based gifts.

“Friendraising” efforts are valid and effective methods of acquiring donors and very often result in future fundraising results.

Fundraising droughts are common enough but the analysis typically shows that a lack of sufficient prospect and donor activity – contacts and moves – is to blame.

Sites like Guidestar, CharityNavigator, CharityWatch, and Give Well are increasingly important to the concerned and curious donor before making an initial investment in a nonprofit organization. Seeking high ratings with these charity rating agencies is a key obligation of the development office.