#109

The “Goldilocks Syndrome” exists in fundraising. You want to avoid asking for a gift too large and avoid asking for a gift too small. You want to ask for a […]

#108

A substantive meeting with a donor or prospective donor without a formal call report logged into the CRM system is like receiving a gift without sending a thank you note. […]

#107

You can’t fly as a fundraiser until you know the fundamentals.

#106

Some of the best fundraisers I know are among the worst staff and department managers and some of the best managers are among the worst front-line fundraisers. It’s rare to […]

#105

The FAQ (frequently asked questions) document can be a lifesaver for volunteers and staff. When it’s their turn to present the case for support and they don’t have the intimate […]

#104

Overcoming the objections of a prospective donor before, during, and after an ask is a common occurrence for the best fundraisers. An objection is nothing more than a signal or […]

#103

Avoid the standard rubber chicken dinner at all costs. Think creatively in terms of location, entertainment, food, schedule flow, honorees, media, integration of social media, and more.

#102

Great fundraisers know it’s easier to steer a moving ship. Instead of overanalyzing and getting paralyzed, the best development professionals just start moving. Things rarely go as planned anyway. Moving […]

#101

Dale Carnegie said, “A person’s name is to that person, the sweetest, most important sound in any language.” As Dale Carnegie points out, remembering names of prospective donors and donors […]

#100

Great fundraisers have some of the very best expressions they use to influence people. Some of my favorites include, “I want to get on your calendar”, “this might amuse you”, […]