#146

You’re not rich…you’re prosperous. You’re not crazy…you’re eccentric. You’re not diabolical…you’re calculated. You’re not a micromanager…you’re engaged. You’re not incompetent…you’re organizationally-challenged. You’re not complex…you’re strategic. Great fundraisers are very good […]

#145

Expressing gratitude is not just for the fundraiser to provide to donors. The best fundraisers also show gratitude to staff, to volunteers, and to anyone that contributes to furthering the […]

#144

Have you ever been able to effectively pitch your organization in an elevator? Probably not. But that doesn’t change the fact that every volunteer wants an “elevator pitch”. What they […]

#143

Building a great (development) team requires more than hiring top performers. Talent alone is not the answer…you also need trust. Performance is about competence, and trust is about character. Simon […]

#142

The best fundraisers don’t let the (poor) quality of the organization’s materials stand in the way of moving a conversation forward with a prospective donor. To quote Voltaire, “Don’t let […]

#141

Avoiding jargon and unnecessary abbreviations when presenting your organization’s mission, vision, goals, needs, and investable opportunities is critical. Speak plainly and from the heart.

#140

If I had a nickel for every time someone told me that their nonprofit was one of the best kept secrets or a hidden gem, I’d be a very rich […]

#139

Sometimes less is more. When you’re trying to create an emotional response with a written appeal, fewer words can often be more powerful.

#138

“Yes. We’ll make the gift.” Is there anything sweeter for a fundraiser to hear than this? Few things can make a fundraiser happier.

#137

Successful solicitation strategy is in the details…often the minutest of details. Failure to sufficiently think and spend time crafting strategy and setting plans in place prior to a major gift […]