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Can your group afford to have a Fundraising Gala?

December 10, 2025 by Dianna Smiley in Strategy, Staff Leadership, Board Members

Fundraising galas are notorious for bringing in gross income that gets consumed by the expenses of the event, both outright and in opportunity cost. Your leadership can figure out the ROI of your recent galas, including staff and volunteer time as expenses, to make a good decision going forward.

 

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December 10, 2025 /Dianna Smiley
#galas
Strategy, Staff Leadership, Board Members

Expectations for Board members "bringing" their employers' gifts

March 09, 2025 by Dianna Smiley in Board Members, Staff Leadership, Strategy, Understanding Donors

If a board member “brings” the support of their employer to your organization, can you expect them to also make a personal gift comparable to what other board members give and at the top of their capacity?

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March 09, 2025 /Dianna Smiley
#fundraising, #board members, #Nonprofits, #Asking
Board Members, Staff Leadership, Strategy, Understanding Donors

How to spot major donor prospects

December 24, 2024 by Dianna Smiley in Board Members, Capital Campaign, Staff Leadership, Strategy, Understanding Donors

You may have the seeds of some exciting future major gifts right there on last year’s donor list!

 

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December 24, 2024 /Dianna Smiley
#fundraising, #Donor Relations, #Nonprofits, #major gifts
Board Members, Capital Campaign, Staff Leadership, Strategy, Understanding Donors

Major Gifts Coaching can Accelerate your Progress

December 05, 2023 by Dianna Smiley in Consulting - fundraising, Board Members, Staff Leadership

You and your group might benefit hugely from the help of a major gifts coach.

Given the needs that I currently see in the nonprofit community to understand major gifts, I’ve recently decided to offer major gifts coaching as a stand-alone service. Here’s what it’s about.

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December 05, 2023 /Dianna Smiley
Major Gifts, Consulting, Coaching
Consulting - fundraising, Board Members, Staff Leadership

What traits make someone a good fundraiser?

July 31, 2023 by Dianna Smiley in Board Members, Consulting - fundraising, Understanding Donors, Staff Leadership

Many of us believe we would not be good at fundraising. But how do we know? Are there personal characteristics that are necessary? This article’s conclusions may surprise you.

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July 31, 2023 /Dianna Smiley
Board Members, Consulting - fundraising, Understanding Donors, Staff Leadership

Fundraising staff are fundamental to nonprofit success

June 08, 2023 by Dianna Smiley in Board Members, Staff Leadership, Strategy, Capital Campaign

This article contains advice for small and larger groups on hiring and retaining a great development officer. Hiring this professional is a critical project but it's not easy. This article brings you options to consider.

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June 08, 2023 /Dianna Smiley
Fundraising, fundraising professional, hiring a development officer, Resources for fundraising
Board Members, Staff Leadership, Strategy, Capital Campaign

Are you using the right fundraising programs?

May 05, 2023 by Dianna Smiley in Board Members, Staff Leadership, Strategy

Board members often ask this question: “A group where my friend is on the board just got a huge new gift. Shouldn't WE be raising more money from [foundations/ major donors/ corporations/ events/ planned gifts/ online giving/ (pick your source) ...]?” The answer to their question is "Maybe..." But what are the factors to consider?

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May 05, 2023 /Dianna Smiley
Board Members, Staff Leadership, Strategy

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