If your group has too few foundation grants coming in for the investment you are making in staff, it may be a result of not enough research, too few inquiries, or an approach that lacks the human touch. Foundation staff and board members are people, too, and establishing a person-to-person relationship - while it might be difficult to get started - pays dividends in the long run. This article is about how to get started.
Read MoreHave you developed metrics for your fundraising programs? How can you make them meaningful? How can you make sure your whole organization embraces them, including your Board? And how can you be sure they are helping you raise more money, producing more net income for your mission?
Read MoreSome Board Members make no financial gifts at all to the organization or make relatively small gifts. I call this the “Low-Giving Syndrome”. Is this OK?
Read MoreSometimes asking for a higher number than the donor had in mind can result in a bigger gift than they would have given otherwise, even if it’s not as high as you asked. You may never know this, but occasionally they will tell you after the fact. That’s a wonderful feeling - you helped them stretch!
Read MoreAs a board member or a campaign volunteer, you can participate powerfully in meetings with donor prospects if you are willing and able to convey why you are enthusiastic about the work of this group. The key is to tell your story in a way that is genuinely YOU.
Read MoreProspective donors thinking about leaving a portion of their estate to your group want to know how you will handle their gift – possibly the largest gift they will ever make. Having an endowment in place can make all the difference in their confidence.
Read MoreIf your Board members are giving as much as they can personally, they can feel confident in helping others to give at the level they are able, which may be much higher. It takes work to help your Board members understand the power of their own example and their own story.
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