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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

Don’t let an unmotivated major donor take your time

April 25, 2023 by Dianna Smiley in Capital Campaign, Strategy, Understanding Donors

You've just learned from a long-term major donor that they are not going to give or are only giving a token amount to your special campaign. You think, "If I just keep working with them, they will come through". Maybe not. How can you avoid spending too much time on a donor who will not be giving again?

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April 25, 2023 /Dianna Smiley
#major gifts, #asking, #fundraising, #Nonprofits
Capital Campaign, Strategy, Understanding Donors

Your continuing conversations with donors...

January 28, 2023 by Dianna Smiley in Capital Campaign, Understanding Donors, Strategy

Getting to the ask should be less like climbing a mountain and more like following a meandering stream to a beautiful waterfall that you know is there ahead of time!

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January 28, 2023 /Dianna Smiley
Capital Campaign, Understanding Donors, Strategy

Raising Major Gifts with "Major Purpose"

May 05, 2022 by Dianna Smiley in Understanding Donors, Strategy, Staff Leadership, Capital Campaign, Board Members

Maybe the reason your group doesn't get major gifts is that your donors don't see that they are needed. This article helps you think about how you can develop transformative and mission-centric giving initiatives that your donors will be excited about funding.

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May 05, 2022 /Dianna Smiley
#Major Gifts, #Donor Relations, #Board Members
Understanding Donors, Strategy, Staff Leadership, Capital Campaign, Board Members

Finding solid support in troubling times

July 31, 2021 by Dianna Smiley in Planned Giving, Strategy, Board Members, Staff Leadership

What if you don't have the support of any megadonors and you're not sure how to get on MacKenzie Scott's radar screen?

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July 31, 2021 /Dianna Smiley
Fundraising, major gifts, Volunteers, planned giving, board members, prospecting
Planned Giving, Strategy, Board Members, Staff Leadership

How to steward your donors? ASK them!

April 16, 2021 by Dianna Smiley in Understanding Donors, Strategy, Capital Campaign, Staff Leadership, Planned Giving

Most gifts come from donors who've already given, not new donors. This article is about how we treat these valuable people, helping them give more, now and in the future.

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April 16, 2021 /Dianna Smiley
Fundraising, Giving, major gifts, Board members, Capital Campaign, fundraising communications
Understanding Donors, Strategy, Capital Campaign, Staff Leadership, Planned Giving

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