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Preparing for a Successful Capital Campaign

May 25, 2016 by Dianna Smiley in Capital Campaign

In this post, I cover one of the three most important considerations the leadership of any group pondering a capital campaign should place front and center: Investment funding available for the campaign activity.

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May 25, 2016 /Dianna Smiley
Groups, Budget, Staff, Overhead
Capital Campaign

Fundraising in the Nonprofit CEO’s Job Description

March 24, 2016 by Dianna Smiley in Staff Leadership

I’m often asked: Once an ED hires an experienced development director, can’t the ED do less fundraising?   The answer is yes, if you are referring to planning, organizing, and guiding other staff in fundraising programs and activities.  But the answer is no, if you are referring to the time spent in total fundraising activity by the ED.

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March 24, 2016 /Dianna Smiley
CEO, Executive Director
Staff Leadership

PART 2 — BOARD MEMBERS CAN ASK FOR BIG GIFTS!

February 15, 2016 by Dianna Smiley in Board Members

Sometimes 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!

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February 15, 2016 /Dianna Smiley
Board Members, Board, Gifts
Board Members

Asking for a Big Gift from an Individual or Couple

January 12, 2016 by Dianna Smiley in Understanding Donors

Board Members need to understand how to ask a donor for a significant gift. This is true even if they are relying on their staff teammate to be the designated asker. How can these solicitations for significant gifts go smoothly and with great results?

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January 12, 2016 /Dianna Smiley
Donors, donor, Board members
Understanding Donors

Listening – REALLY listening – to your donors

November 29, 2015 by Dianna Smiley in Understanding Donors

Sometimes feeling nervous makes us talk too much, or we might clam up. How can we focus AWAY from the nervousness, and TOWARDS the donor and what she or he would like to discuss, specifically about their regard for your group’s work?

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November 29, 2015 /Dianna Smiley
Donor, Donors
Understanding Donors

Board Member as Fundraiser (Part 2)

October 22, 2015 by Dianna Smiley in Board Members

As 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.

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October 22, 2015 /Dianna Smiley
Board Members, Board
Board Members

Board Member = Fundraiser

September 23, 2015 by Dianna Smiley in Board Members

You, better than anyone not on the board, are in a great position to participate in fundraising.  And if you don’t, it’s a loss to the group you serve. How can you get started? Here are a few suggestions.

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September 23, 2015 /Dianna Smiley
Board, Fundraising
Board Members

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