Board members often compare your organization with another they’ve heard about, in fundraising. But Fill-in-the-Blank-Organization is not like your organization, and therein lies the reason you should not be raising money exactly like Fill-in-the-Blank-Organization does. Your group needs what I call “Best Fit” fund raising activities and programs.
Read MoreLoyal donors, even giving at a modest level, are telling you something: They care enough to give every year. Your group is part of their life. And in some cases, they could give much more than they are giving now.
Read MoreMaking sure you retain donors from one year to the next is critical, but helping them increase their gifts is just as important in order to meet your fundraising goals.
Read MoreIf you don’t use it much, consider using your vacation home to make a charitable gift to your favorite nonprofit. Compared to writing a check, the tax advantages can be significant, allowing you to potentially give much more than you could otherwise.
Read MoreAuthenticity is a hot word right now, and it had everything to do with success in fundraising. Donors often allow us to tap into their deeply-held values and beliefs, and in return we owe them the same, in ourselves.
Read MoreAutonomous elders can become major donors, as the work of your group becomes part of their personal legacy. But you have to understand what matters to them about your work first.
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?
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