Achieving your dreams in a global pandemic

July 13, 2020 by Dianna Smiley in Capital Campaign, Strategy, Board Members

Capital campaigns represent the dreams of leaders in a community to do something important and lasting on behalf of the community. And now...COVID-19. How do these leaders and their teams react to something that might completely derail their project? What if they are in the middle of the campaign? What if they now lack the funds to execute the campaign? What if they are almost ready to launch the campaign? This post has six points of advice for those planning or carrying out capital campaigns right now.

What's the secret to great fundraising?

January 20, 2020 by Dianna Smiley in Board Members, Staff Leadership, Consulting - fundraising

There's not just one "secret" to great fundraising. And the "secrets" are not actually secret. But there are key elements common to most great fundraising efforts, and I'm going to share with you some of the ones I've observed (and been part of) over my years in the fundraising profession.

Has “Generosity” lost its power?

October 30, 2019 by Dianna Smiley in Board Members, Capital Campaign, Staff Leadership, Understanding Donors

Used too often and without thought, “generous” and “generosity” lose their power. Do we cheapen these words by calling every donor “generous”?

Planned giving is a GAME CHANGER!

October 14, 2019 by Dianna Smiley in Planned Giving, Strategy, Understanding Donors

What if I told you that I could bring you 100 brand new major donor prospects who will each ultimately give your organization $100,000, and over the next few years will increase their annual gifts and be among your campaign donors when you have a special campaign? You would say, “Terrific, Dianna! Where are they?”

Part 1 - Board Members CAN ask for big gifts!

September 04, 2019 by Dianna Smiley

Board Members and Campaign Committee members often turn pale when faced with asking a donor for a significant gift. How can these solicitations for significant gifts (also called “major gifts”) go smoothly and with great results?

Does Your Group Need a Fundraising Consultant?

June 13, 2019 by Dianna Smiley in Consulting - fundraising

How do you know if your group needs a fundraising consultant? What can a fundraising consultant do that no one on your board or staff can do, to help you raise the funds you need? This post describes some of the situations that might bring you to interview fundraising consultants, and what you should expect to find in consultants you might hire.

Useful Metrics for Your Fundraising Plan

May 05, 2019 by Dianna Smiley in Board Members, Staff Leadership, Strategy

Have 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?