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Family Member Influence in Major Gift Decisions

January 15, 2024 by Dianna Smiley in Understanding Donors, Capital Campaign, Planned Giving, Strategy

How can we understand whether and how the donor's family is important to our work with the donor? How do we respect the donor's privacy while exploring ways to include family members in the gift discussion that might make the gift more meaningful? Or in ways that might enable the gift to happen at all?

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January 15, 2024 /Dianna Smiley
#major gifts, #Major donors, donor relations, #familyphilanthropy, #capit
Understanding Donors, Capital Campaign, Planned Giving, Strategy

Major Gifts Coaching can Accelerate your Progress

December 05, 2023 by Dianna Smiley in Consulting - fundraising, Board Members, Staff Leadership

You and your group might benefit hugely from the help of a major gifts coach.

Given the needs that I currently see in the nonprofit community to understand major gifts, I’ve recently decided to offer major gifts coaching as a stand-alone service. Here’s what it’s about.

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December 05, 2023 /Dianna Smiley
Major Gifts, Consulting, Coaching
Consulting - fundraising, Board Members, Staff Leadership

Making first connections with major gift prospects

October 24, 2023 by Dianna Smiley in Understanding Donors, Capital Campaign, Strategy, Board Members

Major gifts fundraising is well worth the investment of time. But if you are new to it and need to approach prospects, how can you adjust your attitude and expectations to become successful?

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October 24, 2023 /Dianna Smiley
#Major Gifts, #Major donors, Donor identification
Understanding Donors, Capital Campaign, Strategy, Board Members

What traits make someone a good fundraiser?

July 31, 2023 by Dianna Smiley in Board Members, Consulting - fundraising, Understanding Donors, Staff Leadership

Many of us believe we would not be good at fundraising. But how do we know? Are there personal characteristics that are necessary? This article’s conclusions may surprise you.

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July 31, 2023 /Dianna Smiley
Board Members, Consulting - fundraising, Understanding Donors, Staff Leadership

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

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