You made the ask. You named a number. Then came a pause, and the sentence every fundraiser dreads: "Let me think about it." You thanked them, said you'd be in touch, and walked out to your car with no real idea what had just happened. Was … [Read more...] about What to Do When a Donor Says “Let Me Think About It”
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You Gotta Make the Call
Somewhere on your desk, or buried in your CRM, there's a list of people you know you should call. Major donor prospects. The program officer at that foundation that never responded to your LOI. The longtime donor who just made her tenth … [Read more...] about You Gotta Make the Call
Every Nonprofit is Now a Media Company
A few months ago I sat with a development director who had done everything right. Her year-end appeal was well written. The segmentation was smart. The ask amounts were tested against last year's giving. It raised less than the year … [Read more...] about Every Nonprofit is Now a Media Company
Sometimes You Need to Take a Fundraising Leap of Faith
You know the moment. Someone in the room says the words "capital campaign," and everyone suddenly looks at the table. Or your consultant mentions that most organizations your size mail six appeals a year, and you only mail two, and something in … [Read more...] about Sometimes You Need to Take a Fundraising Leap of Faith
How to Build a Fundraising Program That Survives Staff Turnover
Your development director gives notice on a Tuesday. By the end of the month she's gone, and so is most of what she knew. Which donors were close to an ask. What the board chair's wife said at the gala. The real reason that foundation program … [Read more...] about How to Build a Fundraising Program That Survives Staff Turnover
How to Build a Super Successful Monthly Giving Program
If you've been following fundraising conversations over the past few years, you've heard the pitch: monthly giving is the future. Recurring revenue is king. Build your monthly donor base and watch your fundraising problems disappear. There's … [Read more...] about How to Build a Super Successful Monthly Giving Program