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
Blog
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
Your Donors Don’t Owe You Loyalty
I hear the same frustration from nonprofit leaders everywhere: "We keep losing donors." Retention rates are stuck in the low 40s. First-time donor retention is even worse. And the response is usually some version of "donors are busy, there's so … [Read more...] about Your Donors Don’t Owe You Loyalty
How to Build a Board That Actually Helps You Fundraise
Ask most executive directors about their board and fundraising, and you'll hear some version of the same sigh. The board says it supports fundraising. The board votes for the fundraising goal. But when it comes time to actually bring in donors, … [Read more...] about How to Build a Board That Actually Helps You Fundraise
You Don’t Need Permission to Lead Your Fundraising Program
I talk to a lot of development directors who feel stuck. They have ideas. They see what needs to change. They know the donor stewardship is too thin, the systems are too loose, and the follow-up is inconsistent. But they're waiting. Waiting … [Read more...] about You Don’t Need Permission to Lead Your Fundraising Program