In the children’s game nobody wants to be left holding the hot potato. Does that sound like the way social media is ‘played’ at your nonprofit? Is anyone in charge? Who sets goals? Who decides what to do/not do? Who evaluates success? Where does the buck stop?
Too many organizations still have not taken charge of their digital strategy. It’s beyond time for this to happen, as I explain in
DetailsI recently wrote a post about how to take charge of your nonprofit’s ‘major donor-investor plan.’ One of my readers asked “How did you come up with that term?”
Hmmn… I don’t think I came up with anything. I’ve simply considered my major donors as investors since as long as I can remember. But, honestly, I think the term may have been coined by fundraising guru Kay Sprinkel Grace, who has been a mentor and huge influence in my development practice. So, thank you Kay.
What’s in a name? Let’s take a moment to consider the power of language.
DetailsMajor individual gifts are the single largest source of philanthropy, by far. The most recent data from Giving USA[Free Summary Download] shows 72% of gifts come from individuals’ annual gifts and an additional 7% from bequests.
The process of individual donor development proceeds along a continuum – from awareness… to education… to involvement… to investment. People must first be made aware of the organization’s existence and its mission. Once this occurs, people who share values enacted by your organization can be identified, further educated and majorly involved.
When the relationship is sufficiently built – and only then — the prospect can be invited to significantly invest to assist in furtherance of your organization’s mission.
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