Recently I’ve been advocating for nonprofits — of all sizes and shapes — to invest in mid-level and major gifts program development. And many of you have asked me which one should be your priority. This, alas, is a bit like asking a parent which child is their favorite. You see, a mid-level and major…
DetailsIt’s not too early to begin planning your fundraising strategies for the fall and end of the calendar year. You’re probably already thinking about your appeal. But what about person-to-person major gift fundraising? For most nonprofits, the lion’s of money comes from the smallest group of people. Many of these folks respond well…
DetailsI’ve recently been writing a lot about the HUGE difference between transactional and transformational “fundraising” — especially from the donor’s perspective. One lands a one-time gift; the other, potentially, a life-long relationship. This is why I encourage you to reframe your work as philanthropy facilitation. When you aren’t just talking at people, but are talking…
DetailsIt’s not too early to prepare for prime fundraising season next Fall! Now is the time to assure you’ve got a manageable, written plan in place so you’re ready. This month’s tips are designed to help you figure out how to prioritize and manage everything on your plate. NOTE: A task management system may help.You…
DetailsAs we move into Spring in the northern hemisphere, and Fall in the southern regions, I have a few tips to “spring” on you and some best practices for you to “fall” into! [NOTE: Did you know modern medicine changes somewhere around half its “best practices” every few years? We should be thinking about, re-evaluating…
DetailsConsider February, with Valentine’s Day smack in the middle, as #donor month. Why not? The you speak the language of to your donors, the they’ll shower you with in return. And by ‘,’ I mean ‘ of humanity’ – aka philanthropy. Robert Payton, the first full-time Director of the Center for…
DetailsWelcome to your Clairification Dashboard and Monthly Tips! You’ll find something new here each month — paralleling what you’re likely thinking about during this time period. Consider these tips your New Year’s Resolutions. They’re simple to accomplish. They’re relatively inexpensive, and They’ll give your fundraising program a big boost in the coming year. As the…
DetailsWelcome to your Clairification Dashboard and Monthly Tips! You’ll find something new here each month — paralleling what you’re likely thinking about during this time period. This month I’m giving you multiple tips because, heck, it’s a very critical month for fundraisers! Studies show one-fourth of all charitable giving happens in December. For some organizations (maybe…
DetailsWhy not declare November ‘Gratitude for Blessings’ month? This means finding opportunities to demonstrate gratitude. Let me begin with how grateful I am for you, my readers. Whereas donors are the center of your nonprofit’s universe, you are the center of mine. You are the reason I write. When I can’t my ideas, it’s…
DetailsThis is the time of year you need to start seriously ASKING for gifts. Chanel the famous hockey player Wayne Gretsky who said “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Add to that the urgency of the NOW. The end of the calendar year is when most nonprofits raise the bulk of their…
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