March 2021Tip

I recently received a question from a grant writer who was unsure whether they should share their input on the types of programs that could further their mission and meet a funder’s objectives/focus.  I am just a grant writer. I am not generally involved in the strategic planning of our organization, but do have input…

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February 2021 Tips

Consider 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…

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January 2022 Tips

Consider these tips your New Year’s Resolutions. They’re simple to accomplish, relatively inexpensive, and they’ll give your fundraising program a big boost in the coming year. As the folks at Nike would say: JUST DO IT! Tip One: Correct Your Bad Addresses Give donors the gift of reconnection! Did you know in the U.S., at any…

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December 2020 Tips

Welcome to your Clairification Dashboard and Monthly Tip! 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! Did you know nonprofits receive 50% of their annual contributions from October to…

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November Tips 2020

First, please know how very special my Clairification School students are to me, and how grateful I am to have this opportunity to share my experience and wisdom with you. It gives me a warm glow to know there are so many folks like you endeavoring to make our world a better and caring…

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October 2020 Tip

Of course you’re working on your annual appeal and year-end fundraising plan. And if you want detailed specifics on how to do either you can grab one of my E-Guides: Anatomy of a Fundraising Appeal Letter plus Sample Template Year-End Fundraising Solution Kit – To-Do’s + Checklists Right now I want to give several specific, timely tips…

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September 2020 Tip

Of course you’re working on your annual appeal and year-end fundraising plan. And if you want detailed specifics on how to do either you can grab one of my E-Guides: Anatomy of a Fundraising Appeal Letter plus Sample Template Year-End Fundraising Solution Kit – To-Do’s + Checklists Right now I want to give you a…

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June 2020 Tips

For many of you this is your fiscal year end.  That means making sure you don’t lose any of those donors you to such pains to acquire last year. It also means tying up loose ends to assure you don’t leave money on the table. For those of you on a different fiscal year, skip…

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May 2020 Tips

TIP #1: How to Message During this Uncertain Time Whether it’s a marketing or fundraising communication, keep these four basics in mind. Clarity and confidence.Get clarity on your reason (WHY) for sending this particular message; then assure your message is a confident expression (WHAT) of your rationale. Make these two characteristics part of every message you…

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Chalk drawing - Be the Light

April 2020 Tips

It’s hard to think of anything other than coronavirus these days. What it means for us personally. And for our families and friends. And for our bed nonprofits. And for all those who rely on our programs and services.  Accordingly, I’ve been writing a LOT on the subject to try to be helpful to you…

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