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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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…
DetailsYou can do everything perfectly in terms of fundraising technique, but it’s all for naught unless you have enough viable prospects. It’s all too easy to forget about this all-important task, or to think about it as merely an ‘administrative’ function that never rises to the top of your priority list. You can’t ask anyone…
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…
DetailsHow will you keep the donors who just gave to you? Securing donors only to lose them is just silly business. If you want to move away from transactional one-time gifts, and towards longer-term, transformational giving. here is the single most important thing you need to know: RESOLVE to make donor retention a priority. Really! if you want…
DetailsWelcome 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…
DetailsFirst, please know how very special my Clairification School students are to me, and how grateful I am to have this opportunity to 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…
DetailsOf 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…
DetailsThe summer months are a great time to plan to hold an “inspiring philanthropy” (aka board fundraising training) session; then provide volunteers with assignments so they can hit the ground running! These are best held in September/October – in time to fire folks up for year-end major gift asks. Consider inviting a facilitator to run…
DetailsFor 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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