How to pack your annual operating expenses into a family of funds
Have you ever wondered if all you can ask for is general operating support? Or perhaps, you asked how you could offer different projects for your donors to support without creating restricted donations?I recommend to my clients that they…
How to Find New Major Donors for Your organisation Using an “Inside Out” Prospecting Approach
Soliciting new donors, much like growing your major gifts portfolios and upgrading mid-level donors to give more, should also start with those you already know. Prospects can be hiding in plain sight. It is after you’ve culled through…
How to develop Giving Societies for your non-profit fundraising program
Giving societies can be an excellent way to cultivate, steward, and upgrade donors in your organisation. Some giving societies focus on level, monthly, major, and legacy donors. Generally, non-profits set up various groups at different giving…
How to follow up after a fundraising cultivation event
The cultivation event was a starting point. It’s what you do after the event that counts when it comes to donor cultivation and building sustainable relationships with your attendees. Event follow-up is the critical element to starting…
How to evaluate your fundraising grants management program
The many factors that affect grant writing success are incredibly diverse. They include such things as the reputation and professionalism of the organisation; the quality of the program or evaluation design; the qualifications of proposed…
“Why You Need It: 8 Reasons Why the CFRE Makes a Difference in Fundraising.”
I started my fundraising career almost twenty-five years ago. Like most people during those days, I learned on the job. It was something that I “chose” to be or to do. It was a necessity to keep the organisation operating. Back in…
How to upgrade your donor’s giving to your organisation
organisations often become so focused on acquiring new donors and broadening their universe of prospects rather than developing and building relationships with the ones that they currently have.Many organisations that I see are not focused…
How to create multiple giving options for all of your donors interests
A wise organisation is one that provides its donors with multiple options, whether programs or projects to invest.Donors come with all different types of passions held deep in their hearts, and it is our job to match those desires with our…
How to start a major gifts fundraising program without any major donors
How to start a major gifts fundraising program without any major donorsI often get asked, "How can I start a major gifts program if my organisation does not have any major donors?" Is it even possible? And, the short answer is YES!Even…
How to begin preparing for the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) application and exam
For those interested, in the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential, the most often asked question is, "How do I prepare for the application and the exam?"Well, for starters, the CFRE is the first globally recognized credential…
How to follow up with your donors for your calendar year-end campaign
The clock is ticking ever so close to midnight on December 31.Are you ready?Have you taken all of the steps that you possibly can to give your donors opportunities to contribute during this giving season?Here are a few simple last-minute…
How to create a manual that ensures your database stays clean and up to date
Databases are indeed the foundation of your development program.While it is critical to have one, it is not enough to just enter data into it.I have long advocated for consistency in data entry through developing a manual of standards…
