How to create a quick and easy fundraising plan to help you reach your goals
So, maybe you have been operating without a plan up until now. And, that is ok, but it is not strategic, and to meet your goals, you need to have a plan that you follow, monitor, and correct if needed.Here are some simple instructions on…
How your direct mail appeal letter typesetting can help your letter raise more money
One may think that the content or copy of a direct mail appeal letter is King (or Queen), but studies have found that there is something else as equally or maybe even more important than what the letter says.What is that one thing?Typesetting. …
How a gift range chart can help you raise more money even in your small nonprofit
One might think that gift range charts are just for large projects such as capital campaigns or for significant fundraising efforts. And, while, yes, there is some truth to that, gift range charts can be used effectively in even the smallest…
How to run a successful Mother’s Day fundraising campaign
At the start of Spring, our thoughts turn to flowers, sunshine, and our Mom's! And, for many nonprofit organisations, this is a great direct mail theme and just in time for a Spring appeal.So, how can you maximize this appeal to give your…
Oh, the woes of a nonprofit fundraising database!
So, let's talk database.What? That seems like something so mundane. Well, it may be, but it is so critical to fundraising.Throughout my professional career, I have been victim to bad databases, and I have been asked to work with bad databases.One…
New “DCS” interim development services
Development Consulting Solutions is announcing NEW interim and project-based service offerings:Who is DCS?
There are limited Certified Fund-Raising Executives (CFRE) providing outsourced fund development services and serving as interim…
Do not take Fundraising best practices at face value!
Best practices. We hear that phrase often. This week, I even read a question asking if "best practices were misleading?"Are we throwing that phrase around to legitimize our field? Our do we have best practices and what are they?Well, I contend…
“Am I asking my donors too much?” Well, Virginia let me tell you the answer.
So, here it is. I am laying this question and answer right out on the line. Especially now that we are coming to the year-end giving season.I am asked time and time again, "Didn't we just mail to them, won't we be bothering them?"No, no,…
Love me or lose me – How donor communications can do both.
We often talk about banning jargon when we speak to others about our organisation. And, that is so needed. But, I would like to take it one step further, and say that we are not here to "educate" our donors about what we do.They don't…
Ask your donors key questions, and fundraising becomes simple!
Let's get rid of our printed newsletter and just send an e-newsletter.Our donors don't like personal solicitations.We are only going to send out one appeal a year because we don't want to send too much mail to our donors.I hear statements…
Where are all your donors going?
Are you looking at your donor retention rate? It seems like this is old hat in the field, but yet, it is such an important metric to be measuring in your development office. The question is, are you?It is more expensive and difficult to…
Fundraising audits inside and out
The fundraising audit is a major step in fundraising planning. When you think about planning, you think about where are we, where do we want to be, and how are we going to get there?The fundraising audit helps you to determine, where are…
