Using a mini-feasibility study to determine the strategy of your next fundraising campaign
Ever wonder as to what is the best course to take with your fundraising strategy? Let's say that you have been given a challenge match by a donor or you have a fundraising goal that the Board has given to you to raise.The question becomes not…
Plan for your new fundraising job even before you start
It is very tempting to take some time off between fundraising jobs to just rest and relax. Fundraising is difficult and demanding work, and there is a need for a recharge.However, this is exactly the time that you should be planning for…
Characteristics of a good development director
Technical skill or personality, which is most important when hiring a new Director of Development?That is a great question.And, while both would be ideal, that is not always a guarantee.So, what do you look for in this case?While…
How to dispel the endowment myth in your fundraising
Sometimes I work with organisations that have endowments. And, these endowments scare these organisations as they consider fundraising. They wonder if having an endowment, some of them significant in amounts, will deter donors and others…
Creating a system of reconciliation for your fundraising and finance offices
Development and Finance both report financial numbers to the Board of Directors, but sometimes the numbers reported don't add up. Questioning Board members wonder, "Whose numbers are correct?" While embarrassing at times, it may just be that…
Creating a framework for your annual fundraising campaign
While the calendar may have just turned to the month of June, fundraisers are starting to prepare for their end of year campaigns.Now, the question is, how do you plan the structure of this campaign? What are the elements that need to…
How to acquire new prospective donors while reactivating lapsed ones
According to recent findings in the 2018 Fundraising Effectiveness Project, The Agitator points out that "The warning signs are there – decreasing numbers of new donors and decreasing reactivation rates of lapsed donors."We are apparently…
How to create sponsorship opportunities for your fundraising event
So, you have an upcoming special event and you want to seek sponsors, and now you are wondering how to develop sponsorship opportunities that make sense and that inspire businesses to support you.Well, when I advise my clients on how to…
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 raise more money this Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday, the Global Day of Philanthropy is on Tuesday, November 28. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is partnering with Facebook again this year to provide a match up to $2 million to donors who give during that day.Here…
How to approach your major donors during your calendar year-end campaign
How to approach your major donors during your calendar year-end campaign
When organisations start to segment their calendar year-end appeal letters, they often start off with segmenting out active donors and non-active donors. Far too many…
