Is scarcity stopping you from asking for a major gift?
Do these phrases sound familiar to you?"I never have enough money!"
"Money goes out faster than it comes in!"
"Money doesn't grow on trees!"How often have we heard these phrases growing up? Well, if you were like me, probably a lot. As…
Let’s talk about YOU, not me!
Research has shown that people like to talk about themselves. And, there is a reason why. It stimulates areas of the brain. It makes them physically feel good to talk about themselves – stimulating the same areas in the brain that sex, cocaine,…
What does your body language say about you in fundraising?
Recently, I had some conversations with a former co-worker. Her outlook and atmosphere had changed so dramatically that I had pause and ask, what is different. Well, she set me on the course of all of her "research" on the importance of human…
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…
What is your aversion to asking others for money?
I enjoy asking for gifts. I like to connect a donor with a mission and see magic happen. Indeed, when you ask one for a gift, the giver gives.When I have broached this topic as of late, I see faces cringe and heads nod, "no." The body…
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…
How does your fundraising ROI measure up?
How are you looking at your fundraising rate of return?It is critical that you develop a variety of ways to measure your performance and report these results to the board.In doing so, you are ensuring appropriate stewardship of your resources…
I have a motive, and it is a bequest.
Yes, I have a motive, and it is a bequest. As a young woman with no children, I have already created my estate plans. Yes, I have. And while those I love will be taken care of as they should. There is a time after they are gone when my assets…
Younger people want to give, but can’t!
Younger donors don't give as much. You can chase the Millennials and the generation whatever's, but if you don't take into consideration the family life cycle, then you are misdirecting your energies.What is the family life cycle I hear…
Hello, are you really listening to me?
We are all so very guilty of appearing to listen to someone, but yet already forming a reply in our head..You know, you are sitting with a donor and rather than listening, you are rehearsing what your response may be.Are you missing some…
A great time for bequests, but are you ready?
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that the number of people dying in the United States will double in the next forty years. WOW!Hard to read, but surely reality. And, sometimes reality is stark.The Baby Boomers will soon be facing…
