How to recruit the best fundraising volunteers possible
Fundraising volunteers are critical to our success as they are the "ambassadors" of our fundraising efforts. I often get asked, what is the best way of recruiting them to join in fundraising efforts?And, while I believe that, in some cases,…
How to run your annual fund like a capital campaign
Annual campaigns can be run just like capital campaigns. Yes, you heard it right. Far too often, I see an annual campaign as only a single, direct mail campaign. However, you can apply the same campaign structure to annual campaigns as you…
How to brand your resume to land your next development position
Have you ever wondered how you can land that next fundraising job? While networks are important, a branded resume will really make you stand out and land that next position.Below are steps that you can take to begin to brand yourself as…
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 organisations don't think of segmenting out their major donors for more…
How to follow-up on your calendar year-end appeal once it is mailed
Now that your calendar year-end appeal has gone out in the mail, what is left to do?Well, if you take the "sit back and wait" approach you will be missing out for your organisation.Here are some follow-up steps that you may want to consider…
How to ensure the health of your development program through your annual fund
Often, groups wonder, on what should I focus most throughout my annual fund?Over the years, I have determined the most critical factors for ensuring that a development program is not only healthy but thriving.The health of a development…
How to build your development program with special event attendees
Often, we get so caught up with the small event details at special events that we forget to think long-term. Just this week at a conference that I spoke at, I was asked, "How do I collect all the names of people who are attending my special…
How to facilitate a donor prospect rating session
While wealth screening is an essential tool for fundraisers of today, I still hold true to augmenting a screening with the old "tried and true" Prospect Rating and Ranking Session.What is a Rating and Ranking Session and how would you hold…
How to easily verify your annual report donor honor roll
Quite plainly, one thing that is known for sure is that donors appreciate the fact that you get their name spelled correctly, especially when you are thanking them for past giving. When it comes time to thank them in your Annual Report or…
Using a gift chart to validate a fundraising goal and campaign
When you have been presented with a fundraising goal, the best next step is to determine the feasibility of that goal. One of the most challenging tasks is setting out to accomplish a fundraising goal without knowing whether or not you have…
Engage your Board in your calendar year-end fundraising campaign
Engage your Board in your calendar year-end fundraising campaign
When running your next year-end campaign, it is essential that your Board sends a loud, clear message to its constituents that it supports the organisation's mission. The Board…
How to find and hire your next development director
Often, executive directors wonder, "what should I be looking for in a development candidate." And, my answer is, it depends.Development directors last an average of 16 months in their positions, it behooves management to do their diligence…
