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…
How to begin attracting new donors to your organisation
It is probably not where you initially think!To begin attracting new donors to your organisation, you first need to step back and determine a strong and compelling case for support.Without a rationale for giving, you won't be able to attract…
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. …
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 ideally, both would be great, that is not always a guarantee.So what do you look for in this case?While…
Why do good grant applications fail?
Why good grant applications fail.
Yes, every grant you write will not be funded. That is a reality. I know, you and I both wish that they were, but that's not always the case.According to The Fund Raising School at the Indiana University…
Let’s find all the wealthy people in town!
Is this your major gift strategy?Big donor to save the day?You know. You look up every large property owner in town and create a list. Or, how about you excavate other folks annual reports and assume, hey why not.When you live in a small…
Are you wishing on a capital campaign?
Oh no! We need a new building. The offer letter is on the table.What now? We need money!But wait, we haven't done any fundraising in the past. We need millions tomorrow to move into our new facility and to make all the necessary upgrades.…
Is fundraising a profession yet?
When you are sick, you go to the doctor. The doctor advises you on what you need to do in order to return to health. You listen, you follow the instructions, and you get better.It is not that way with fund development. You look for the…
Sleigh bells ring…Is your year-end fundraising strategy in place?
A little early you might say but…Not really because if you are not hearing sleigh bells ringing then you might already be behind the eight ball in your development office.Santa is getting his sleigh ready and so should you be.Now is…
How to raise $75,000 in 7 months through grant writing
I raised $85,000 for an organisations in 7 months. How?Grant writing!I bet you didn't know that was a skill set of DCS, oh but it is!In the past 7 months that I have worked with an elder care facility, I have been busy raising money through…
Moves management actions
In need of some "moves management" suggestions for your donors?Try some of these out:Follow up a thank-you call to a donor with a video or photos of your mission in action.
Post videos of your mission in action on Facebook, and ask your…
Knock, know, who’s there? Your new donor that is who!
It has been almost ten years since I moved into my home.At times, I just can't believe that it has been THAT long.Where does time go?I do know this, when I moved into my new home it was a monumental thing.I had neighbors knocking at…
