What’s Holding You Back? How To Communicate With Donors So They Are Inspired to Give
What’s holding you back? A simple yet powerful question. It was the question I asked a corporate donor many years ago, which changed the trajectory of their relationship with my organization. I had taken over a portfolio from another colleague, and was briefed on one donor who had pledged a multi-million gift, but hadn’t yet […]
Running Shoes Optional: Doing a Mid-Year Fundraising Check-In
On Memorial Day I ran my first 5k race in eight months, feeling uncertain. I had come away from my previous race last fall feeling confident, after coming close to my personal record by six seconds. In the months since, though, a busy calendar hadn’t allowed me to train in the way I’d like. After […]
Using a Development Plan to Focus Your Fundraising
A goal without a plan is just a wish.” ― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Embarking on a new year—whether it’s a calendar or fiscal year (or both!)—is always an opportunity for a fresh start. After all, that’s why resolutions are written at the start of a new year. New year. New goals. It’s the same with writing a […]
Fundraising Lessons from a Trapeze Class
2016 has been bit of a YOLO year for me. It started with pursuing a long-time dream to take snowboarding lessons (I stayed on the board…and even bought a season pass for this year…), continued with a trapeze class, and will conclude with a polo lesson with a friend (I already ride horses). Friends and […]
Playlist for a Lost Donor
I’ve been thinking a lot about donor retention lately especially as we enter the busiest time of the fundraising year. Whether or not your fiscal year ends on December 31st, donors and nonprofits alike know this is prime giving season. Consider these stats from Network for Good’s Digital Giving Index: · 30% of all giving […]
How are Donors Like Orchids?
Several months back, a friend sent me an orchid for my birthday. It was a really lovely present and now has a special place on my desk. My friend told me that he chose the orchid because he was pretty sure I don’t have a green thumb (correct) and that it would be very low-maintenance […]