The Fundraising Academy Blog
The Rule of 1
I needed a new backpack a few weeks ago, and what should have been a simple purchase turned into a minor crisis. Thousands of options. Different brands, sizes, materials. Laptop compartments, water bottle pockets, anti-theft zippers, ergonomic straps. I went down the review rabbit hole. I watched YouTube videos of guys named Chad unboxing things…
Read more
The coffee meeting isn't fooling anyone.
Have you ever scheduled a visit with a donor where you intended to ask them for a gift by saying something like, "Hey, I'd love to grab coffee sometime. I want to hear how things are going and give you an update on what's happening with the organization." Sounds harmless, right? Friendly, even. But here's…
Read more
Inspiration > Information … but good fundraising still needs both!
There's a time for everything in fundraising. There's a time to gather information. And a time to share information. A time to inform . And a time to inspire . But the ask? The ask is not the time for information. The ask is the time for inspiration. I see this all the time. A…
Read more
Stop believing the lies and say YES instead.
I talk with a lot of fundraisers who are holding back. They have a great cause, generous supporters, and real, tangible impact happening every day. But when it comes time to actually communicate with their donors (to send the email, make the call, share the need) they freeze up . The fear of annoying people…
Read more
Four Words to Guide Your Fundraising
I spoke to a sales class at my alma mater yesterday. ( thank you Burt Smith for the invite! ) When Dr. Burt asked me to come speak, I realized the framework I wanted to share with his class is the same one I wish every fundraiser already knew. Most people in fundraising landed here…
Read more
Need to raise more money? Try doing MORE of these 3 things.
Less is more , right? Except when it’s not . Do you need to raise more money ? Here are 3 things you might need to do MORE of… 1. Can you LISTEN more? Do you want to unleash more generosity ? Try listening more . Ask more questions and take the time to truly…
Read more
Stop Talking and Watch What Happens
She looked down at her coffee. Shifted in her chair. Said nothing. And I was losing my mind. This was 8 years ago, but I still remember it like it was yesterday. Sweaty hands. Heart beating out of my chest. Throat closing in. I'd been working with her for months. We'd built a genuine relationship.…
Read moreYour campaign didn't fail. You never ran one.
Your fundraising campaign didn't fail. You never ran one. Harsh. I know. But I've had this conversation dozens of times over the years, and it almost always goes the same way. A few years ago, I was talking with someone who was planning a Mother's Day campaign. "Great," I said. "Walk me through it." She…
Read moreIntroducing the Fundraising Academy
On Wednesday, I shared some big news about what's next for me. If you missed it, here's the post . Today I want to tell you about something I wish existed when I started in fundraising. Twenty years ago, I was drowning. I didn't know how to write an appeal. I didn't know how to…
Read moreI Read 120 Year-End Fundraising Emails. Here's What I Noticed.
Over the holidays, I ran a little experiment. I saved every fundraising email that hit my inbox between Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. There were 120 total from 40 different organizations, and I read (not skimmed) them all. I’m weird. I know. I wasn't trying to grade them or decide which ones were "good"…
Read moreYou worked really hard this year. Now it's time to rest.
Happy Boxing Day Friends! I hope these next few days between Christmas and New Year bring you a little rest and time to recharge. If you're like most people in fundraising, December is one of your busiest times of year. And while the rest of the world is taking time off and truly disconnecting this…
Read moreNo one gives because it’s December 31.
They give because they were asked . Because they care deeply about something you care about too. Because they’re feeling reflective in those quiet days between Christmas and New Year, taking stock, and thinking about what matters . They give because they’re overflowing with gratitude about how good their life is and want to share…
Read moreWould you consider making a gift to me today?
Hey friend, I'll keep this short because it’s December and I know you’re busy. I'm working on something new and could use your help. If Fundraising Friday has ever been useful to you … if it’s helped you write a better appeal, think differently about donors or fundraising, or if it’s ever just made your…
Read moreGiving Tuesday is over. Now what?
Giving Tuesday was three days ago. How many of the people who gave have heard from you since? If you're like most nonprofits, you sent an automated receipt. Maybe a quick thank-you email. And then … silence . Can I tell you what gets overlooked? The next few days after some gives. The single most…
Read moreThe 10-Second Email Busy Donors Actually Answer
It's year-end giving season and I know you're busy, so I'll keep this short. Are you trying to reach people for last-minute calls, visits, or connections this holiday season? Try the 10-second email. What's a 10-second email? Well … it's an email. That you can read. In 10 seconds. Or less. ( Revolutionary, I know.…
Read moreYou are the miracle this holiday season.
Hey there, fundraising friends, how are you doing today? Right now, in the thick of the year-end madness, how are you really doing? With appeals piling up in your drafts, board members needing talking points, and an ever-increasing list of thank-you notes you need to write. Oh yeah, and your matching gift deadline is breathing…
Read moreThese Five Magic Words Will Make You a Better Fundraiser
When I first started fundraising, I was pretty bad at it. I was good at the relational aspects and the follow-through, but when it came to talking about giving and actually asking people to give, I struggled. Do you know what finally helped? It wasn't some grand strategy or better collateral. It didn't involve making…
Read moreSpooky Scary Halloween Edition
Can I tell you a scary story? It's about something that haunts every fundraiser I know. Something that keeps us up at night, staring at our phones, refreshing our email one more time before bed. It's about silence . The kind that makes you question everything you thought you knew about a relationship. The kind…
Read moreFeeling stuck writing a year-end appeal? Try this framework.
It's 3 p.m. on a Tuesday, and you're staring at a blank screen. Your year-end appeal needs to go out soon. Like, real soon. Maybe even yesterdayday soon. But every sentence you write sounds terrible, so you delete everything and start over. The worst part? You can't even get your favorite AI to give you…
Read moreWhy Weird Numbers Beat Normal Numbers Every Single Time
I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my fundraising career. I’ve over-asked, under-asked, not asked, forgotten to follow up, made big typos, missed appointments. You know … stuff like that. Can I tell you about one of the biggest mistakes I’ve made? I rounded. I took a program that cost $73.42 per participant and asked…
Read moreLong-term Success in Fundraising is Never Easy. But it is Simple.
Can I tell you a secret about fundraising success? I know there are SO MANY things competing for your attention. You’re being pulled in eighty-seven different directions trying to hit your goals. There are so many things you could do. So many things you could try. Where should you focus? What's the secret? The real…
Read moreBehold the Trust-Earning Power of the "Oops" Email
A few weeks ago, a friend of mine accidentally spam-bombed 2,000 donors with the same message over and over and over again. What happened next may change how you think about fundraising mistakes. She'd just launched a new ringless voicemail campaign to reconnect with lapsed donors. For anyone unfamiliar, ringless voicemail is a technology that…
Read moreThe Difference Between Donor Care and Donor Cultivation
What’s the difference between donor care and donor cultivation ? More importantly, why does it matter? At first glance, they might seem like the same thing. Both involve building relationships with people who support the mission. Both require intentionality and consistency. Both are essential for sustainable fundraising. But there’s a fundamental difference. Donor cultivation is…
Read moreHow to Write Fundraising Offers that Actually Work
Fundraising appeals fail for a hundred different reasons. One of the most common? There was no clear offer. You ask people to " support our mission " or " help us change lives. " But those aren’t offers. They’re slogans . A donor reads those and thinks, " Okay, but what does my $50 actually…
Read moreA quick reminder as you head into the weekend.
Can I give you an assignment as we head into the weekend? For my friends in the U.S., it’s a 3-day holiday weekend. For my friends everywhere else, it’s just an ordinary couple of days off. Either way, the invitation is the same: Rest. More specifically, do nothing fundraising-related. Sleep in. And take a nap…
Read moreThe Smart Way to Frame Unrestricted Giving
Every nonprofit on the planet needs general operating funds to keep their mission moving forward, and yet most nonprofits struggle to make "unrestricted giving" sound as compelling as funding specific programs or needs. I get it. Salaries, rent, lights, vehicles, IT systems, training … none of that feels as exciting as a water well or…
Read moreBe Absurdly Human
Your donor received 47 emails yesterday. Half were written by AI. The subject lines were optimized. The send times were perfect. The personalization tokens all worked. The storytelling followed a proven formula. They all sounded exactly the same. And then yours arrived. You misspelled “sincerely.” You started a sentence with “And.” Your PS rambled a…
Read moreDo you have a major gifts portfolio or a spreadsheet?
Do you have a major gifts portfolio? Or do you have a spreadsheet with 150 names on it? There’s a big difference. And that difference might be why your major gifts program is stuck. If you ask about their portfolio, most fundraisers will tell you they "manage 150 donors." But often, if you dig a…
Read moreHow Fundraising Is Basically Formula 1 and Why I am Now Obsessed
Can I make a confession? This summer, I have become completely obsessed with Formula 1. Not the Brad Pitt movie, which I have yet to see. No, I’m talking about the actual sport of Formula 1 racing. My wife and daughter think I've lost it. My youngest son doesn’t care either. But my 12-year-old? He’s…
Read moreThe Difference Between Sales and Fundraising
Imagine walking into a coffee shop and ordering a latte. You hand over $6.50 and walk out with your drink. Simple transaction. You got exactly what you paid for. But what happens when a friend calls to tell you their nonprofit is trying to raise money to provide clean water wells, and you write a…
Read moreThe Three Important MOST Groups in Fundraising
If I asked you right now to name the most important donors to your organization, who would you think of first? The people who give the MOST MONEY ? The $10,000 donor? That family foundation? The couple who made a transformational gift last year? Most fundraisers obsess over one group: the biggest donors. That’s a…
Read moreThe way we think about asking for money is all wrong.
Hate asking for money? You're not alone. And you don't have to do it the way you think. I get it. Sometimes the thought of asking someone for money can make your palms sweaty and your stomach churn. Maybe you've convinced yourself you're just "not good at it." Maybe you've even thought about finding a…
Read moreStop writing like a nonprofit and start writing like a human.
Most nonprofit emails sound like a bunch of cotton candy jargony fluff. Here's how they usually start: At Organization Name, we believe in empowering individuals through holistic , community-based , equitable solutions… Sounds important. Also sounds like no one is going to read it. Why not say it this way instead? We be believe in…
Read moreYou're not behind. You're building.
Have you ever looked at another nonprofit and thought, “How are they doing all that?” They’ve got major gifts coming in. A stunning website. Super compelling social media. Their newsletter is perfect. They run beautiful integrated fundraising campaigns that flow seamlessly across direct mail and digital. And a gala that somehow raises $600k while also…
Read moreFive Things I've Noticed Recently About Mid-Level Giving
I was researching mid-level giving last month to prep for a workshop I was co-leading at the BuildGood Summit, and I noticed a few things that seemed obvious to me, but felt somewhat missing from the larger conversation around this important, often overlooked, aspect of nonprofit fundraising. 1. Despite its usefulness as an internal term,…
Read moreThree Lies Playing on Repeat in the Mind of Every Fundraiser
We’ve all heard it. Maybe we’ve even said it: “People don’t want to be asked.” False. The truth? People don’t want to be guilted , manipulated , or treated like an ATM . But people do want to give. In fact, most people wish they could do more good in the world. Most of the…
Read moreHow One 15-Minute Phone Call Turned $1,000 into $20,0000
Mark and Tracy gave $1,000 every December. They gave. We sent them receipts. For five years, that was the relationship. But nobody had ever called to say thank you. Think about that for a moment. Five thousand dollars. Five years of trust. Zero human contact. It's the strangest transaction you can imagine. Deeply personal on…
Read moreAre You Accidentally Making Donors Feel Like Outsiders?
I saw a newsletter targeted to major donors earlier this week. The creative was great. The copy was great. It was a solid piece. The problem? There was a spot in the sidebar with an infographic highlighting the work of the organization in the past year. Nothing wrong with that but the language was way…
Read moreAre Your Fundraising Struggles Above the Line or Below the Line?
Have you ever seen an iceberg? They’re stunning. Massive chunks of ice jutting dramatically up from the ocean. But typically, what you're seeing is only the tip. Roughly 90% of an iceberg's mass hides below the waterline, invisible to the casual observer. Most fundraising challenges are like an iceberg. When results aren't where you want…
Read moreHow to Ask For a Gift Without Making It Weird
Ever feel like you're bothering someone when you ask them to give? Like you're a door-to-door salesperson they’re trying to avoid? You're not alone. Asking can feel awkward. And weird. And sometimes scary. But that discomfort? It usually isn’t about the money. It’s about your mindset. When you feel awkward or weird raising money, it's…
Read moreThese are the exact steps I'd take if I were starting a brand new major gifts program today.
Today’s Fundraising Friday is for the ones holding it all together. The founders. The EDs. The accidental fundraisers in small shops with big dreams. You've built something from scratch. You've kept it running on a miraculous mix of caffeine-fueled grit, copious grant applications, multiple time-consuming special events, and the occasional strategically placed piece of duct…
Read moreStop Doing the Job of a Donor … Your Job is Hard Enough
Have you ever had this thought about a potential donor? "They probably can't afford to give right now." Maybe you've hesitated to reach out to someone because: "They're probably too busy." Or perhaps you've avoided asking for a larger gift because: "They've already given so much this year." Sound familiar? If so, I have some…
Read moreAsking Is a Muscle That Gets Stronger With Practice
Have you ever felt that knot in your stomach right before asking someone to support your organization? That moment when your mouth goes dry, your palms get sweaty, and you start wondering if maybe this whole fundraising thing just isn't for you? I know. I know. Asking people to give can be scary. But here's…
Read moreStop boring your donors. Do this instead.
Did you know that your perfectly polished fundraising appeals might be doing more harm than good? You know the ones. The grammar is perfect. The language has been approved by committee. Facts and figures are everywhere. Those appeals may be “professional” but they also fail to create human connection. And fundraising without human connection is…
Read moreThe Myth of Donor Fatigue
Let me go ahead and rip the bandaid straight off right here at the beginning. Donor fatigue is a myth. It doesn't exist. Seriously. There. Is. No. Such. Thing. As. Donor. Fatigue. Here's the hard truth. What we often label as "donor fatigue" is usually one of three completely different problems: 1. Poor communication fatigue…
Read moreThe Most Important Gift You'll Ever Receive
Does fundraising ever feel like a constant chase for new donors ? You're not alone. Many nonprofits focus intensely on acquisition, throwing resources into finding that next new supporter while unknowingly leaving money and relationships on the table. Here's a hard truth: The most important gift you will ever receive is not someone's first gift.…
Read moreThe Ultra-Sophisticated Cutting-Edge Fundraising Strategy Taking The Sector By Storm
Ever wonder what the TOP fundraising experts are doing differently? What secret strategy they're implementing that you haven't discovered yet? I'm about to share the most revolutionary fundraising tactic that development consultants don't want you to know about. This one is guaranteed to increase your revenue without hiring an expensive consultant. You can implement it…
Read moreThe Myth of Persuasion
The most effective fundraising professionals I know seem to have at least one thing in common. They are disarmingly curious. They are curious about their organizations , curious about the conversations happening across their sector , curious about their own thoughts and feelings , and ( POSSIBLY MOST IMPORTANTLY ) curious about the people who…
Read moreNever Forget this One Simple Fundraising Truth
Today's Fundraising Friday is brought to you by three simple words: Giving. Is. Fun. Have you ever met an unhappy generous person? I haven't. Why? Because giving is fun! True story. The joy that comes from generosity is one of life's most profound yet underappreciated secrets. But sometimes we forget. We assume we're bothering people.…
Read moreThe Three D's of Fearful Fundraising
Have you ever noticed how creative we can be in avoiding the things that scare us? We'll reorganize our entire closet to avoid having a difficult conversation with a friend. We'll suddenly develop an intense interest in alphabetizing our spice rack rather than writing that challenging email. We'll even volunteer to clean the office microwave…
Read moreThe Exceptionally Boring Secret to Fundraising Success
"There are SO MANY things competing for my attention. Where should I focus? What's the secret?" A young development director asked me this question over coffee recently. The frustration in their voice was familiar … that feeling of being pulled in eighty-seven different directions while trying to hit your fundraising goals. I paused, knowing my…
Read moreA few fundraising predictions for the rest of 2025.
This is a guest post from Mike Duerksen 👋 , CEO & Founder at BuildGood and The Fundraising Academy . And while the last two weeks made it ABUNDANTLY clear that no one has a crystal ball on what the rest of 2025 will hold, I'm bullish on his predictions. I can't make any predictions…
Read moreStop chasing the next thing and just do MORE of what already works.
Most nonprofits are looking for the next big thing. The revolutionary strategy. The game-changing tactic. The silver bullet. What if the answer isn't new or revolutionary at all? What if the secret to raising more money is simply doing more of what already works? More of what matters. Do you want to raise more money…
Read moreGetting visits is hard. Please don't give up!
Getting visits is hard. I know. But please don't give up too soon! Here's what usually happens. You send an email. No response. You try one more time. Still silence. Then the voice in your head kicks in: "I don't want to be pushy." "I don't want to bother them." "Maybe they're just not interested."…
Read moreThe Most Expensive Fundraising Mistake is the Ask You Never Make
Nothing kills more fundraising opportunities than the fear of asking. Racing hearts and sweaty palms have probably prevented more charitable gifts than bad messaging, poor timing, and wrong ask amounts combined. Think about all the asks that never happened because someone let their nerves stop them. Has that ever happened to you? What if your…
Read moreIs Polite Fundraising Huring Your Impact?
When we gloss over the problem we exist to solve in our fundraising, we think we're being polite. Diplomatic. Professional. Appropriate. We wrap hard truths in fuzzy, abstract copy. We hide urgent need and real pain under vague insider language. "82 families in our city are living in their cars because they can't afford rent."…
Read moreAsking for money is hard. It doesn't have to be scary.
Happy Friday Fundraising Friends! Can I tell you an uncomfortable truth? If nonprofit work is the path you've chosen to change the world, you have to ask for money. No exceptions. I know what you're thinking: " Asking people for money is terrifying! " I know. I get it. I used to feel the same…
Read moreFundraising Friday: Struggling to Grow Impact? Try Shrinking Your Problem
"If people truly understood how big this crisis is, they'd have to help." Have you ever caught yourself saying this or something similar about your cause? It's a common belief in fundraising. And it's dead wrong. Every day, well-meaning fundraisers overwhelm potential donors with staggering statistics. Millions of children in poverty, thousands of homeless individuals,…
Read moreThe Real Reason Most Giving Tuesday Campaigns Fail (And 5 Ways to Make Sure Yours Doesn't)
In the next few weeks, thousands of nonprofits will make the same costly mistake. They'll send a few generic emails asking for donations on Giving Tuesday, raise some money, thank their donors, and move on. But you can do better. Here are five simple strategies to help you make the most of your campaign. 1.…
Read moreFundraising Friday: This is a pep talk.
Yesterday morning, a colleague and I met a gentleman who'd been giving to Feed the Children almost monthly for nearly 40 years. His name is Charles, and he’s in his early 80’s. Charles told us something that I may never forget. A few years back, someone from Feed the Children had stopped by to see…
Read moreHow to Write an Effective Fundraising Email
These days, I spend most of my time in the realm of major and planned giving, but I cut my teeth in fundraising writing appeals as the leader of a university annual giving program. And here's something I learned the hard way all those years ago: Most of us make writing an appeal harder than…
Read moreSpooky Halloween Edition
I’ve never met a fundraiser who wasn’t afraid of something: Failing to meet budget. Over asking. Under asking. Asking at all. Speaking in public. Coming across as begging. Not having enough. Offending someone. Handling live snakes (this usually falls under "Other duties as assigned" in a job description) Did you know givers have fears too?…
Read moreThis Five Word Phrase Changed How I Fundraise
When I first started fundraising, I was pretty bad at it. I was good at the relational aspects and the follow-through, but when it came to talking about giving and actually asking people to give, I struggled. Do you know what finally helped? It wasn't some grand strategy or better collateral. It didn't involve making…
Read moreYear-End is Not the Time of Year to Hold Back
Did you know there are only 58 business days between now and December 31st? Let that sink in for a moment. With just 58 days left to reach your year-end fundraising goals, can I ask you a question? How often do you plan to communicate with givers during this critical period? Many nonprofits worry about…
Read moreYour best stories could be hurting your fundraising.
Have you ever had an email show up in your inbox and you immediately knew you had to share it? That happened to me this week. On Thursday, I got an email from Jeff Brooks on the topic of fundraising storytelling. Now … before you turn away scoffing to yourself, "Not another article on the…
Read morePeople don't give to organizations.
People don't give to organizations. They give: ✅ To causes they believe in. ✅ To people they know, like, and trust. ✅ To solve real problems. ✅ To make a difference. No one cares about your history or how you were founded. They don't care about the awards you've won or your new logo. Stop…
Read moreThe biggest battle in fundraising is the battle in your head.
A few weeks ago, I asked someone to give. It was a significant gift, and it rattled me. I didn't sleep well the night before. I kept rehearsing my side of the conversation over and over again in my head. I was stuck in a loop. Why was I so nervous? Several reasons. 1. The…
Read moreThe Biggest Risk is the One You Don't Take
Can I tell you a secret? 🤫 That donor? The one you've been 'cultivating' for months without making an ask? They know what you do for a living. It’s right there on your business card and your email signature. They may even be wondering why you HAVEN'T asked yet. 🤔 What are you waiting for?…
Read moreHave You Considered Simply Asking Them?
Do you ever feel like you're playing an endless guessing game with donors? You're not alone. In nonprofit conference rooms around the world, people like you are trying to crack the code: How often do they want to hear from us? What do they really want from us? What projects are they most passionate about?…
Read moreThe Great Wealth Transfer is Irrelevant
This week's Fundraising Friday is brought to you by my friend Andrew Olsen . It's from a LinkedIn post he shared yesterday and is reproduced in its entirety with his permission below. That's enough from me. I'll let Andrew take it from here: Hey Nonprofits: The Great Wealth Transfer is irrelevant… That's right. The great…
Read moreNever Attempt to Educate in an Appeal
Anyone else love a good paradox? Here's one: "Even though the best fundraising appeals do educate, never try to educate in a fundraising appeal." If you absolutely must educate in your appeals, do it through a story. Here's how: 1. Focus on the individual: Tell a story about one person, family, or community facing a…
Read moreThe Most Powerful Fundraising Tool You're Not Using
Have you ever left a donor visit feeling like something was off? Like you missed an opportunity? You made your case. Shared your passion. You even asked with confidence and conviction. And still … something was off. Something was missing. What was it? Silence . For most fundraising professionals, the hardest skill to master is…
Read moreWriting an appeal? Don't forget to ask this simple question.
Have you ever written a "So What?" fundraising appeal? What's a "So What?" appeal? It's a fundraising letter or email that leaves readers thinking, "So what?" or "Why should I care?" after reading it. It's heavy on what you do, but light on why it matters. It's packed with program details, facts, and figures, but…
Read moreDoes fundraising feel scary? These 5 tips should help.
I know how intimidating asking for money can be. Whether you're asking for your organization or on behalf of a cause you're passionate about, overcoming the fear and resistance that often come alongside asking for financial support can be so difficult. The good news? It gets easier over time. I promise. Each time you step…
Read moreLessons from The Seven Faces of Philanthropy
Do you ever feel like you're fumbling in the dark when it comes to understanding how people make giving decisions? Yeah. Me too. Fortunately, I discovered a book recently called, The Seven Faces of Philanthropy by Russ Alan Prince and Karen Maru File that's helped me better understand many of the different motivations behind why…
Read moreAsking someone to give? Try asking for this first.
What's the one thing the best fundraisers do before asking someone to give? No, it's not perfecting their pitch or researching giving capacity. It's much more simple – and often overlooked. Before you ask someone for money, try asking for their permission first – because the 'yes' that matters most in fundraising isn't the one…
Read more10 Signs You Might be Treating Donors Like an ATM
Donors are not ATMs. They are partners in your mission. How do you know if you're treating someone like an ATM? Here are a few signs: 1. Impersonal communication : You send generic, mass-produced thank you notes or emails without taking the time to personalize. 2. Lack of regular updates : You fail to keep…
Read moreResist the urge to pitch. Do this instead.
Fundraising is hard. It requires getting over your fear of asking and dealing with your baggage about money. There's constant rejection. You regularly need to visit with people who tend to be a bit suspicious of both your profession and your intentions. [I never in a million years had any trouble getting someone to return…
Read moreWhat are you afraid of?
What are you afraid of? When you don't ask … When you don't ask for enough … When you don't make that call … When you don't go the extra mile to set up that visit … When you don't press in a little deeper in your conversations with givers … What are you afraid…
Read moreThe Most Powerful Fundraising Story You Can Tell
What's the most powerful story you can tell in your fundraising – a story about your organization's success, or a story about a donor's impact? Too often, nonprofits fall into the trap of positioning themselves as the heroes. We talk about all the amazing work we're doing, the impact we're making, and the lives we're…
Read moreMastering the Art of the Provisional Question
Do you ever struggle to make meaningful connections with givers? Do you ever wonder how to take your conversations to the next level in a way that helps people engage more deeply with your mission? Do you ever wish you could help givers make smarter, more meaningful gifts that truly align with their values and…
Read moreWhat do donors want?
When someone gives to your cause, what do they want? What do they expect? In my experience, not much. It boils down to a few simple things. They want you to notice when they give. They want to be thanked. They want stories of impact and growth and change. They want to make a difference…
Read moreMoney comes and goes but passion lasts a lifetime.
Would you rather … 1) Have all of someone's money? or 2) Their entire life sold out for your cause? Transactional fundraisers always chase option 1. Those who see fundraising as an opportunity to transform the lives of givers for the better choose option 2 every time. How about you? Which one would you choose?…
Read moreA Simple Mantra to Conquer Your Fear of Asking
Sweaty palms. Feet fidgeting. Churning stomach. Asking for money used to terrify me. 🤢 I hated it. And consequently, like most things in life that we hate, I avoided it. Can you relate? Those moments of anxiety? The heart-pounding seconds leading up to the ask? When you feel like you're about to leap into a…
Read moreA day late and a little off-topic.
My family is in the middle of a significant medical journey with one of our kids. We left one place in late November when the diagnosis came and have yet to arrive in another. While nothing life-threatening, we're between normals in a strange seaon of waiting. We're figuring it out, but we still have a…
Read moreThis one simple question led to a $40,000 gift.
It was supposed to be a normal stewardship visit. Show up. Say thank you. Report back on impact. Ask a few questions. Deepen the relationship a bit. Nothing out of the ordinary. Within a few minutes, my agenda flew entirely out the window. After a little small talk, he asked, “ How much have we…
Read moreTwo Ways to Raise More Money
There are at least two ways to raise more money for your cause: 1) Ask more PEOPLE for more MONEY more BOLDLY more OFTEN Or … 2) Show more GRATITUDE to more PEOPLE more ENTHUSIASTICALLY more OFTEN These two are NOT mutually exclusive, and they are NOT the only keys to growth. The strength of…
Read moreIs this silent killer destroying your fundraising?
Did I get your attention with that title? What's the silent killer? ASSUMPTIONS What kind of assumptions are you making? How about these? “They don’t want to give to us anymore.” “They’ve already given all they can.” “They only give in December.” “Their business is in a slump, so they won’t give.” “They’ll probably say…
Read moreThe Role of Control in Major Gift Fundraising
In major gift fundraising, there are some things you can NEVER control: ❌ You cannot control whether someone says YES or NO . ❌ You cannot control HOW MUCH or HOW OFTEN someone gives. ❌ You cannot control HOW MUCH or HOW LITTLE they want to be involved. ❌ You cannot control the AMOUNT someone…
Read moreDo you want to increase giving?
Do you want to increase giving at your nonprofit? Here's the most surefire guaranteed method I know. I've never seen it not work. What is it? TAKE BETTER CARE OF YOUR EXISTING GIVERS. That's it. ✅ Ask them questions about their passions, perspectives, and preferences. ✅ Take the time to really listen to their answers.…
Read more5 Major Gifts Lessons From My Outdoor Pizza Oven
Sometime in 2023, I fell headfirst into a growing trend taking the culinary world by storm: making homemade pizza in an outdoor oven over an open flame . 🔥🍕 Perhaps you’ve been caught up in the craze too? The crackling flame, the fear that hits you when you first toss your pie onto a sizzling…
Read moreThe Fastest Way to Earn the Trust of a Giver
What’s the fastest way to earn the trust of a giver? ✅ Keep your word. ✅ Do what you say you’re going to do. ✅ Honor your commitments. ✅ Under promise. ✅ Over deliver. That's it. There is no other way. When you consistently do what you say you'll do — whether that’s showing up…
Read more4 Fundraising & Giving Trends to Know in 2024
No one knows what the future holds ( especially not me ), however, as you look ahead to 2024, knowing some of the key trends, challenges, and opportunities will help you develop an effective fundraising strategy that is both aspirational while also being grounded in reality. With that in mind, here are four trends to…
Read moreHiring fundraising staff this year? Don't make this mistake.
Several executive directors I know are looking to add fundraising staff to their team this year. For many, it will be their first full-time fundraising hire. This is a HUGE hire, and there are a hundred different places along the way where things can go wrong. As I visit with leaders and advise them on…
Read moreWant to raise more money on Facebook? Try this call to action.
Do you know the one call to action that will raise more money for your nonprofit on Facebook than any other? In a world where only 3-5% of your Facebook followers see anything you post, this one CTA will consistently result in more gifts than any other over the long haul. What is it? "JOIN…
Read moreThree January Priorities for a Strong 2024
Phew. You made it. December is officially in the rearview mirror. I don’t know about you, but January tends to be a bit weird for a lot of people in fundraising. Between Giving Tuesday and year-end giving, November and December are a blur of frenetic fundraising energy. By the time January arrives, most people are…
Read moreIt's Time to Stop, Rest, and Recharge
As we wind down today on the last Friday before Christmas, here are two small gifts from me to you as you head into the holiday weekend. No gold, frankincense, or myrrh … just a couple of resources to help light your way. 1. This 2016 article* on the importance of unplugging, stopping, and resting…
Read moreFeeling stuck? Get unstuck in five simple steps.
I saw this simple, brilliant advice from Lisa Maxwell-Frieden on LinkedIn WAY back in 2020 and have held onto it as the fundraising gold that it is ever since: She goes on to say, " If you are feeling stuck, try enlisting the power of 5. " While Lisa's original post was from the height…
Read moreAsking for money is never as difficult as you imagine.
Let's get this out there right now – if nonprofit work is the path you've chosen to change the world, you have to ask for money . No exceptions. I know what you're thinking: " Michael, asking people for money is terrifying! " I know. I get it. Asking people to give can be incredibly…
Read moreWrite Your Last 4 Fundraising Emails of 2023 in ONE Hour
Do you have all of your year-end emails written, or are you still staring at a blinking cursor on a blank page? If you already have everything written, congratulations for being so on top of things! If not, I have a simple 4-email template designed to help you unleash as much generosity as possible the…
Read more3 Essentials for an Effective Year-End Campaign
Happy Friday Friends! This time tomorrow, we'll be exactly one month out from Christmas. WHAT IN THE WORLD?!?!? In the words of Jerry Garcia, "Where does the time go?" Whether you're sitting pretty working an already complete year-end plan or you're still working feverishly to get all your appeals ready, here are three essentials every…
Read more5 Ways to Make Your Year-End Campaign Stand Out
Do you know how many year-end giving appeals I received in November and December last year? 136 On average, people tend to support between 4 and 6 nonprofits each year. If the people who give to you also support five other nonprofits, they're probably being invited to give by at least twice as many. Assuming…
Read moreNever invite someone to give BECAUSE it's #GivingTuesday. Do this instead.
Now that we've hit November and #GivingTuesday is just around the corner, can I remind you of something important? 👉 No one gives BECAUSE it's #GivingTuesday. People give for a multitude of reasons… Because they're asked Because they care Because they want to make a difference Because they want to save the world Because they…
Read moreWant to raise more money? Ask more questions.
No, this is not another reminder encouraging you to get to know givers better by asking more questions. You already know how important that is, don't you? What’s this week's Fundraising Friday about then? Keep reading. The Magic of Questions in Fundraising Take a moment to look at the last few appeals you've sent via…
Read moreDid you know that you work in manufacturing?
Your nonprofit is a factory. “But Michael, we are SO MUCH MORE than a factory! All of our programs are unique. Each service we provide is custom-tailored and handcrafted for the people we serve. You don’t understand. We are not a factory. ” Stick with me for a second. What happens with a factory? What…
Read more5 Proven Strategies to Help Unleash More Generosity
Are you struggling to raise money? Here are five proven strategies to consider: 1️⃣ Refine Your Vision Is your vision crystal clear? Is it big enough? A well-articulated, ambitious vision is the bedrock of an effective fundraising strategy. Or, more simply stated … Big vision communicated clearly always attracts big giving. Speaking of bigger ……
Read morePrint is not dead. Nope. Not even close.
Guess what showed up in my mailbox this week? Yep. Amazon's Holiday Catalog The largest e-commerce company ON THE PLANET just mailed out some untold millions of these ANALOG, NOT DIGITAL, OLD FASHIONED, PRINTED CATALOGS for the holidays. Why? Because Amazon knows that PRINT IS NOT DEAD. As you make your communication plans for #GivingTuesday…
Read moreWhat if I don't like fundraising?
“I don’t like fundraising.” 😕 I hear this all the time. It’s usually not true. 🤔 You may not like asking people to give. 🙅 You may not like rejection . 🚫 You may not like all the details required to do it well. 📊 You may not like the work required to form meaningful…
Read moreStruggling to reach someone? Try lumpy mail.
Christine Gilliland had a great post last week about how to use lumpy mail to make your direct mail fundraising more effective. What's lumpy mail? It's a term used to describe mail that stands out from normal envelopes because there's an additional object included to make it ‘lumpy’. The object can be anything… I've seen…
Read moreUnlock the Power of the Mighty Fundraising Offer
Happy Friday, Friends! Today on #FundraisingFriday we're taking a deep dive into one of the unsung heroes of nonprofit fundraising: the humble but mighty fundraising offer . If you're new to fundraising, you might be wondering: " What in the world is a fundraising offer? " At the most basic level, a fundraising offer is…
Read moreTry this simple trick to help you NOT lose your nerve the next time you ask someone to give.
Have you ever had a meeting with someone where you intended to invite them to give, and everything was going right, but then you somehow lost your nerve and left without asking? This is one of the worst feelings in fundraising… even worse than hearing no. Can you relate? Watch this short 167-second video for…
Read moreAfraid of asking? This one simple daily practice will help.
Happy Friday, friends! I'm back again this week with another video edition of hashtag # FundraisingFriday . Here's my question for you this week: Does asking for money ever feel scary or hard? I know a lot of amazing nonprofit leaders whose answer to that question is a loud "Yes!" I get it. That difficulty…
Read moreWant to raise more money? You might need to do MORE of these 4 things.
Less is more , right? Except when it’s not . Do you want to raise more money ? Here are 4 things you might need to do MORE of… Can you LISTEN more? 👂 Do you want to unleash more generosity ? Listen more. Ask more questions and take the time to truly listen and…
Read moreThese 4 words can help you unlock a treasure trove of fundraising stories.
Happy Friday, friends! In an attempt to try something new… instead of posting a hashtag # FundraisingFriday article this week, I recorded a video. What's it about? We'll get there. But first, two questions: 1. Do you ever struggle to find enough good stories and updates to share with givers? 2. Do you ever feel…
Read moreFive reminders the next time fundraising feels intimidating.
I know how intimidating it can be to ask for money. Whether you're asking for your organization or on behalf of a cause you're passionate about, overcoming the fear and resistance that often come with asking for financial support can be so difficult. The good news? It gets easier. I promise. After a lot of…
Read moreAre you showing monthly givers the ❤️ they deserve?
I may date myself here, but do you remember the old Ronco Rotisserie infomercials? They featured Ron Popeil, founder of Ronco, enthusiastically demonstrating the features and benefits of his countertop rotisserie cooker. To experience perfectly cooked rotisserie chicken at home, all you had to do was put your chicken on the spit, choose your settings,…
Read moreFour ways you might be hurting your fundraising without even realizing it.
Here are four ways you might be hurting your fundraising without even realizing it: 1. Saying "no" for people. Do you ever find yourself NOT asking someone to give because you think they won't? Maybe you think they'll say "no" because they already gave earlier in the year. Maybe you think they'll say "no" for financial reasons.…
Read more5 Steps to Build a Winning Mid-Level Giving Strategy
Mid-level giving is critical for the financial health of any organization, but very few nonprofits have an intentional strategy for developing personal relationships with the people behind these gifts. Sadly, mid-level giving tends to fall into an unintentional abyss at many nonprofits. Why? As people start to give more, well-intentioned development directors often begin excluding…
Read moreHow to not give fundraising a bad name.
Today on Fundraising Friday, I'm sharing something I've shared before. If this is not your struggle, I apologize in advance for the repetition. Why am I sharing it again? Because I continue to see it happening, and it hurts our profession, it hurts our causes, and it makes it more difficult for the awesome people…
Read moreThree keys to a lasting career in fundraising.
As a nonprofit leader, you have an incredible opportunity to make a lasting difference in the world. But it's not always easy. Do this work long enough, and you WILL come up against resistance. You WILL feel discouraged, overwhelmed, and even burnt out. There WILL be days when all you want to do is chuck…
Read moreThe #GivingUSA Hot Take You Never Asked For
Coming on the heels of this year’s Giving USA report in June, it seems like everyone has a hot take on what happened in philanthropy in 2022, as well as a prediction for what 2023 holds. I'll spare you mine. However, I did get a great email last week from Jim Shapiro and he said…
Read moreAre you confusing the tool with the goal?
Do you have any unpopular opinions about fundraising? Here's one of mine: Most of us in fundraising tend to OVER emphasize the value of getting in front of people face to face. Some people have no desire to meet with fundraising staff. Some people want to give and be left alone . Sometimes the best…
Read moreNever meet with a donor without a clear purpose.
Have you ever left a conversation with a donor feeling like the visit did not accomplish a single meaningful thing for you, them, or your cause? I’m not talking about a bad visit where you failed to connect or a visit that resulted in a rejection. I’m talking about those visits where there was nothing…
Read moreDitch the climb. Embrace your fear. Repel instead.
Imagine fundraising in a world where you couldn't ask people directly to give. What would it look like? You'd probably see a lot of bake sales, golf tournaments, auctions, galas, charity walks, car washes, raffles, and more flamingos in people's yards than anyone should ever be subjected to this in this life. Sadly this world…
Read moreHow do you build better relationships with givers?
Do you want better relationships with givers? Be consistent. Be transparent. Be personal. Fundraising is a highly relational long game built on the trust of thousands of smaller interactions over time. Everything speaks. When you are consistent in your communication, outreach, and follow-up, you show people they can count on you and your organization. When…
Read moreAre you stuck on the fundraising treadmill?
Does fundraising ever feel like running on a treadmill — you're working hard but not going anywhere? Are you spending too much time doing everything else BUT connecting with givers? If you answered yes to either of those questions, you might be making the fatal mistake of reacting to everyone else's priorities (internal emails, meetings,…
Read moreAvoiding burnout in nonprofit fundraising.
Nonprofit fundraising can be incredibly rewarding. It can also be exhausting and overwhelming. You're constantly juggling multiple priorities, managing relationships with multiple stakeholders, and trying to make a positive impact in your community. With so much on your plate, it's easy to put 'taking care of yourself' last on your ever-growing, never-ending list of responsibilities.…
Read moreAre you fundraising like a restaurant with no menu?
Imagine a new restaurant just opened in your city. You’ve heard good things about it from friends on social media. You’ve read the Yelp reviews. And now you’re ready to give it a try. You pull up at the restaurant, and the place looks fantastic — great landscaping, solid architecture, and the branding is on…
Read moreSo That: Part II (How To Avoid Making Your Unbelievably Exciting Life-Transforming World Changing Crazy Cool Work Sound Exceptionally Boring)
Last week, I wrote about the two most underrated words in fundraising and how to structure your invitations to give using the words “so that” to paint a more vivid picture in your audience’s mind about the impact of their giving. Did you know you can also use the words “so that” when you’re speaking…
Read moreThe 2 most underrated words in fundraising.
Two words can make all the difference in your fundraising effectiveness. Do you know what they are? “so that” Why are these two words so important when we're inviting people to give? Take a look at this example: “Will you make a gift of $300 to provide one month of care to a foster family?”…
Read moreAlways Be Candid: A Simple Practice to Make Asking Easier
hashtag # Fundraising friends, have you ever had a meeting where you intended to invite someone to give, and everything was going right, but then you somehow lost your nerve and left without asking? Ugh. I know I have. It's one of the worst feelings in fundraising — even worse than hearing a no. Do…
Read moreAfraid of asking? Try this helpful assumption.
Are you familiar with the term "assume positive intent"? It's a simple idea from organizational leadership that applies to fundraising, as well. Assuming positive intent simply means choosing to believe the best about people and trusting they have good intentions. How can you ASSUME POSITIVE INTENT when you're inviting someone to give? Here are three important…
Read moreHow do you stay top of mind without being repetitive?
How do you stay top of mind without repetition? You don’t. Does your fundraising messaging ever feel repetitive? It’s probably not. Just because a message feels repetitive to you doesn't mean it's repetitive to your audience. If it feels repetitive to you, it’s likely bringing clarity to the minds of your supporters. You're seeing and…
Read moreOne simple feedback loop with the power to change the world.
Have you ever heard of a Virtuous Circle? A virtuous circle is simply a chain of events where one positive outcome leads to another, creating a self-reinforcing feedback loop of growth and success. In other words, when something good happens, it creates more opportunities for more good things to happen, which in turn creates even…
Read moreThis plan works… even when it doesn't.
A little over a year ago, a leader from a nonprofit called me to talk through an upcoming meeting she was about to have with one of her church partners, where she was planning to ask them to increase their support to help fund a new initiative. Some background: She knew the person she was…
Read moreThe next time someone says no, remember this.
When you invite someone to give, and they say no, remember this: A no is rarely ever… PERSONAL Don't take it personally. It probably had way less to do with you than you imagine. Try not to overestimate your influence on their giving decision. Just as most people give for THEIR reasons, most decisions NOT…
Read more19 Powerful Questions to Ask a Giver
On Tuesday this week, I received a GREAT email from the good folks at Pursuant – An Allegiance Group Company . Inside was a link to a free guide with several great questions to ask a giver. I've seen my fair share of solid discovery questions over the years, but this list stood out, so…
Read moreHow to make your next fundraising appeal stand out.
The world of nonprofit fundraising is crowded. There are so many great causes doing amazing work around every corner. And they’re all solving huge problems — changing the world in their own unique, compelling way. How do you make your cause stand out and break through the noise? Here’s what you don’t need to do:…
Read moreIs this costly mistake limiting your impact?
I’m feeling fired up again today, fundraising friends, and here's how you can help… STOP SAYING NO FOR PEOPLE! Repeat after me: "It's not my job to say "no" for other people. My job is to ask. Their job is to respond. I will not try to do their job. My job is hard enough."…
Read more3 Stewardship Practices to Escape the January Slump
Phew. You made it. December is officially in the rearview mirror. I don’t know about you, but January in fundraising has always been a bit weird for me. Between Giving Tuesday and year-end giving, November and December are a blur of frenetic fundraising energy. By the time January arrives, I’m either so worn out or so…
Read moreThree January Priorities for a Strong 2023
Hopefully, as you're reading this, you're basking in the warm glow of a well-executed and successful year-end fundraising campaign catalyzed by your good work and fueled by the abundant generosity of your community. Whether that's true for you or not, here are three January priorities to help you start 2023 strong. 1. Rest 🛌 🛀…
Read moreAn ode to fundraisers on the last Friday before Christmas.
'Twas the Friday before Christmas, and all through the land, The fundraisers were busy, side by side, hand in hand. They'd planned and they'd strategized, never taking a rest. For the causes they fight for, the ones they love best. They'd polished their emails, and practiced their lines, With a goal of inspiring each kind…
Read more🦄 Read this to protect more endangered unicorns.
Let's play a game of good, better, best. Here are three ways to invite someone to give to protect endangered unicorns, each one a little better than the next: Good : Will you help us protect the life of an endangered unicorn by giving today? Why is it good? It’s outcomes focused. It’s about protecting…
Read moreCan you handle 7 seconds of silence to change the world?
After you invite someone to give: stop talking. This might be the most difficult part of fundraising. Don’t fill the air. Don’t talk them out of giving. Ask and be quiet . Do not speak until they respond to your question. Not sure you can be quiet? Try this. As soon as you finish asking,…
Read moreHow To Not Get Stuck Writing Your Next Fundraising Email
Today's hashtag # FundraisingFriday on how to not get stuck writing your next fundraising email is a framework I learned from Mike Duerksen 👋 at BuildGood . When you write your next fundraising email, consider using Mike's 10-step framework. It's not the only framework out there, and you don't have to use it to be…
Read moreThe next time someone asks about your nonprofit, don’t answer without asking this question first.
The next time someone asks about your organization or ministry, don’t answer without asking a follow-up question first: "What would you like to know?" or "Is there anything specific you’d like to know?" Don’t spend 15 minutes giving them a complete overview of your programs, your organizational history, or your theory of change. Ask this…
Read moreMessaging Like a Chocolate Chip Cookie… or… How to Build a MicroStory for a Better Fundraising Campaign
Today's hashtag # FundraisingFriday is a guest post from Nonprofit Amplifier . How to Build a MicroStory for a Better Fundraising Campaign Crack open your laptop. Scroll mindlessly through Facebook. Check out other nonprofits’ appeals for ideas. Swipe through a few more reels. Before finally overcoming your fear of the blank page rudely staring back…
Read more4 Quick Steps to Improve Any Fundraising Letter
Do you want a super quick four-step process to make almost any year-end fundraising letter better? Here it is: Step 1. Write the letter. Step 2. Do as many rounds of edits as it takes until you're happy with what you've got. Step 3. Count how many times you invite the reader to give. Step…
Read moreSpooky Scary Halloween Edition
I’ve never met a fundraiser who wasn’t afraid of something. Failing to meet budget. Over asking. Under asking. Asking at all. Speaking in public. Coming across as begging. Not having enough. Offending someone. Handling live snakes. Did you know givers have fears too? What are they afraid of? 1. Being treated like an ATM. Do…
Read moreHow do you invite someone to make a gift?
What words do you use when you’re inviting someone to give? The actual words. What do you say when you’re inviting someone to make a gift? In my experience, the following three options tend to work the best: OPTION 1 If someone is passionate about one of your programs and you have a pretty good…
Read more4 Sets of Questions to Answer in Every Fundraising Appeal
Do you need a simple framework for writing a fundraising appeal? Here are 4 sets of questions to answer as you write: 01. Is the PROBLEM clear? What’s going on? Why is it happening? 02. Is the GOAL clear? What are you inviting people to help accomplish ? For who? By when? 03. Is the…
Read moreFive Giving Trends Every Nonprofit Leader Should Know
Last Friday morning, I had the opportunity to share 5 giving trends at the CAFO Summit with a room full of executives representing several leading nonprofits in the foster care, adoption, and family preservation & strengthening space. Here they are in the same order I shared them last week: 1️⃣ GENEROSITY IS ALIVE AND WELL…
Read more3 Fundraising Mistakes That Can Cost You Millions
Today's hashtag # FundraisingFriday is a guest post from Andrew Olsen, CFRE . We all make mistakes. That’s how humans learn and grow. But some mistakes make a bigger negative impact on our work than others. That’s why I wrote the book, 101 Biggest Mistakes Nonprofits Make And How You Can Avoid Them . Today,…
Read more7 Simple Steps to Develop a Major Gifts Portfolio
Robin Cabral wrote about developing a major gifts portfolio over on the Bloomerang blog a while back in her post, “ Top 7 Steps To Developing A Major Gift Portfolio In Any Sized Fundraising Shop .” Here’s a quick summary of her 7 steps plus a bit of my commentary added: Step 1. Create a…
Read moreAre you making this common fundraising mistake?
“That well is dry. Don’t waste your time there. His business is too connected to the oil industry and no one’s making any money there right now. He hasn't responded to our calls in months.” 🙄🙄 I was a brand new development officer, and this was the response from my boss when I told him…
Read moreA simple test to improve your online giving experience.
Today's hashtag # FundraisingFriday is a guest post from Faigy Gilder . Here's a simple but powerful test to help improve the giving experience at your nonprofit: Donate $1 💸 to your own organization and write down every step of the process. 🔎 Where is the donate button on your website? 🔎 How many clicks…
Read moreThis one conversation forever changed my convictions about fundraising.
It was supposed to be an ordinary stewardship visit. I’d been building the relationship with him for a few years, sending updates every few months, and we’d met one-on-one at least once a year. My plan for this visit was simple: ask a few questions, listen to his answers, express gratitude, deepen the relationship a…
Read moreDo you have join-us-itis?
Do you suffer from low response rates ? Do you struggle with never having enough volunteers ? Has your email list stopped growing ? Do you ever feel like your community of supporters is ignoring you ? If you answered yes to any of these questions: You might have join-us-itis. Symptoms of join-us-itis include: Saying…
Read moreHow many people do you need to connect with each week?
Are you responsible for stewarding relationships with people who give to your organization? Here’s a fun fundraising math problem. How many people do you need to connect with each week? The answer depends on your answer to two questions: 1. How many relationships are you responsible for stewarding? and 2. How many times per year…
Read moreAlways start with why (but not that why).
Always start with why ( but not that why ). Thanks to Simon Sinek, we’ve all been conditioned to start with why: Why does your nonprofit exist? Why do you do the things you do? Those are great questions to answer, and most givers are asking them, but they’re not the why I’m talking about…
Read moreThe magic of fundraising frequency.
What’s the first thing I look for when I start working with someone to help them strengthen their fundraising? It’s not their website, major gift program, stewardship plan, or the nuances of their messaging. It's not their strategic plan, board engagement, or donor retention. The first thing I try to assess is fundraising frequency .…
Read moreStay curious, my friends.
The most effective fundraising professionals I know seem to have at least one thing in common. They are disarmingly curious. They are curious about their organizations , curious about the conversations happening across their sector , curious about their own thoughts and feelings , and ( POSSIBLY MOST IMPORTANTLY ) curious about their champions .…
Read moreGiving. Is. Fun.
Today’s #FundraisingFriday is brought to you by three simple words: Giving. Is. Fun. Have you ever met an unhappy generous person? I haven’t. Why? Because giving is fun! It’s true. But sometimes we forget. We assume we’re bothering people, we avoid asking, and we unintentionally suck the joy out of one of the most pure…
Read moreAre you crystal clear on these 4 things?
Effective fundraising requires crystal clear clarity on at least four things: The problem you exist to solve. The unique solution you offer. The impact that proves your solution works. The invitation to join you. If you’re going to be a generous beacon to help people easily find you, you need crystal clear clarity on all…
Read moreYour cause is the MOST important cause in the world to someone.
Did you know that your cause is the MOST important cause in the world to SOMEONE ? Likely multiple someones. Why is this important? You have a choice about how you spend your time and energy. You can spend your time trying to convince people to care about your cause, OR… you can spend your…
Read moreFundraising Friday – Vol. 1, Edition 1
Can I let you in on a little secret? 🤫 It's a secret most veteran fundraisers know and the source of many struggles for those just starting out. Did you know fundraising has rules? I'm not talking AFP ethics rules, ECFA rules, or GAAP rules. Those certainly matter, but they’re not the rules I’m talking…
Read moreWelcome to Fundraising Friday
A lot of people (myself included) talk regularly about fundraising "best practices" and the "art and science" of fundraising. What I think we're trying to get at is the idea that there are established, time-tested principles that apply to fundraising just like any other profession. What works? What doesn't? Etc. I've collected a LOT of…
Read more