Keeping Your Own Spirits Up as a Fund Raiser

September 24, 2022 by Dianna Smiley in Staff Leadership, Capital Campaign, Board Members

The past 2-3 years in the pandemic (seems longer, doesn't it?) have affected many of us to be more discouraged and in some cases, even depressed. And there are good reasons for that. Here are some thoughts about how to monitor and improve your own emotional state, knowing that it affects your work as a fund raiser - either vounteer or professional.

When the donor preempts your ask

December 20, 2021 by Dianna Smiley in Capital Campaign, Board Members, Staff Leadership, Understanding Donors

You start the meeting and your donor immediately says they are making a gift much lower than you know they can give. How you respond can make the difference between receiving a gift that's 90% below your plan and a gift that either meets your plan or gets much closer.