If you are an executive director new to fundraising, a professional new to major gifts fundraising, or joining a Board or Capital Campaign committee, it can be very helpful to consider what the donor may be thinking when you meet with them to ask for a gift.
Read MoreThe planning phase for most campaigns is 2 to 3 years, and there’s no shame in taking even longer. Taking the near-term pressure off is very helpful to clear thinking.
Read MoreIn this post, I cover one of the three most important considerations the leadership of any group pondering a capital campaign should place front and center: Investment funding available for the campaign activity.
Read MoreI’m often asked: Once an ED hires an experienced development director, can’t the ED do less fundraising? The answer is yes, if you are referring to planning, organizing, and guiding other staff in fundraising programs and activities. But the answer is no, if you are referring to the time spent in total fundraising activity by the ED.
Read MoreSometimes asking for a higher number than the donor had in mind can result in a bigger gift than they would have given otherwise, even if it’s not as high as you asked. You may never know this, but occasionally they will tell you after the fact. That’s a wonderful feeling - you helped them stretch!
Read MoreBoard Members need to understand how to ask a donor for a significant gift. This is true even if they are relying on their staff teammate to be the designated asker. How can these solicitations for significant gifts go smoothly and with great results?
Read MoreSometimes feeling nervous makes us talk too much, or we might clam up. How can we focus AWAY from the nervousness, and TOWARDS the donor and what she or he would like to discuss, specifically about their regard for your group’s work?
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