Articles and Insights from the FIT Fundraising Team
Before a donor increases giving to the 5-figure level they usually want to meet with someone. It is about stewardship. Most people who make transformational gifts want to meet to ensure that every dollar they invest in your organization has a real impact.
I traveled to a major city recently and met with a man who had given $25 million to charity over the last decade. The amazing thing was that he is in his 80's and still working everyday. As a matter of fact, he travels to China every month to oversee one of his new...
The fact is a big check can hide a multitude of problems. In each of these cases the charity thought they are seeing real, measurable growth with predictable, repeatable results. However, nothing could be further from the truth
Beware of the major gift guru who says he has the secret black book with the list of his major donor friends who will fund your charity.
… half of all donations happen in 4th quarter, and half of those occur during the month of December, and half of those occur during the last week of December (the golden week), and half of those contributions will happen the last day of December.
Now is the time to let your supporters know how much you appreciate them. February 12 has been named nationwide on social media as Donor Love Day (#donorlove on Twitter).
The term “friend-raising” has been popularized in our industry as an interchangable substitute for “fundraising”. However, nothing could be further from the truth.
I have sat down this year, face to face and personally interviewed 117 major donors. People with hearts that are so unique. People whose careers and businesses are not about amassing wealth. People who believe their purpose for living is giving. They have dedicated homes, careers and businesses to alleviate suffering, helping the homeless, feeding the hungry and providing clean, cool water to those who thirst.
…a remarkable difference in income occurs by meeting with your financial partners… I personally met with 117 families over the last 12 months. Thanked them for their support. Listend to why they give and then tailored and “ask” based upon their desires, not mine.
development professionals have to take precautions to ensure that your activitity is not just about the numbers… The real question is whether or not they are listening to the needs of their supporters.
