December has changed for most non-profits, we have just experienced the biggest decline for a December in more than a decade. Volatile stock markets at year end; combined with expensive, divisive political campaigns and new tax implications from one year to the next are forcing most non-profits to rethink the...
Footprint Donors…
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...
10 MUST DO RULES TO THANK YOUR DONORS
The amount and timing of your next gift is directly connected to the way you say "Thank You." Rule #1: Thank Donors Faster. You can never thank a donor too much or too fast! I’ve encouraged charities to stop batching thank you receipts for the postal discount. They are always...
Check Under The Hood, Even After A Great Race…
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
“You Are Fired!” – Now that is Leadership
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.
The Biggest Mistake in Fundraising
"For clinking money, you can shake the can. For folding money, you should go ask for it. "
Double Down on SEM to Boost Year End Revenue (plus 8 other great ideas)
... 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.
Show Your Donors Some Love – Use Feb. 12 to Say Thank You
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).
Friend-raising, Fund-raising and Advisor-raising…… Are you doing all three?
The term "friend-raising" has been popularized in our industry as an interchangable substitute for "fundraising". However, nothing could be further from the truth.
What I am Thankful for… a year of thanks and giving at THANKSGIVING
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...