Perseverance

One thing that senior development professionals have learned is that perseverance is a highly needed quality. Major and planned gifts, in particular, require building long term relationships; perseverance pays off. If donors think the organization has forgotten about them they may...

Who is your ideal donor? Why does it matter?

If you put together a set of criteria describing your ideal donor, grantor, or corporate giver, you’ll save a huge amount of time that you might otherwise waste chasing prospects that don’t have the money or the motivation to support you....

You’re in a small development shop, trying to manage grant seeking, coordinate special events, build your major giving program and start a planned giving program, all while maintaining a strong annual fund. So, how do you keep all the balls in the air and show the results your executive...

Gone are the days when companies gave to the same old reliable charities because “It’s the thing to do,” or “We’ve always supported this cause,” or “They have a great reputation.”

Today’s corporate donors are looking for results, but decision...

Although your relationships with your current donors are of primary importance during a campaign, there is also a great benefit to having strong awareness of your organization within the community. Considering the external factors will also be important.

A capital campaign is the most public type...

Many nonprofits have difficulty attracting business leaders to serve on their boards. When they are successful, they often lose those leaders within the first year. Ever wonder why?

If you want these individuals to serve, you have to know what will make them comfortable and interested as well as...

Every development plan is as unique as the organization that is creating it. What works for some organizations, might not necessarily work for yours. So be careful when asking colleagues to share their plans. You can’t just cut and paste to create your plan. There is no quick fix. First,...

Are you a consultant or thinking of hiring one?

Consultants are becoming an increasing part of the fundraising landscape.  They can lend expertise, supplement staff efforts, or serve as an objective third party during big decisions. It can seem so tempting to bring on an outsider, take a...

When I first entered the wonderful world of philanthropy back in the dark ages (before email, can you believe that?), I realized if I wanted to advance in this career (and I did want that) I simply had to follow the same three steps I followed when I advanced rapidly in my banking career. They...

You may not ways get to snuggle up to Steve Wozniak but developing relationships with key business leaders isn’t that hard either.

For most people, getting in the door is often the hardest part of making an ask. And it is really intimidating for those who have not worked in the corporate...

Whether you and your nonprofit are small and struggling, in the middle of a growth spurt, or large and well established, you can benefit by looking at the future together as board and staff.

In strategic planning, you have a unique opportunity to collaboratively envision your organization's...

Are gift acceptance policies really important? Here are some real-life stories of organizations who found themselves in a dilemma because they did not have policies in place. And others, who were “saved by the bell” because they did have policies in place.

“Give me land, lots of...