GalleryMany nonprofits have enlisted the aid of an independent professional fundraising consultant to help with capital campaigns, leadership development and fundraising strategies. While there are many consultants to choose from, it can be difficult to find the one that’s best for your organization. (more…)
GalleryWhat Gardening Can Teach Us About Donor Stewardship
This has been my first real winter after living in the Northwest for 27 years. They tell me spring is coming soon, although I’m a little wary, because it snowed again here in Northern Illinois yesterday. If and when the weather finally warms up, one of the things I look forward to the most is planting a vegetable garden with my dad. (more…)
GalleryU.S. Donors Are Old – Here’s What To Do About It
I’m lucky. And it’s a huge advantage. I actually know the exact average age of the donor I’m writing to persuade when I write direct mail appeals for a major hospital system in southern California.
I can picture precisely whom I’m writing to.
I also know the exact average age of the prospects this hospital mails to by the tens of thousands, hoping to acquire new donors. (more…)
GalleryTechPoint Names Bloomerang a 2014 Mira Awards Finalist
For the second year in a row, Bloomerang has been named a finalist for “Tech Startup of the Year” from TechPoint’s Mira Awards! TechPoint is Indiana’s technology initiative focused on being a powerful voice for Indiana’s tech sector through marketing and thought leadership, and being a catalyst for strategic growth initiatives. (more…)
GalleryIndianapolis Star Names Bloomerang a “Tech Company to Watch in 2014″
The Indianapolis Star has named Bloomerang one of six local tech companies to watch in 2014. (more…)
Gallery4 Things Nonprofit Social Media Efforts Need But Might Not Have
Social media can be a godsend for small nonprofits with tight budgets. It’s a great way to raise funds and increase awareness without the cost of traditional advertising. Having a strong plan of action can mean the difference between success and failure. Whether you’re just starting out or already have an established social media presence, here are four items that every nonprofit should have: (more…)
Gallery[VIDEO] 7 Keys To Success In High-Stakes Asking
Everyone is involved in high-stakes asks, from the executive director to the volunteer fundraiser, but asking the right questions at the right time and listening effectively to the prospective donor can be difficult. Kent Stroman recently joined us for a webinar in which he discussed ways fundraisers can become more comfortable, confident and effective when asking for donations. In case you missed it, you can watch a full replay here: (more…)
Gallery3 Lessons From a First-Time Nonprofit Founder
I run two business—a nonprofit, The First Fund, and a for-profit, Lesson.ly—so I spend plenty of time fundraising throughout the year. These three approaches have all been good to me. (more…)
GalleryAre Gift Acknowledgements Really Necessary?
I don’t have a lot of unfounded opinion in my workshops.
As a practitioner, as a writer, as an author of how-to books and a trainer, I trust research. I trust experts. I trust proof.
But I do fiercely cling to one bald assumption: (more…)
Gallery4 Reasons Why Your Next Executive Director Must Embrace Fundraising
In a recent blog post we explored the process utilized by myself on several previous occasions for selecting an executive director for a nonprofit. I am going to build upon that process a bit and share a viewpoint regarding the immense need for an acumen with fundraising for that role.
If more than 50% of the nonprofit’s funding must come from various fundraising processes, any new executive director must not only have experience in fundraising but must also embrace it as the top priority of the new role.
Here are the four reasons by way of four realities. (more…)
