Hopefully by now you know there’s no point in simply “doing” an event for the sake of the event itself. It’s a waste of precious time and resources unless everyone – your organization, your staff, your volunteers and your donors – feel they got their money’s worth. Of course, ‘worth’ [...]
My overarching philosophy of all nonprofit fundraising events, Galas and otherwise, is this: Make folks think they got more than their money’s worth! This holds true for everything they take away: Food, Beverage, Gifts, Treats, Fun, Friends, and, especially, Feel Good! When folks leave on a high, you’ll be well-situated [...]
Nonprofit special events are traditions. Comfortable old shoes. Sacred cows. They’ve either been around so long no one can imagine doing away with them, or they’re the beloved brainchild of an important donor, board committee or executive director to whom no one can say no. All too often, they’re simply [...]
Everything you do emanates from the WHY and WHAT of your existence. Your mission! And both the why and what are important, because if folks don’t understand why you exist it’s difficult to inspire them with what you are doing. I always ask a new client what would happen were they to [...]
I’ve created for you a little “Declaration of Fundraising Independence” to help you become a fruitful philanthropy facilitator from this day forward. This Declaration incorporates what I consider to be four essential fundraising truths -- pre-conditions which must be met before you’ll be able to successfully exercise your fundraising strategies. [...]
In Part 1 of this two-part series I began to talk about how neuroscience can help leaders be more effective and strategic in today’s economy. Above all else, we discussed the need to think about what people are thinking, not just observe what they’re doing. This holds true for yourself [...]
I often turn to principles of neuroscience and psychology to understand what makes folks tick. I’m particularly interested in how these principles impact decision making. Especially, the decision to become involved philanthropically. To volunteer. To affiliate. To advocate. To give. In my life as a fundraising and nonprofit marketing leader [...]
The early months of the calendar year tend to be when nonprofit staff turn their minds towards donor cultivation. The year-end fundraising frenzy has abated and the time feels ripe for hosting house parties, behind-the-scenes tours, getting-to-know-you coffees, and cultivation events. Noble pursuits. But… don’t lose sight of why you’re [...]
Keeping pace with the rapidly evolving mediums of communication these days is no small task. When you’re a small or medium-sized nonprofit, incorporating all the latest developments can seem daunting. So, if your online and social media experience has evolved into something of a runaway train — a little, or [...]
Ever hear of this? A “Second Gift Strategy?” If yes, good for you! You’re likely beating the average when it comes to donor retention. If not, listen up! This may be the single most important thing you’ll learn all year. You. Must. Prioritize. On. First-time. Renewals. Got it? PRIORITIZE renewing [...]
There’s no free lunch anymore, if there ever was. At least not when it comes to social media. In the early days it may have seemed like “free marketing” – no stamps, no paper, no printing – but it always took time. So even then you may have been kidding [...]
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. Let this favorite love poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning be your template for sending a little #donorlove to your supporters this February 14th! Valentine’s Day offers the perfect opportunity for donor stewardship! And you’ve still got time to send a [...]