Today’s environment requires action, not passivity or complacency. The best nonprofits don’t rest on their laurels. This has never been the case. Because there’s too much work to be done! How hard is your nonprofit working? If you’re not “all signs point to go,” it may be time to either [...]
Our Ask An Expert series features real questions answered by Claire Axelrad, J.D., CFRE, our very own Fundraising Coach, also known as Charity Clairity. Today's question comes from a grant writer who wants advice on how to apply for grant funds if you've already made the purchase. Dear Charity Clairity, [...]
I’ve offered you checklists, FAQs and e-guides with templates for writing donor-centric annual appeals. I stick by them as a place to begin. They offer an outline of all the elements an effective appeal should include. In this blog post, I’m going to talk about how to evaluate those annual [...]
Our Ask An Expert series features real questions answered by Claire Axelrad, J.D., CFRE, our very own Fundraising Coach, also known as Charity Clairity. Today's question comes from a board member who wants advice on hosting in-person events vs. continuing with virtual fundraising. Dear Charity Clairity, I’m on the board [...]
Our Ask An Expert series features real questions answered by Claire Axelrad, J.D., CFRE, our very own Fundraising Coach, also known as Charity Clairity. Today's question comes from a nonprofit employee who wants advice on how to talk to legacy givers as you document their legacy gift intent. Dear Charity [...]
Our Ask An Expert series features real questions answered by Claire Axelrad, J.D., CFRE, our very own Fundraising Coach, also known as Charity Clairity. Today's question comes from a nonprofit employee who wants advice on whether or not it's useful to invest in wealth screening before a capital campaign. [...]
In much of our culture, we glorify opinions over facts. At one place I worked, the executive director gleefully presented everyone on the management team with a sweatshirt as a team-building gift. It said “Maven University: Opinion above Knowledge.” I was embarrassed to wear it. Everyone else seemed to find [...]
Our Ask An Expert series features real questions answered by Claire Axelrad, J.D., CFRE, our very own Fundraising Coach, also known as Charity Clairity. Today's question comes from a nonprofit employee who wants advice on how to persuade their board to scale back events and focus on fundraising strategies that [...]
I confess to having a love/hate relationship with fundraising events. I love them as a major donor cultivation tool, but I hate them for everything else! At its best, a nonprofit fundraising event is fun. These events divert attention from one-to-one fundraising efforts, which can be intimidating. After all, it’s [...]
If you’re wondering what the future holds for fundraising, you’re not alone. With the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re living through tumultuous times. So much of what we thought we knew about the world has been turned topsy-turvy. What might this mean for philanthropy and fundraising moving forward? There were many at [...]
Our Ask An Expert series features real questions answered by Claire Axelrad, J.D., CFRE, our very own Fundraising Coach, also known as Charity Clairity. Today's question comes from a nonprofit employee who wants advice on whether or not you have to ask for donor feedback in person. Dear Charity Clairity, [...]
This post on adopting a culture of philanthropy is part six in a six-part series. Read part one, part two, part three, part four, and part five. In part one of this series, I outlined my top six fundraising strategies for 2021: Investing in digital-first fundraising and marketing communications Mastering [...]