In Part 1 of this two-part series on handling donor resistance we covered some of the reasons hesitations and objections are normal, and nothing to be feared. Rather, they present an opportunity to get to know your donor prospect better and potentially forge an even stronger relationship. There is one [...]
Sometimes when working with major donor prospects they say “yes” right away. More often, they don’t. You may not get an outright “no” (in fact, usually you won’t), yet you’ll get a hesitation or what we call major donor resistance. As in: No, not now. No, not you. No, not [...]
Recently, in “New Year’s Resolution: Prioritize Major Gifts, Beginning in the Donor Database," I wrote about why you need to focus your resources on major gift fundraising this year. Not so much from businesses and foundations. But from individuals. Because that’s where the lion’s share of all philanthropy comes from. [...]
It’s that time of year when resolutions are often made. Whether or not you’re a fan of the resolution-making practice for you, personally, there’s something to be said for striving to be better. Especially when others (beneficiaries of your mission) are relying on you! I’m going to suggest a few [...]
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 fundraiser whose boss wants them to do a donor survey, but they aren't sure where to start or what to ask. [...]
How should you communicate with donors? Passionately! But I want you to think about this word from TWO perspectives: Your donor’s passions Your passions You see, even the most heartfelt fundraising appeal from you is not going to yield results if you send it to someone who doesn’t much care [...]
People don’t give because it’s the end of the year. They give because you provide them with an emotional reason to donate. Year-end may merely predispose folks to give at this time. And I say may because: Some folks are predisposed to think about their blessings during the holidays occurring [...]
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 fundraiser who isn't sure who a thank you should come from. Dear Charity Clairity, We're a middle judicatory of our denomination [...]
What if I told you there’s a teensy little digital year-end fundraising tweak that your nonprofit could use to skyrocket your fundraising results? Would that be of interest? Darn rootin’-tootin’! Okay. First let’s look at a typical Donation Landing Page with a call to action via some compelling text, maybe [...]
Here’s one little ‘trick’ to vastly improve your fundraising this year. You’re going to think I’m kidding, but I’m not. I could give you lots of tips and tools to improve your year-end fundraising success (and feel free to grab some here), but if you do nothing else but this [...]
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 fundraiser who isn't sure what online giving button label will get the most clicks. Dear Charity Clairity, I’m wondering… is there [...]
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 fundraiser who needs help writing a subject line for their email appeal. Dear Charity Clairity, I’ve got a great email appeal, [...]