"It's not what happens to you, it's how you respond to it." -- Epictetus, Greek philosopher How you define the problems facing you matters, because it affects how you respond to it. There are two basic ways to define the largest problem most nonprofits face during an economic recession: Expenses [...]
In Part 1 of this two-part article, Secret Nonprofit Donor Thank You Advice: Always Add a Tip, I encouraged you to ‘tip’ your donors with extra gratitude right now. Your donors deserve this, and it will pay off for you in the short and long run by encouraging more donations [...]
You know what the word ‘tip’ means right? Commonly we think of it meaning “to improve performance,” though it really stands for giving something to another. And, if you’ve read my articles here, on Clairification, or some place else, you know I often say “If you want gifts you must [...]
What Do You Want to Say? This is always the $64,000 question. And with our world unhinged, and norms abolished, it’s true today more than ever. What do you contribute to help people cope, stay strong and be well? What can you do to make the world better? What should [...]
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 wants to know how their donor acquisition costs stack up against other orgs. Dear Charity Clairity, What is the [...]
Now is a time to communicate more, not less, to sustain and build mutually beneficial relationships with constituents. People feel isolated and frustrated about the fact they aren't having the impact they used to have, in business or their community. You can help alleviate their exasperation! Right now is still the [...]
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 is fed up with their controlling board president. Dear Charity Clairity, Our non-profit organization president controls everything. The president [...]
Now is the time to be strategic and proactive. It’s one thing to be reactive at the beginning of a crisis. It’s the normal human response. But this is no longer the beginning. And ‘busy’ is often not the most effective modus operandi. It’s like checking your email endlessly throughout [...]
Everybody knows them: People who know everything. At least, that’s what they believe. It’s tempting to ignore these people. Because it seems so hard to change them. But if know-it-alls are leading your nonprofit, you’ve got a serious problem. Because know-it-alls are insecure. That’s why they’re so insistent on taking every opportunity [...]
If you’re going dark on your donors right now out of fear – real, misplaced or some combination thereof – you’re doing everyone a disservice. Your organization, and all those who rely on your continued existence, will be left in the lurch without donor support. I mean it! Donors don’t [...]
The late Jerold Panas, fundraising guru and author of Born to Raise: What Makes a Great Fundraiser Great, wrote about traits (he calls them “verities” or truths) that distinguish consummate fundraisers from those who, I presume, just dial it in. Today I’d like to talk about one of these important [...]
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 how to have that hard conversation with ticket buyers when a fundraising event has to be canceled. [...]