You know when you’re on an airplane and they run through the safety instructions? What do they tell you to do if you’re with small children and the oxygen masks come down? Put on your own mask first! You can’t help others unless you first take care of yourself. This [...]
Love it or hate it, whether you use it or not, the reality is that Facebook has changed the face of the world permanently. Whether it be connecting with friends and family, watching funny videos, or checking out news and causes, 2.9 billion people turn to Facebook monthly to get [...]
In today's digital-dominated world, personal touches like handwritten notes and phone calls can break through the noise. Though mostly anecdotal, top fundraisers and consultants have espoused the power of such personal touches, particularly the use of the phone. We even have some data to back it up: McConkey-Johnston International in [...]
Individual giving is the backbone of a diversified fundraising program, with over 70% of all charitable gifts made by individuals. And, major gifts are the ultimate in transformational engagement. What many may not realize is that major gifts can be done in any sized fundraising shop. The misnomer that you [...]
No doubt you know the donor thank you is important. You may not fully grasp how important. I’m here to tell you ‘thank you’ may be the most important element of your entire fundraising strategy. Let that sink in. Gratitude kick starts the process of building relationships and establishes trust. [...]
Just. What a loaded word. It implies something isn’t quite what it should be. Something is barely sufficient. It’s judgmental. And not in a good way. Do you judge your donors in this manner? If you’ve worked in fundraising for more than a nanosecond, I’ll wager you’ve heard someone say [...]
Just in case fundraising doesn’t have enough variables to manage, there are myriad of external factors, from changes in the economic or political landscapes to viral trends, which may impact your organization’s actual fundraising results. Even with a robust donor-centric organization, a dynamic, enthusiastic team and a solid, vigorous strategy, [...]
Statistically, only 30% of first-time donors continue to support a charitable organization. Nothing is more costly to your development efforts than a one-and-done donor. Effective nonprofit organizations recognize the importance of good engagement, with an emphasis on donors’ financial resources. Donor engagement that optimizes donor retention requires data and analytic [...]
Everyone has that one wonderful friend or relative that you only hear from when they need something. And usually it’s money. Don’t let your nonprofit be that friend or relative! Donor cultivation events, fundraising campaigns, appeals and special events are all highly effective tactical components of a comprehensive fundraising strategy. [...]
When donors make a year-end philanthropic gift they feel joyful. Seriously, MRI-based research has found when people give, or even contemplate giving, to others their brains light up. In a super good way. They receive a ‘feel good’ shot of dopamine that goes straight to the brain’s pleasure center – [...]
Stop colluding with your donors in the art of procrastination. Give to donors now. If you wait to be a giving friend, they’ll do the same. You don’t want donors who’ve just given to you to wait until next year at this time to give to you again. Do you? [...]
A few weeks ago I was chatting with some non-profit industry peers. They were discussing their organizations’ donor journeys. A lot of similar terms came up through the conversation. Donor funnel. Donor pyramid. Donor staircase. Most of us hear these terms over and over. Many of us use them. No [...]