Benjamin Franklin had it right: “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” I’m sure you have heard about the tax changes. It was all over the news and pretty much on every social media feed with one horrific message. “Nonprofits are going to [...]
As a nonprofit, you are always looking for new ways to expand your donor base. Consider using your membership as a tool to build this foundation. Establish lifetime value for your organization by creating deeper engagement and greater giving through enhanced and exclusive benefits. Build a ‘tribe’ of loyal and [...]
“I’m all ears…” in other words, “You have my undivided attention.” Listening is one of the most important skills we have for building effective relationships, especially when we’re trying to attract supporters and donors. Relationships are also the key to achieving the mission of your organization. Bottom line — “all [...]
SPECIAL EVENTS WORTH DOING MUST NOT EXIST IN A VACUUM. If you’re planning a special event, write this down on a sticky note, post it next to your computer, and make it your mantra. Or reap the consequences of doing fundraising the absolutely least cost-effective way possible. What a waste. [...]
Asking your donors why they are passionate about the cause is always a good idea. But how often do you ask them how they feel about your organization? It might be a better idea than you think. Roger Craver of The Agitator and DonorVoice fame has developed a simple donor [...]
Let me begin with a true story that’s informed every single special event I’ve ever developed. [TRUE STORY] Early in my nonprofit career, before I ran my first special event, I attended an Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) luncheon (it was called N.S.F.R.E. at the time) where Charlotte Mailliard (now [...]
Everything is digital these days. We’ve become very accustomed to this. There are e-cards, e-notes, e-thank you’s, e-checks and e-meetings. It seems like everything is viewed through a screen of some sort. Rarely do we ever actually hold something in our hand anymore. Now, this post isn’t going to go [...]
There’s plenty of research showing that giving leaves people with a warm glow – an actual shot of dopamine triggered by the brain’s pleasure center. However, most nonprofits struggle with maintaining those feelings after a donation has been made. Your donor needs your help if they’re to truly bask in [...]
A few months ago I participated in a local blood drive through the American Red Cross. I honestly haven't done this very often, so I was excited to participate. My time giving blood was pretty standard, but the way the Red Cross followed up with me has left a lasting [...]
In Part 1 of this three-part series we discussed how ‘thank you’ establishes trust – the essential foundation of all lasting relationships. In Part 2 we discussed how to sustain trust by reporting back to donors, multiple times in multiple ways, on the outcomes of their philanthropy. Today, in Part [...]
In Part 1 of this three-part series we began a conversation about making donor retention a priority with a focus on 10 ways to say thank you. ‘Thank you’ establishes trust – the essential foundation of all lasting relationships. To sustain trust, and build upon it, you must report back [...]
Lapsed donors are complicated. Some stopped because life got in the way. Some stopped because you got in the way. Some aren't even actually lapsed, even if you think they are. While prevention is the best strategy for tackling low donor retention rates, there's a lot of value in taking [...]