Unusual times call for unusual solutions. This year many folks will not be able to gather in person with friends and family for the holidays. It feels sad. Rather than mourning this loss, how about turning the tables and giving your holiday a little something special with new holiday fundraising [...]
In “How to Include Relevancy and Urgency in Your Fundraising Appeal” I discussed two important elements which will cause a prospective donor to make a gift to your organization today. Allow me to demonstrate by evaluating two of five fundraising appeal examples I received in just one day’s mail. I [...]
Today I received five fundraising appeals in my mailbox. It’s that time of year. I brought them upstairs from my garage and began opening them quickly, searching for those I could easily toss. It so happened they were all from names I recognized, so I didn’t toss them before bringing [...]
A confluence of a global pandemic, growing social unrest and a totally bifurcated economy is testing the capacity and potential of American philanthropy as never before. The stark reality is that already huge gaps between the haves (primarily the affluent and those who can adapt seamlessly to the contact-free economy) [...]
Where do you begin when you write letters or fundraising appeals? Of course, you begin at the very beginning. A very good place to start! And the beginning is not simply putting pen to paper and writing “Dear…” That’s actually close to the end of your process. I’m not kidding. [...]
The secret to fundraising success for any organization, especially during uncertain times, is to build and boost donor trust. Savvy donors are looking for ways to give, but they want to be certain that the nonprofits they are giving to are legitimate and that their donations are being put to [...]
October is the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Ethics Month, so let’s talk about something most of our organizations have been doing even more frequently during the pandemic (or crisis, or election, or natural disaster, etc.) and why it’s an ethical issue: making decisions for our donors by neglecting to ask [...]
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 automating monthly donor receipting a good idea. Dear Charity Clairity, For years we have changed out our [...]
For as long as we can remember, meeting with donors – especially when asking for major gifts – was best done face-to-face. But just like social distancing has changed everything else (such as Congress casting votes remotely and sports events being played without fans in the stands), fundraisers are being [...]
In this webinar, Cindy Wagman will give guidance and encouragement to those who need to fundraise, but would really rather do anything but. Full Transcript: Steven: Here. All right, Cindy, 1:00 Eastern is it okay if I go ahead and get this party started? Cindy: Let's go. Steven: All right, [...]
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 worried about sending mail through the USPS right now. Dear Charity Clairity, I’m curious what others are doing [...]
As a black person that has worked in the nonprofit education space for quite sometime, one of the most uncomfortable experiences is listening, to mostly white people, talk about their work and the communities they serve. I am more sensitive to such language because I often identify with the students [...]