A new year. Time to hit the reset button. It’s a good thing to stop, think about what we’ve done, and contemplate how to do better. So here are my suggestions for your new year. Do make the time now to clean up your database. Bad data is bad fundraising. Make sure your records are […]
2 steps you need to raise money without a prince
Daydreaming isn’t fundraising. Maybe it’s human nature. But it hurts your fundraising program. It often happens in new, small or struggling organizations. Or maybe it’s just more noticeable there. Your fundraising isn’t going well. Your small group of supporters is becoming unenthused and giving less. Panic and frustration ensue. But creating or sticking to a fundraising […]
5 reasons to ditch your annual appeal
Are you still depending on an annual appeal – a single annual solicitation – for your individual giving program? Many smaller organizations are. But if you’re one of them, you ought to reconsider. Here’s why. 1. You need money all year To accomplish your mission, you probably need funds. (If not, congratulations on that […]
Stop worrying, start thriving. How to know if you need a fundraising plan.
Many organizations I’ve talked with recently share a problem. They’re either new and need to build a fundraising program… Or they’re not new at all but have never focused on building a fundraising program. In both situations, the answer is a fundraising plan. Some organizations have gotten by for years with only government or foundation […]
Are you planning or drifting into disaster?
We’ve passed the first quarter of the year. Chances are things are getting busy for you now. Maybe a spring event you’re planning. A spring appeal mailing. A big annual meeting. This is when it’s easy to forget your plan and focus on the daily to-do list Who could blame you? You’ve got more […]