∗This post was originally published several years ago. I’ve updated it to include some helpful comments from colleagues. I hope you enjoy it! Dear Fundraiser, Some things you do really bug me. As your colleague, I’m cheering for your success. So in a helpful spirit, I offer you my list below. I wish you wouldn’t: […]
How you can make a culture of philanthropy work
By now, you’ve probably heard about a culture of philanthropy. You’ve read about how important it is that you have one. You understand that this culture of philanthropy is a reflection of the key role fundraising plays, not just in income, but in the health of an organization. And you know that treating donors as […]
Straight talk about donor love
Is the idea of donor love just fluff? The answer depends on you. But first, let’s clear a few things up. Maybe it will make you more comfortable. Here’s what donor love isn’t: Donor love isn’t romantic Donor love isn’t exclusive Donor love isn’t extraneous This is love in the sense of philanthropy. That is, […]
Your donors want to know: will you still love me tomorrow?
Tell the truth: does your organization love them and leave them? I’ve noticed a few situations where gifts to large, national organizations – even memorial gifts, no less – have resulted in truly bad donor care. These are organizations that spend tremendous resources on acquisition and “awareness”. Like fancy television campaigns and a constant stream […]
The case of the disappearing donor
There I was. In my kitchen, minding my own business. And the envelope appeared. Oh, I’d seen its like before. Always brought me heartache. So if I knew what was good for me, I would have put that newsletter down and walked away. Guess I was looking for trouble. And there it was. See, […]