Annual giving is a process To create a successful annual giving program, you need to think beyond the once a year appeal. Fundraising is relationship-building. When your donors hear from you once a year – and that one communication is an ask – how valued do you think they feel? They probably don’t even remember […]
Do you want to raise more money? You need a plan
If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else. ~Yogi Berra Is this you? Many organizations 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 […]
Are you in a groove or in a rut?
When repetition is good Messaging that works Given time and trials, you may find ideas and language that works well for your fundraising. When you do, feel free to continue to use it. Your readers aren’t waiting for your latest artistic creation; they read your appeals to know how they can help. They give because […]
Do and do not for 2016
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 […]