Monthly Archives: March, 2011
Putting Your Giving Clubs To Work
Whether it’s entry level or major gifts, annual gifts clubs can be central vehicles to integrate your development program’s fundraising, marketing and public relations efforts. What about developing a more focused cultivation effort for these key groups? Giving club members at any level are invaluable because current donors are always the best prospects for additional gifts. [...]
What’s Your Story?
Does your nonprofit have a mission statement that’s directed enough to encompass not only what you do and to whom, but also how you are different or unique than your competitors? A mission statement should be more than a bland dictum or a series of buzz words strung together. Instead, it should convey powerfully and [...]
President Bill Clinton: Transition from Politics to Philanthropy
I was proud to be a presenter at the AFP (International Fundraising Professionals) conference in Chicago yesterday where President Bill Clinton shared his philosophy and recommendations to fundraisers. “Every dime you raise helps positive forces overcome the negative forces of the 21st century,” said Clinton as he encouraged the group and pointed out unprecedented opportunities [...]
Site Specifics for Success
Not so long ago, charitable giving happened almost exclusively in the context of personal relationships because as any experienced fundraiser knows, “people give to people.” In more recent years, nonprofits have learned to apply online marketing techniques to expand their reach to more prospective donors. This levels the playing field. Even small nonprofits with limited [...]
What’s the Essential Question?
Key to educating board members and other development volunteers and helping them feel comfortable making solicitation calls is being certain they are well informed. To be successful ambassadors, they need details on the organization, foundation, and project for which funds are being raised. Try asking your volunteers in either a group brainstorming setting or one on one [...]
Creating a Culture of Philanthropy
Does your non-profit organization have a “culture of philanthropy”? If the answer is no, how can you create it? Consider the word “culture” which has multiple dictionary meanings: – Quality that arises from a CONCERN for what is regarded as EXCELLENT – Development or IMPROVEMENT of the mind BY TRAINING or education – BEHAVIORS and beliefs [...]
