All too often, nonprofit leaders are frustrated that board members are not as involved as they should be, and expect board members to be “mind-readers” – they are just supposed to “know” what to do. Board members are volunteers who … Read More
Nonprofits are being encouraged to be more “donor-centered” in their communications, but I’ve found that some nonprofit staff don’t really understand what this means. In the simplest of terms, it means replacing “our program” with “your gift” and demonstrating impact. … Read More
The evidence is everywhere, and I’ve seen it work. Successful nonprofits have board members that are their “fundraising superheroes!” These are the people who have the passion, desire, and motivation to make great things happen at a nonprofit organization. Right? … Read More
While you might be out there looking for your next major donor prospect, what are you doing to thank your CURRENT donors and inspire them to give again? The ones who give to you year after year? To me, that’s … Read More
Do you find it awkward to ask for donations? I used to feel that way too! Getting over the fear of asking for donations and gaining confidence is a matter of training and practice. If you truly have the passion … Read More
I get this question all the time from growing nonprofit organizational staff. “We send one appeal letter and a few e-mails at year end asking for gifts, is this enough?” “If we send more appeals, will we upset our loyal … Read More
Did you know that Network for Good estimates that 30 percent of annual giving occurs in December, and 10 percent in the last three days of the year? Those last few emails you send the last week of the year can … Read More
Let’s face it, donors give using their hearts, not their heads. All too often, nonprofits try to convince donors to give using facts and figures, thinking that educating the donor will move them to give. Nothing could be further from the … Read More
If you are a board member, volunteer or nonprofit staff, I bet you have said this before (or you have heard others say these phrases)- “I have tried asking others for donations, but I got discouraged when I didn’t get … Read More
I participated in an event last night with many nonprofit communications staff, web developers, and SEO experts. I found it fascinating that I heard the same thing over and over – “Our nonprofit website is too wordy. We need to … Read More