Moves management is the process during which you create individualized plans that focus your energy toward ”moving” donors from where they are to where you—and they—want to be. There are many types of moves you and your team can make but I have broken them down into 7 categories that will … [Read more...]
Challenge: Finding New Donors
April 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment
While, it is true that stewardship is a major part of a development professional’s list of responsibilities, finding new donors to steward should never be forgotten. This month’s challenge is: List 3 ways in which you can bring new donors to your organization. Include a list of staff … [Read more...]
7 Reasons Why Making “Asks” On Your Own Can Hurt Your Results
April 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Recently, David A. Mersky gave a webinar geared towards mid-level Development professionals. As David always likes to keep the webinars interactive, he asked the attendees, “What is your greatest anxiety around asking someone to make a gift to your agency?” and the responses were, of course, … [Read more...]
100 New Donors For Your Nonprofit In 90 Days. Really.
April 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment
David Mersky has been working with Marc A. Pitman, The Fundraising Coach, and 10 other fundraising professionals on an exciting tool to help you get 100 new donors in 90 days. Click here to start expanding your resources Each of the dozen top fundraising experts from around the world, were … [Read more...]
Challenge – A Creative Use for Prospect Research
December 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Last week I wrote, “Can Prospect Research Be Wrong?” about hospitals that are using prospect research in very creative but, potentially uncomfortable way, i.e., sending patient lists to a prospect research company for overnight screening. The challenge this week is – How could you use access … [Read more...]
Can Prospect Research Be Wrong?
December 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Recently as I was wandering the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Massachusetts Annual Philanthropy Day Conference in Boston, I stopped to speak with a prospect research company with whom I have worked on behalf of various clients. We have found them to have valuable research results, in … [Read more...]
The Five Words That Really Excite Donors
December 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Can you form a sentence—better still a question—with the five words that really excite donors? What are the words? How about: Increase Improve Reduce Save Gain Try this the next time you hear a prospective donor say, “I would love to make an increased gift in support of … [Read more...]
Funding Tuition Through Planned Giving
November 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Last month we recommended doing a favor for your donors and members who live on fixed incomes. Imagine now how you can assist parents and/or grandparents who are concerned about tuition payments for the next generation. Today you can offer a planned giving vehicle that can provide attractive … [Read more...]
Planned Giving in the Small Shop – A Checklist
September 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment
It is challenging and rewarding to be the sole person responsible for the multi-faceted development program of a small nonprofit that seeks maximum diversity in revenue streams. However, in order for an organization to grow and attract gifts at higher levels, a planned giving program is … [Read more...]
Getting The Gift Is The Easy Part
August 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Many people see major gifts as a set of $ goals that are the essence of an annual fund or capital campaign. But, that is short-sighted. The ultimate goal is to have a group of individual life-long donors. And that means understanding and utilizing stewardship best practices. Stewardship focuses … [Read more...]