Even though I write and edit appeal letters every year — often for multiple organizations — I still think it is important to make sure I know the Latest and Greatest appeal letter trends. Yes, I did mean trends. There was a point… [Read more…]
By David A. Mersky Labor Day has passed and summer is already in the rearview mirror. I know that because emails and phone calls have begun arriving in the office, asking us to come and talk to boards of organizations that are thinking about… [Read more…]
A few years ago I have become aware of a theory called rejection therapy. The idea is that to overcome the fear of rejection you ask for seemingly preposterous things and eventually, you will be immune to the rejection and focused on how… [Read more…]
We are often asked, which is more important – community participation or the total amount raised before we “go public” in our capital campaign? This is not surprising – no organization would want to take on a large-scale project without the support of… [Read more…]
Today’s donors are sophisticated. Gone are the days when they just donate to… … a cute picture of a child or dog was enough to raise millions … because a donor gave an amount last year, they would automatically give at least the… [Read more…]
Time after time, I hear clients say they asked a prospect for a major gift donation. When I ask for details, I hear they: Think you have asked for a major gift donation in one of these ways? Think again. The only way to actually ask… [Read more…]
Sticker Shock is not just for gas pumps. In the past week I have seen 3 client’s jaws drop when they saw the estimated costs of their building renovation plans. Supply chain issues, lack of workers, and rising demand are causing pricing –… [Read more…]
We have had 3 similar inquiries in the past few weeks that sound like this: a board member suggests that your organization eliminates your $5.1 million mortgage. Everyone is excited by the idea. They call us to talk about the possibilities. Sounds great, doesn’t it? In theory… [Read more…]
A Tale of Two Case Studies – Part 1* The pandemic has changed fundraising and development for 2020 (and, perhaps, beyond). Most annual, capital and endowment campaigns have been halted. We have developed a love/hate relationship with Zoom. And, fear has so profoundly infected nonprofits that many may not recover. But what hasn’t changed? Strong leaders are still essential and can help… [Read more…]
For those looking for a five-minute escape, grab a friend and play MJALibs! Fill in the blanks to play. Or just jump down to the next headline to read the rest of the article. The endowment dream – an MJALibs fill in the… [Read more…]