By David A. Mersky I spend a great deal of time thinking about and helping organizations increase their fundraising results. By achieving ever greater results and revenue, they can expand their mission and fulfill their vision. But, much has changed during my career, especially… [Read more…]
If I asked you to list five facts about each of your top 20 donors, could you do it? Could anyone in your organization list five facts about those donors? If not, it’s time to start putting your notes in your CRM*. Caring… [Read more…]
By David A. Mersky Face-to-face fundraising is in a class all its own. It is distinct from email, telemarketing, direct mail, and other high volume, “one to many” tactics in which nonprofits customarily engage. Instead, the best of those who practice face-to-face fundraising focus on… [Read more…]
Today’s donors are sophisticated. Gone are the days when… … 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 same amount this year … [Read more…]
Time after time, I hear clients say they asked a prospect for a major gift. 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 someone… [Read more…]
By David A. Mersky You just finished your year-end rush and have begun planning for 2023. But before you turn the calendar page to February, one important question remains: Who were the people, no matter how many times you asked, who gave in 2021… [Read more…]
By David A. Mersky The year is nearly over. At this point, you have done absolutely everything you can for your direct response and mid-range donors. So, what do most organizations do? They send everybody home between Christmas and New Year’s. Yes, you may… [Read more…]
Every nonprofit is emailing donors in December. How could they not when a third to a half of all annual donations come in November and December. But when you are creating your email calendar (if you have not already) there are so many options.… [Read more…]
By David A. Mersky Recently, a colleague of mine was working with a nonprofit group to convene a gateway event. Gateways are used to introduce prospective, new major donors to the organization. The chosen venue was wonderful and RSVPs in the affirmative exceeded expectations.… [Read more…]
By David A. Mersky I had coffee yesterday with a long-time client. His nonprofit organization is beginning to plan for the construction of a substantial new facility, and they have begun engaging with architects, contractors, and such. Naturally, thoughts of fundraising for this… [Read more…]