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…]
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 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 A beloved member of the community died after a long illness. Her husband and her friends wanted to honor her memory with a fund that would sponsor professional development programs. They turned to the organization on whose board the… [Read more…]
Last month I wrote about what to do with an under-performing board member. The follow up question that we often hear is “Does losing a board member mean losing their donation?” That depends on why you are losing a board member. The reasons may… [Read more…]
It was also an example of how easy it is to do a quick thank you video for donors. And I am hoping YOU will make one of your own today. It is midway through January. Your formal acknowledgments have, hopefully, all been… [Read more…]
What has changed for you during the pandemic? Your employment? Or at least the way you work? Your family life? Or the time you spend with your family? Your eating? Or where you eat most of your meals? The essentials of life, food,… [Read more…]
Do you think your annual fundraising goals are: Way too low, Somewhat too low Just about right Somewhat too high Way too high N/A This is one of the questions we ask when we conduct an Organization and Development Assessment Survey which we… [Read more…]
Fundraisers love major donors. How could we not? They provide the necessary funds to keep our nonprofits running. We also love new donors. Bright, shiny and falling in love with our organization. In many ways, these two types of donors re-affirm our devotion… [Read more…]