A few years ago I wrote an article, “What Would You Do With 1,000 New Donors?”I think this is the time to write a follow up. The more I talk to people now the more I start to question what would you do… [Read more…]
The “how many letters should I send” debate is back in session. If you are like most organizations, you continually have the same conversation every year. It’s summer, when you take the time to plan your ”End of Year” Appeal Calendar, and someone… [Read more…]
Way, way back in 2019, we could predict fundraising trends for individual nonprofits. Using the standard KPIs like previous giving history, the number of donors, and retention rates for various donors, helped form a reliable path to your goal. There was always testing… [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…]
Nonprofit strategic planning is sexy in the same way nonprofit governance, feasibility study reports and finding the perfect candidate is sexy. Oh wait, I didn’t mean sexy. I meant amazing for my nonprofit or energizing for my organization. The title of this piece… [Read more…]
I recently offered to help a friend, Jen, plan her nonprofit’s retreat. We met for coffee and she explained that she had decided to start off her term as board president by holding a 3-hour strategic planning board retreat (replacing the second board… [Read more…]
In the past week, I have spoken with two organizations who have realized they need a new strategy to accomplish their vision. They both have a clear understanding of what they want to achieve – growth in one case and an increased endowment… [Read more…]
What is the difference between Netflix and Blockbuster? Cirque de Soleil and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Baiiley Circus? Amazon and Barnes & Noble? In all three cases, they started out with a very similar product, or at least a similar product offering. … [Read more…]
Is the leadership excited by the potential? A nonprofit strategic plan is not something that can be accomplished without the support and excitement of the board and staff. It will take additional time, energy and focus as well as buy-in from the leadership.… [Read more…]