As a follow-up to last week’s post in which we offered some general advice from “real world” funders on how nonprofits should operate, this week we’d like to share with you some red flags that funders see when it comes to requests. The following are a list of no-no’s when it comes to putting together… Read more »
The Right Approach to Board Solicitation
Recently, we’ve had a lot of people ask about the best way to solicit leadership gifts from board members. As with any major gift solicitation (because that’s what you’re aiming for, right?), it’s always best to make an in-person ask. Having a board member solicit another board member in-person, is hands-down the most effective way… Read more »
Rethinking Your Annual Giving Approach
Last week Wendy and I attended an interesting presentation on annual giving at our Hampton Roads AFP chapter meeting. Kim Sperling, Director of Development at the Mason School of Business at William and Mary, revealed “Ten Truths and a Myth about Annual Giving,” which reiterated much of the advice we’ve been giving recently around the… Read more »
Recorded Webinar: Launching a Successful Fundraising Campaign
Launch Your Transformational Campaign A Checklist for Success… Even in Uncertain Times In case you missed it, The Curtis Group’s President & Founder Keith Curtis and Consultant Abby Weber provided an insightful and informative presentation. Watch the full presentation below: Planning for a campaign in 2021? Thinking about a campaign a few years from… Read more »
Do you trust them? Philanthropy in action
Trust-Based Philanthropy in Action By Wendy McGrady, Executive Vice President Much has already been written in response to MacKenzie Scott’s December distribution of over $4 billion in unrestricted gifts to 384 organizations across the country. Rightfully so — such incredible generosity should be covered and celebrated! Her significant, unexpected gifts will certainly be transformational to… Read more »
Two Months Until Year End: Do These 5 Things to Make it Successful
By Abbie Hacker While the principles of fundraising remain the same even in the midst of this challenging year, the application might look a little different right now. In the nonprofit sector, the end of the calendar year is an important time for fundraising. With only two months until the end of 2020, make sure… Read more »
Recorded Webinar: Making the VIRTUAL Ask
Can you ask for a major gift via phone or over a video chat? YES – if done thoughtfully! In case you missed it, The Curtis Group’s Vice President Victoria Dietz provided an insightful and informative presentation. Watch the full presentation below: The fundraising rules have changed for 2020, but we are here… Read more »
How to Build Donor Relationships During Crisis
A Day in the Life of an Executive Director During These Uncertain Times How Shawn Puller Keeps Garth Newel Music Center Moving Forward By Marissa Monell, Client Manager, The Curtis Group, and Shawn Puller, Executive Director of Garth Newel Music Center in Warm Springs, VA We are excited to continue “A Day in the Life… Read more »
Fundraising During Uncertain Times Demands Strategy
Fundraising During Uncertain Times Demands Strategy By Keith Curtis, President & Founder of The Curtis Group In February, everything was still percolating. Now, however, the coronavirus and oil industry events are impacting our economy and, more importantly for philanthropy, the market. We are hearing from clients and the community with questions about what fundraising could… Read more »
12 Tips to Increase Year-End Fundraising
I recently had the privilege of presenting with my colleague Abbie Hacker to a group of nonprofit leaders about maximizing year-end fundraising. While the current weather may suggest otherwise, December will be here before we know it. Now is the time to prepare for your year-end fundraising to be sure your organization is ready to… Read more »