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 »
Using Metrics that Matter to Plan for the Unexpected
By Abbie Hacker Consultant For the most part, we can’t even begin to predict what the fall will look like. In the nonprofit community, this uncertainty plays out in numerous ways… should you move forward with your in-person event? Will you be able to meet face-to-face with your donors? Can you offer tours of your new… Read more »
REAL Conversations with Major Donors – Recorded Webinar
REAL Conversations with Major Donors Recorded Presentation Join Vice President Victoria Dietz and Client Manager Hilary Fulp as they share key points and practical tips to engage with your major donors. This webinar, recorded for you, was presented to 100 participants on May 20, 2020. Wondering what you could and should be doing today to… Read more »
Free Webinar – REAL Conversations with Major Donors
REAL Conversations with Major Donors Wednesday, May 20 1 to 2 p.m. Wondering what you could and should be doing today to prepare for a stronger major gift program tomorrow? Even during times of uncertainty, the fundraising cycle works – cultivation, solicitation and stewardship – but what does this cycle look like in practice? How… Read more »
Do These 9 Things While You Can’t Meet with Donors
By Victoria Dietz Vice President During these incredibly challenging and uncertain times, we want our nonprofit community to know that we are here to help make you successful. I have spoken to many of you, and I am in awe of your creativity and commitment. Through ongoing dialogues and teamwork, we will not only survive… Read more »
Debunking 3 Myths: A Campaign’s Impact on Annual Giving
Debunking 3 Myths: A Campaign’s Impact on Annual Giving A campaign is a transformational time in any organization. It is exciting, energizing and yes sometimes challenging. Having worked with nonprofits in campaigns, I have heard and disproved many myths surrounding campaigns and how they negatively impact an organization. Today, I am debunking three of… 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 »
Does 1+1=2? The Ripple Effect of Challenge Gifts
Previously printed 3/18/19 in The Experts column in Inside Business At The Curtis Group, we believe that 1+1 can equal much more than 2 when we leverage gifts to encourage and motivate others. We like to call it the ripple effect, when one gift has the power to spread far beyond a single… Read more »
Positive trends seen in giving to community colleges
Good news for higher-ed advancement professionals—your hard work and investments in your fundraising program are paying off! As institutional budgets continue to shrink and the role of private philanthropy becomes more important than ever, it appears that your efforts are showing results. Last month, our president Keith Curtis, immediate past chair of Giving USA Foundation, shared with you the overall… Read more »
7 mistakes to avoid in your year-end fundraising
It’s fall, so if you haven’t started planning your year-end appeals, you’re late—but not too late! Over 40% of giving occurs in last four months of year. But Google has found that donors begin their research in August, and that online donation-related searches increase 30% from August to September. Of course, December is still king for when… Read more »