Understanding Prospect Research, Part I

Posted , by Ryan Woroniecki, Guest Writer | DonorSearch Vice President of Strategic Partnerships. Topic: Donor Prospects.

Maybe you’re just breaking into the nonprofit world, or you’re a seasoned fundraising fiend. Either way, taking the time to learn or review prospect research is key to keeping your nonprofit aimed toward success. Are you looking to get more out of your current donors? Are you looking for new donors? Maybe you’re looking to… Read more »

7 steps to score a prospect meeting

Posted , by Abby Weber, Client Manager. Topic: Donor Prospects.

It seems like people are busier than ever these days, and trying to connect with a donor for an in-person meeting can be a challenge. For that reason, nonprofit professionals often rely heavily on mailings and emails to communicate with donors. However, making the effort to meet with prospective and current donors face-to-face is one of the… Read more »

The Donor-Advised Funds Revolution: 5 ways to get your nonprofit at the forefront

Posted , by Keith Curtis, President. Topic: Funds and Funders.

As a fundraising professional, staying on top of the latest trends in giving can feel like a full-time job. One of the hottest topics in the philanthropic community today is the increased popularity of donor-advised funds. DAFs provide many benefits to both the donor and nonprofit. For donors, they: • Allow creation of a fund within… Read more »

What a Funder Wants: How foundations and corporations decide whom—and how much—to fund

Posted , by Keith Curtis, President. Topic: Funds and Funders.

We heard it straight from the source. Each year, key organizations that guide fundraising in our region come together at the sold-out Funders Forum, hosted by VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads. I was honored to be asked, once again, to moderate the panel at the April 6 event. In addition, our firm’s executive vice president, Wendy McGrady,… Read more »

4 Ways to Make a STATEMENT with Your Case for Support

Posted , by Sarah Fargusson, Client Manager. Topic: Cases for Support.

Donors want to see you making an impact on the community—but you need to make an impact on donors, too. One of the best ways to do both is through a well-designed and engaging case for support. A case for support is the basis of all your fundraising materials. Your case should outline your organization’s… Read more »

Not another year-end appeal! 12 writing tips to stand out & inspire action

Posted , by Melissa James, Marketing Director. Topic: Donor Communication, Year-End Giving.

If you’ve worked in the nonprofit world more than a year, you might already be weary of the pressure to maximize year-end gifts. It’s not that different for your donors, who are often bombarded with requests as December 31 looms closer. The way you communicate your message is key to cutting through the clutter and… Read more »

“The Greater Good” – What drives high-net-worth giving across generations

Posted , by Sarah Fargusson, Client Manager. Topic: High-Net-Worth Individuals, Philanthropy Research & Events.

How do your major donors define “a life well-lived”? This is one of the key questions addressed in the 2015 Insights on Wealth and Worth Survey, conducted by the U.S. Trust. Since 1993, this periodic survey of wealthy individuals and families has highlighted differences and similarities in values and, ultimately, what motivates giving. This year,… Read more »

How to write thank-you letters your donors will actually read

Posted , by By Melissa James, Marketing Director. Topic: Donor Acknowledgement.

Acknowledgment letters are more than an obligation. They’re an opportunity—to build donor relationships, to educate and hopefully, to inspire future giving. But let’s face it, many of these missives leave us less than inspired. Do you read all the nonprofit thank-you letters you receive? Me neither. What’s different about the ones you do read? Here… Read more »

Do you know your economic impact? (hint: it will help you raise money)

Posted , by Michael Marks, Consultant. Topic: Capital Campaigns, Cases for Support.

As the economy continues its recovery, many nonprofits are considering long-delayed and necessary capital projects—new buildings, physical improvements, or expansions, all critical to the long term success of their organizations. As these organizations move through their fundraising steps, a key component they often overlook is the overall economic impact they have within their community. Information… Read more »