We all know good writing is critical in fundraising, but even a well-written appeal might leave money on the table if a more strategic word or phrase could have been substituted. So how can your organization ensure you are packaging your message in the most strategic way? Luckily, a variety of studies have been done to determine which… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Donors
Clients v. Donors: How to write without making a wrong
While we hate to disillusion anyone right after the holidays, I need to set the record straight about a certain mythical figure. You might have been sending letters to it for years. But unfortunately, there’s no such thing as… the General Public. All too often, nonprofit communications are written for this “audience,” and the message… Read more »
New insights for stewarding high-net-worth households
A closer look at this population’s motivations, expectations and behaviors, according to the recent U.S. Trust study How engaged are the wealthy in philanthropy? What drives their giving? How much are they giving? What would inspire them to give even more? These questions are thoroughly addressed in the 2016 U.S. Trust Study of High Net… Read more »
Understanding Prospect Research, Part II
When trying to implement prospect research at your nonprofit, you first must get a handle on the benefits, targets and methods of prospect research. 1. What types of donors can prospect research identify? The top donors for targeting your prospect research are: Major gift donors By ranking prospects according to their ability and affinity to… Read more »
Understanding Prospect Research, Part I
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
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
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
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
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 »
Four steps to turn your members into major donors
The search for new donors can be costly and time-consuming … and let’s face it, as an arts and culture nonprofit, you’d rather be focusing on programs. What if I told you that’s the same place you should be looking for donors? Because the best prospects are already right under your nose, and already passionate… Read more »
