Foundations and corporations are the same as other major donors—except when they aren’t. All should be cultivated and stewarded in similar ways, with consistent work to build a relationship. But while you communicate directly with major donors, you must go through representatives when dealing with a grant funder. What can you do to ensure your request… Read more »
Words to Give By: 5 phrasing tricks that could increase your donations
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 »
How—and why—your board should self-evaluate
In my previous article “Five Steps to a Creating a High-Performing Board,” I offered this road map to ensuring your board knew what was expected of them and coaching them toward greater effectiveness: ?1. Ensure the nominating committee is considering your nonprofit’s unique needs at this point in its organizational development 2. Talk through responsibilities—including… Read more »
Key takeaways from our client who just raised $8.5 million
While mistakes can be valuable learning opportunities, this is a case where the client did everything right. Blue Ridge Community College followed our advice to the letter—and the results speak for themselves. Founded in 1967, Blue Ridge Community College offers comprehensive programs of instruction including associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in occupational/technical and college/university transfer… Read more »
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 »
UNDERDOG SUCCESS STORY: How a small, rural museum raised $3 million
To Virginia’s secluded Eastern Shore community, the Barrier Islands Center is more than a museum, education center and tourist attraction—it’s a cherished gathering place. Founded in 1996, the Barrier Islands Center introduces visitors to the history of the islands and surrounds them in the rich history of the Eastern Shore. In 2009, the Barrier Islands Center… 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 »
Key giving trends for community colleges: A sector-specific look at GIVING USA
As the pressure increases on institutional budgets and presidential performers, higher-ed development professionals have been required to step up their game. And it appears their efforts are paying off. Last month, our president Keith Curtis, immediate past chair of Giving USA Foundation, shared with the big-picture findings of Giving USA 2016: The Annual Report on Philanthropy… Read more »
