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 »
Fundraising Focus for the New Year
5 Key Focus Areas to Make Sure Your Fundraising Vision is 2020 By Keith Curtis President and Founder After 30 years of experience partnering with nonprofits, spending time with philanthropists and serving on boards throughout the country, these are 5 fundraising tips we think you should focus on this year. Focus #1: Keep up the good… 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 »
Retain Your Donors in 5 Steps
I had the privilege of presenting at the spring conference for the Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington last week. One of the things I spent some time discussing was the importance of focusing on donor retention. In my opinion, too many nonprofits are stuck in this cycle of having to acquire a huge… Read more »
Does your development plan avoid these common pitfalls?
A Strategic Plan is Not a Development Plan. Your Development Plan is the Next Step Has your organization recently updated its strategic plan or is about to begin that process? If the answer is yes, that is great news! Thinking about your short- and long-term organizational goals and strategies to achieve them is integral to… Read more »
Lead Board Meetings That Ignite Passion and Engagement
Spring is a busy time in the nonprofit world. So many organizations host galas, golf tournaments, run/walks and other fundraising events. But before you become consumed by centerpieces and table assignments, consider this: How are you engaging your board? As you quickly approach the end of your fiscal year or prepare for annual meetings,… Read more »
4 traits successful campaigns have in common
What’s the secret to campaign success? True, it’s critical to start with a campaign planning study to create a blueprint and make sure you’ve set the right fundraising goal. But how likely are you to reach it? At a recent meeting, our team discussed fundraising campaigns over the last few years for which we had provided counsel…. 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 »
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 »
