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 »
Is a Campaign Planning Study Worth the Effort?
Is a Campaign Planning Study Worth the Effort? By Rachel Kimble, Consultant Embarking on a fundraising campaign is a significant endeavor for any nonprofit organization, often requiring substantial resources and strategic planning. One crucial step in the process is conducting a campaign planning study (sometimes called a feasibility study) to assess your organization’s readiness and potential for… Read more »
Engaging Your Volunteers for Fundraising Success
Engaging Your Volunteers for Fundraising Success By Elizabeth Vana, Client Coordinator Spring is officially here—the days are getting warmer, flowers are blooming, and that pesky pollen is making everyone sniffle. But did you know that April brings so much more than flowers? April is National Volunteer Month! Nonprofits depend on the generosity and expertise… Read more »
Making the Ask – Even Virtually
Victoria Dietz was recently published in The Giving Institute Member Insights. We are re-publishing her article below: Can you ask for a major gift via phone or over a video chat? Just over a year ago, this would not have been a strategy recommended by a seasoned fundraiser. However, the shutdown has rewritten the… 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 »
Giving USA 2019: Giving reached $427 billion amid a complex year!
On the heels of a decade of unprecedented growth, we celebrate the year for what it was – a complex year with incredible generosity. I could spend hours talking to you (but I won’t) about studies, statistics, shifts in giving patterns, the impact of the economy, the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, public policy, and… 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 »