Stop! No, Wait! No, Go!
Several times a year, I hear from clients who have questions about other vendors’ latest products. Usually, those questions go something like this: “Did you see the new Widget that Company B is offering? It practically guarantees donors will be knocking down our door. My boss wants us to buy it. Why don’t you offer it, too?” The Widget never turns out to be anything ground-breaking. It’s usually just a slightly new spin on an old tool. It’s a “new” calculator that lets donors estimate annuity payments and tax breaks. Or it’s an app that lets someone make monthly annual gifts from their smartphone. It might be a “new” eblast template, or even an online will maker. The truth is, there’s really nothing new that’s going to make your planned giving program an overnight success. There are no new products or services that are going to have donors breaking down your door to help. No new “get rich quick” techniques to build your endowment. What does work is what’s always worked: patience, persistence, and people skills.
Nurture Major Donors with a Major Donor Society
Asking an influential member of your community for a large gift is often an intimidating task. While effective donor prospecting can eliminate some of the anxieties involved, tools like a major donor society also go a long way to secure a big ask. Major donor societies provide exclusive, insider access to your highest-dollar donors, generating significant revenue by developing intimate relationships with excellent stewardship.
Thank “You.” Who Gets Gratitude?
In any given year, donors may give you thousands quarterly via a mailed check or an online donation for $0.12 that you are not sure was on purpose. It begs the question – is a gift, a gift? Does everybody at your nonprofit feel the same about these two examples? Has your organization ever stopped to consider exactly which donors get what thank-yous at your nonprofit? Take time in the new year to outline the expectations and procedures for thanking at your nonprofit to establish an essential best practice.
How to Focus your Fundraising in January
After the fundraising marathon of November and December, thinking about another development strategy in January may seem like going overboard. However, a built-in requirement for every nonprofit in the United States provides an inspiring place to add extra stewardship at a key time of year.
New Year, New NPO! Popular Nonprofit New Year’s Resolutions
It’s almost 2024! To celebrate the crest of another year, here are five of the most potent New Year’s resolutions for nonprofit professionals. Enjoy these quirky resolutions for the nonprofit professional in your life. From losing weight to falling in love.
Keep Your Gift Acceptance Policy Strong
The idea of your organization receiving a windfall may seem like only the stuff of dreams. But with stories of nonprofits experiencing unexpected major gifts happen all the time. When a donor chooses to give their wealth to your organization, will you be ready?
Average Gift Amount: A Fundraising Key Performance Indicator
A few essential pieces of data help fuel a powerful development department. These metrics, often called Key Performance Indicators, or KPIs, help fundraisers gauge the health of their activities. Another essential KPI for fundraisers is the Average Gift Amount.
Seven Easy Ways to Become a Better Facilitator
We have all unfortunately been there. A meeting that could have been an email. A lengthy meeting that left all attendees confused about what was accomplished. A brainstorming session where personalities derailed the discussion. What these situations all needed is an effective facilitator. Learn how to run respectful and productive gatherings with these basic facilitation tips.
What is an Endowment? Learn the Basics of This Powerful Planned Giving Strategy
Endowments are most often associated with institutions of higher learning and huge nonprofits like hospitals. But an endowment may be a great fit for one of your prospective planned giving donors.
Three Effective Ways to Use Testimonials in Major Gifts Fundraising
Maybe you’re stuck drafting a new appeal. Or perhaps your website looks a little flat. It may be that your social media is lacking engagement. When you’re unsure what to do next with your nonprofit messaging, the answer is usually: try a story. Nonprofit storytelling using a testimonial leaves an impression on donors.
