How does your organization retain its donors? Do you stay in touch frequently, letting them know what’s happening in your quest to make the world a better place. Do you show them how their support is changing lives? Do you keep the bond you initially created with them strong? Do you send thank-you cards or postcards “just because?”
Successful major gifts officers don’t stop learning. There’s a simple reason: the skills you need for major gift work never stands still.
So, What’s In a Name? Plenty — especially when it comes to naming your legacy society. Choose the wrong name, and you’ll struggle to attract (let alone keep) members. Choose the right name, and your membership will grow and thrive.
The relationship between fundraisers and potential donors is like dating. And, just like the dating world, in fundraising, there are duds, and there are keepers. Which kind of fundraiser are you?
In today’s economic environment, a legacy planned giving initiative helps you tap the hidden enormous potential of your loyal donors and transform the growth trajectory of your organization.
“I wonder how many churches and charitable organizations realize that community is one of the greatest gifts they have to offer … and these things are so valuable that people are willing to make their resources available to sustain them. Fundraising must always aim to create new, lasting relationships.”
It’s true — a kid with a kite! There’s a lesson that fundraisers can learn from the history of Niagara Falls — specifically, about a suspension bridge that, from 1855 to 1897, connected the United States to Canada over the roaring waters. This clearly shows how marketing is behind everything.
You know the saying, “The only two things certain in life are death and taxes.” Even after your lifetime, there are many taxes you can avoid. We call these funeral expenses.
This could be the moment. After years of lobbying by the nonprofit sector, with multiple bills dying in committee, we might actually get legislation this year making permanent an above-the-line charitable deduction for nonitemizers.
Any fundraiser can raise more and larger gifts by using our proven marketing tools, because they get the point across to your donors without thought. We’re giving away a secret.
In 1900 they predicted that C, X and Q would vanish from our alphabet. 10 years later it was predicted we would have flying bicycles. The U.S. Congressional Calendar predicts that philanthropic incentives may be legislated out of existence sometime soon.
If you’re advertising that annuity rates are about to go down, you’re essentially shouting “Come and get it before it’s too late!” That makes you sound like you’re Kmart, running a Blue Light Special.