Be a Better Fundraiser: Top 5 Stories to Read on National Nonprofit Day

The nonprofit space is a great area to be in. While fundraisers and professionals in the nonprofit sector continue to face the challenges on a day-to-day basis, they are surrounded by uplifting people who are passionate as they are about their mission and cause. According to National Day Calendar, Aug. 17 is National Nonprofit Day, but we think every day should be National Nonprofit Day, because you work hard and put all your efforts into making a difference every single day of your lives, and you matter.

In our effort to celebrate you, we are giving you our top five development stories on NonProfit PRO that you need to read to become a better fundraiser:

1. Ask Prospective Donors These 8 Questions

Most fundraisers spend an inordinate amount of time and energy worrying about making the case for their organization. But a far more productive undertaking is to get to know your major donors—particularly why and how they want to give. Find that out and you’ll have a sense of what you should ask them for and how you should go about asking them. Read more here.

2. How to Turn a Donor Into a Stranger

When my business partner Jeff sent me this letter, I took a little trip in my mind. I went to this lady’s home and sat beside her as she was writing. It was a very sad experience. Take a moment to read what she wrote. I have faithfully reproduced it here with slight edits for clarity. Read more here.

3. 12 Ideas for Powerful P2P Fundraising

Peer-to-peer (P2P) fundraising is not new. Church World Service’s CROP Hunger Walk, widely regarded as the first true P2P fundraising event, was founded in 1969. American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, perhaps the best-known event, was founded in 1985. The Girl Scouts have been selling cookies since 1917. But P2P has exploded of late. Read more here.

4. Top 10 Things Smart Fundraisers Will Be Doing in 2017

Back in 2016, I wrote that smart fundraisers should zero in on their individual giving programs with a laser-like intensity. And despite the current fundraising and political climate, it’s still sound advice. Read more here.

5. Who Makes a Better Fundraiser: Introverts or Extroverts?

Development professionals come in all shapes, sizes and personalities. Each professional is successful in his or her own way. They use their talents to the greatest degree possible for success. Depending upon the task at hand, the fundraiser constantly adapts to situations. I believe all of us have traits that are extroverted or introverted in nature. There are times I must be in a group and show my extroverted side. Read more here.