Acquisition
March 2, 2016 at 10:36 am
In many cases, nonprofit marketing involves reaching out, attaining new sponsors and fresh attention. With the help of the Internet and social media, businesses now have an endless number of ways to market to other audiences. While this is a vital part in the process of developing your nonprofit, it’s important to build a solid…
February 25, 2016 at 10:44 am
Take it from our peers in the field: Most communications and development teams aren’t communicating, cooperating or collaborating with each other. Team goals often are quite different, with the two departments sometimes working at cross-purposes, unknowingly sabotaging fundraising results. But there’s good news: This disconnect is fixable. That’s the solid-gold takeaway from the 1,600 nonprofit…
February 24, 2016 at 11:00 am
Separating mission work from fundraising work is a deeply rooted practice in nonprofit. I challenge that. I challenge the idea that there is any scenario where a complete separation is necessary or more productive than collaboration. Here is a good illustration of what could be....
February 1, 2016 at 10:48 am
Your nonprofit probably already is doing what it can to retain your existing donors. It’s a worthwhile effort since donor retention is easier and more cost effective than donor acquisition. However, as many as six out of every 10 donors make a contribution and never give to an organization again. If your nonprofit struggles with…
December 17, 2015 at 9:00 am
Mia and spoke last week regarding her organization’s donor acquisition program for 2016. Mia is the development director for an environmental organization in the Northwest. As she reviewed her plans, two words kept ringing in my head: “advocacy” and “fundraising.” What struck me was how she seemed to be conflating the two...
December 16, 2015 at 9:50 am
A recent survey shows retention has increased over the past few years. But many fundraising professionals view the report differently. They use it to reinforce their opinions that the industry has a retention problem. Yes, it continues to be a huge issue, but I’m not convinced the problem is any more significant than it always has been...
November 12, 2015 at 8:45 am
Peter’s Achilles is he cares for his supporters and would-be donors too much. You read it right. He just wants everyone to take his message to heart. He wants everyone to be on board. That’s simply not possible. It never will be, no matter how important, how urgent, how worthy. It just won’t. Not converting everyone to give is a failure. Expect to fail...
October 30, 2015 at 9:53 am
How many development employees does it take to staff a nonprofit effectively? The answer: Most nonprofits aren't sure. "There is no comprehensive data set on the size of the organization and development staff, and that is for a very good reason—organizations and development needs vary widely depending on the circumstances," said Kyle Caldwell, executive director…
September 10, 2015 at 9:55 am
Ever since it was launched from the temple-like headquarters of the National Geographic Society in Washington in 1888, National Geographic magazine has illuminated the world’s hidden places and revealed its natural wonders. On Wednesday, the iconic yellow-bordered magazine, beset by financial issues, entered its own uncharted territory. In an effort to stave off further decline,…
August 28, 2015 at 10:10 am
Duke University set a fundraising record last school year, pulling in $478 million in philanthropic gifts and contributions during the 2014-15 year. This marks a third consecutive record year for Duke. It also bests UNC-Chapel Hill, which also set a record last year, but raised $31 million less than Duke. Fundraising at the two universities…
