Fundraiser Education
August 6, 2015 at 1:59 pm
The last of the three articles on the roles in soliciting, this week I take up the role that many people see as the sum total of the ask: the individual that actually does the asking. I call it the “rainmaker.” What does the rainmaker do? In fundraising, the rainmaker makes things happen...
August 6, 2015 at 6:00 am
Looking over my last few articles, I’ve decided I’ve been grumpy. Maybe it’s the heat and the drought in my part of the country, or maybe it’s the dread of spending the next 15 months being bombarded with political messaging. So, today I am going to take a major turn and write about what I love about fundraising.
August 5, 2015 at 3:09 pm
It’s that time again. It’s fundraising planning time. The fiscal year closed on June 30. And I bet you are working now on your detailed operational fundraising plans for the coming year. (I hope so anyway!) Why not take time right now to create a complete fundraising plan that can catapult your fundraising to new heights, one that can even transform your results...
August 3, 2015 at 1:12 pm
Building a culture of philanthropy takes time. It’s about patience and persistence. Just like cultivating your donors. A $1 million gift doesn’t happen overnight. Neither does changing an organization's understanding of the role of philanthropy. Here are eight ways to build a strong culture of philanthropy...
July 31, 2015 at 6:00 am
I love reviewing Indiana University’s major gift process of metrics and accountability. Each major gift officer must have a portfolio and be accountable for moving that portfolio. When I meet someone with Indiana University experience, I assume they are properly trained to close gifts and move prospects. In my experience over time, I unfortunately have hired several “experienced” major gift officers that just couldn’t pull the trigger...
July 30, 2015 at 9:24 am
Last week, I kicked off this series of unpacking the roles solicitors must assume when they seek a gift. They are: bag carrier, authenticator and rainmaker. The second soliciting role is the authenticator. The name says it. Essential qualities of the authenticator are a passion for the cause being pitched and a thorough, almost innate knowledge of the organization...
July 29, 2015 at 12:52 pm
Hi everyone, I am back in the U.S. after a rough 24-hour trip with a two-year-old that ended with us at U.S. Customs declaring that we had brought back several packages of vegan deer jerky made from soy protein. “I have never heard anyone declaring that before,” said the officer. “Did you try it before…
July 29, 2015 at 12:34 pm
In the past month, I’ve transitioned from urban planning in the public sector to the peer-to-peer fundraising world at Plenty. Before this shift I worked on countless planning projects that involved the studying of urban vacant lots and the techniques that can be used to stabilize these hazardous parcels through greening and landscaping treatments. And…
July 22, 2015 at 2:14 pm
We have to focus on numbers to achieve goals. But never lose sight of the high calling of our profession, the power of giving, the respect and honor we owe to donors at all levels, and the life changing invitation (for donors and those who benefit from our worthy missions) we extend...
July 22, 2015 at 12:40 pm
Summer can be a great time to relax and rest up for the busy season. But don't be fooled—nonprofit leaders know there is still a ton that can be done to set your organization up for success. We talked to a handful of nonprofit leaders about how they're upping their game this summer, and compiled their…
