Fundraiser Education

What Is a Fundraiser?
February 18, 2013

A fundraiser is anyone who, either as a volunteer or paid, works to raise the money, commitment and enthusiasm that’s needed to fuel good works. Full stop. A hands-on fundraiser is any fundraiser who doesn’t just talk about it, but actually does it. Data-planners, copywriters, input clerks, creative strategy-formulators, major donor solicitors, fundraising directors, marketers, team leaders, envelope-stuffers, thankers and bankers, agency account executives and telephone and doorstep askers are all hands-on fundraisers. To name but a few.

'Idea Storming' for Nonprofits
February 15, 2013

In a fundraising climate where oversaturation, more competition for funds and new technologies make attracting and retaining donors that much more difficult, innovation is vital for nonprofit organizations looking to survive and thrive not only today, but in the future.

7 Things That Will Make You a Better Fundraiser
February 11, 2013

Three years ago, I didn’t even know fundraising was a profession. But when I arrived, I threw myself into the deep end and have consequently learned a great deal in a short time. Most of all, I’ve learned that no amount of study can replace years of experience. So while I wait for the time to fill me with wisdom, I’ve learned to improve my fundraising in more immediate ways. Here are seven ways I’ve discovered.

Embrace Fundraising ... or Don't!
February 7, 2013

Fundraising success isn’t a question of have's and have-not’s. Sure, larger organizations may raise more money, but that’s because they have more staff, resources, etc. But smaller organizations can be just as successful with the resources they have. Fundraising success is a question of belief. Believe in fundraising, embrace it and invest in it long-term and you are bound to find success. Ignore it, or pay it lip service, and you’ll likely find a revolving door at your development director position.

The 7 Deadly Sins of Fundraising
February 1, 2013

FundRaising Success columnist Jeff Brooks, creative director at TrueSense Marketing, warns fundraisers to be vigilant against these sins, because they can drag your fundraising program down to a terrifying hell of non-response.

'Idea Storming' for Fundraising Professionals
February 1, 2013

In a fundraising climate where oversaturation, more competition for funds and new technologies make attracting and retaining donors that much more difficult, innovation is vital for nonprofit organizations looking to survive and thrive not only today, but in the future. In his book "Idea Stormers: How to Lead and Inspire Creative Breakthroughs," author Bryan Mattimore…

Reflections on 10 Years
February 1, 2013

Here are some words of wisdom culled from stories that appeared in the January/February 2004 issue of FundRaising Success.

To Sell Is Human; To Give, Divine — Why We’re All in Fundraising Now
January 29, 2013

I recently attended an inspiring talk by Daniel Pink, author of "To Sell Is Human," and found myself furiously taking notes. Next thing you know I was impulsively buying the book (autographed, of course)! Do I have buyer’s remorse? Absolutely not. Zero. Zilch. Nada. Everything he has to say is so directly applicable to fundraising and the nonprofit sector that it’s a "must read" for those of us in the philanthropy business.