Individual Giving

People are far more distracted than they were a decade ago, which means that even the most experienced fundraiser must continually evolve—something the industry has found difficult at times—and leverage new outlets to increase donations. Is it possible that our inability to adapt or unwillingness to change is a primary reason for our industry’s declining performance?...

Successful fundraising isn’t just about money. It’s about relationships. The organizations that understand this have happy, repeat donors. So who’s doing well with individual giving? "Fundraising Bright Spots: Strategies and Inspiration From Social Change Organizations Raising Money From Individual Donors," sponsored by the Evelyn & Walter Hass Jr. Fund, explores some possibilities. The new report…

What motivates the ultra wealthy to give? Wealth-X conducted an Attitudes Survey in conjunction with Knight Frank to gain insights into the perspectives and behaviors of the ultra wealthy around wealth management, philanthropy, wealth transfer and more. The survey was based on the views of around 400 of the world’s leading private bankers and wealth…

A staffer responsible for donor relations at a mid-size community charity began our conversation by describing a fundraising program that, although fully functioning, is showing the early warning signs of real trouble. Stagnant gift size and a declining—albeit slowly—donor-renewal rate. Her concern was palpable. At an appropriate pause, I asked her what she thought the issues were. Her response was simple: “Our donors simply aren’t giving enough. They don’t understand the urgency of the work we’re doing.”...

On Dec. 14, I mailed checks for $25 to 19 nonprofits. Then, I mailed $25 checks on Dec. 31 to an additional four organizations that I have supported for several years. Despite all the arguments I have heard defending the need to save money by not receipting donors (or at least not donors under a certain threshold, often $50), I simply cannot support that cost-saving measure.

Daniel Moughon, an insurance salesman from Fort Worth, Texas, said he knew long-shot Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina was special after listening to one of her early Iowa speeches. He's donated to her 10 times since then. Moughon is not giving millions, though. He's not even giving thousands. In fact, he has added just $273…

Americans’ donations to arts and culture rose 9.2 percent in 2014, the highest increase in nine categories tracked by Giving USA, an annual report on charitable contributions. Overall, however, arts and culture commanded a modest share of the philanthropic pie. Estimated gifts to arts and culture totaled $17.2 billion, according to the report compiled by…

As a master BS'er (behavioral scientist) in private and professional life, I want to know why people do things, so I can use it in executing my evil plans. My beloved henchman, Otis the neuropsychologist, feeds my habit regularly with links sent in emails with cryptic subject lines. This subject line was “awe.” I thought it was about cute puppies. But no, it was a gem. Turns out, if I can get someone to experience awe, they are more likely to be less narcissistic and be more helpful to others. How can we do that?

Ultron, a misunderstood, hard-nosed robot profiled in the blockbuster movie The Avengers: Age of Ultron, has selflessly dedicated his entire existence to saving the world from humanity. Amidst the flurry of flying robots, arrows, and "hulk smashes," he leads the campaign to take Sokovia. While conquering the city, Ultron takes a bit of downtime to…

Ewan Gordon ran a marathon every day for six weeks straight—a whopping total of 1,050 miles—for charity. The Englishman ran the entire length of Great Britain—and grew out his hair and beard to look like Forrest Gump.