Prospects

We all like to do it. It’s enjoyable, it’s free and, except for our time, it involves no commitment. When the clerk asks us if they can help us, how often do we answer, “Just looking?” I dare say we’ve often given that answer when we are actually looking for something specific, but aren’t yet ready to commit. Then again, there are many times when we’re merely “killing time...

In the age of “Big Data,” countless companies and organizations are turning their wealth of data into an extremely valuable asset. In the commercial world, Big Data, machine learning and artificial intelligence are turning data into actionable insights. Big Data really has moved from being a buzzword to being mission-critical...

There isn’t a “more helpful” sex; both men and women help others. But the gender difference in the peer-to-peer realm is stark—women participate and fundraise at significantly higher levels than men do...

Any major gift officer who has been working for a few years has heard this phrase uttered by one of their donors, “Well, who else is going to fund this project? I don’t want to be the only one to invest in it...

Have you started planning how to rock your year-end fundraising? Say what? I can hear you now, “Pam, it’s summer, and I’m going on vacation next week! Stop already.” But hey, the stats don’t lie. Almost a third of all annual giving occurs of December. Twelve percent of all giving happens in the very last…

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — When nonprofit organizations launch fundraising campaigns, it’s not as simple as ready, set and go; hitting that target goal isn’t a one-two punch. Whether it’s for raising funds, acquisition, retention or whatever, fundraising campaigns can be much like for-profit marketing campaigns...

What motivates people to give to charity? Surprisingly, the most obvious answers to this question have been difficult to prove. For example, having a desire to give is often not enough: Many people who express a strong intention to make charitable donations often fail to follow through on their intentions. The research is also mixed…

Most nonprofits rely on donors to fund campaigns that allow their organization to pursue its mission and achieve goals. Convincing prospects to become donors can be challenging if a nonprofit is not taking a strategic approach to identify the most convertible prospects...

I’ve been a monthly donor for many years. Two years ago, I did a little experiment: I joined 20 organizations to see what they would do (10 small and 10 large organizations). I wanted to experience their “thank you” process, their subsequent communication stream, tax letters, emails, lapsed recapture (if any) and upgrade process...

In July of 1979, I had my first article published in CASE Currents titled “Mini-Phonathon: Many Benefits.” The basic premise of the article was that you can use the telephone to inform, as well solicit funds. I worked at Florida International University in Miami and was the first alumni/development director for the university...