If you recall, I need your help to prove to an old fundraising colleague of mine that our industry is absolutely innovative. So far, I have 44 amazing ideas, and I'm so excited about it that I'm going to leave the survey link open one more week.
Have you ever been responsible for the creation or expansion of a major-gift club at your institution? If so, you understand the importance a gift club can play in the life of any organization. This gift-club concept works well if you keep the premise simple and focus on one gift club for development. While you may not need all four quadrants in your plan, you should try promoting a gift club with your organization. This club began as a focal point for the hospital and generated several million dollars over time to assist thousands of people engaged in the health care system. Development of this concept isn't easy, but it's well worth it!
Never assume systems are working. Always check and check again. Mistakes creep in and software glitches show up for no reason known to us non-technical types, so always validate your systems to be sure they are doing what you expect them to do.
I want to prove that our industry is made up of amazing thinkers — don't let me down.
By investing in research and being proactive, you may be surprised with your short- and long-term financial results. In reality, I would be surprised if you have long-term financial success without it!
Whether you're dog-paddling in your fundraising career, a gold-medal fundraiser or somewhere in between like this old dog, enjoy your work today. It truly does matter.
Here are seven myths about cloud fundraising courtesy of Robin Fisk, global fundraising product manager at Advanced Solutions International, that are laid out in the Fast15, "Get Your Head in the Cloud."
A bad experience with a vendor drives home important points about how to treat your donors.
Like fishing in the ocean, the larger the fish, the longer it takes. Once you land the first million-dollar-plus donor, you will be hungry for more. At the end of the day, make sure you have the right bait because thousands of fishing boats are in the harbor!
I am convinced that with experience, a "jack of all trades" can be a master of all. There is nothing wrong with being a generalist. Try it, and you may like it!
