A Relationship—or out on a limb?
Recently, it was announced that a college had received a sizeable gift from a generous couple. The gift is to be used for the construction of a new library. This sounds like the institution has been building quality donor- investor … Continue reading
Heroes and the Machine—better go with the heroes.
When many nonprofits reach to out to ask others to support them, these organizations often tout their many programs designed to combat the many structural ills that beset society. What they don’t realize is that most donors really couldn’t care … Continue reading
Always intend to give more—always
Building a relationship with a donor involves give and take. Indeed, always give more than you take. How can that be? Aren’t we continually asking donors to make gifts? Yes. If we are developing the right sort of relationship with … Continue reading
Try Anything Once—even twice, ad nauseum
I like to be asked to give to a worthy cause or charity. I really do. And yet, sometimes I wish I could put a filter on my mailbox that screens out many of the solicitations I receive. Most donors—and … Continue reading
Fundraising Success—it’s never piecemeal
It seems a day doesn’t pass that fundraisers don’t see in their email in-boxes another technique or strategy for successful fundraising. Many—if not most—of these tidbits and suggestions have merit. So, why is it that implementing these doesn’t seem to … Continue reading
The Illusion of No Cost—ouch
Nonprofit organizations are always on the hunt for new donors. That’s as it should be. The difficulty comes when the charitable organization makes donor acquisition the overriding focus of their fundraising program. Those of us who have been in the … Continue reading
How the Rich Get Richer—no surprise
There is a “chicken or egg” dilemma that goes something like this: Do the organizations that raise lots of money year in and year out do so because they are rich and already have lots of support or is it … Continue reading
Showing Up—eighty percent of success
Just showing up is four fifths of success; at least that what Woody Allen asserts. I would agree and say such also applies to fundraising. The questions is what does “showing up” consist of? There are any numbers of charitable … Continue reading
Pure Philanthropy—it still exists
News reports are coming in detailing how in a number of areas across the country anonymous donors are coming into stores and paying off the layaway balances of total strangers. Primarily at K-Mart stores, a number of individuals have arrived … Continue reading
‘Tis the Season to Give—truly
In the next few weeks charitable organizations will receive 41 percent of all the gifts they will receive in 2011. The year-end, the holiday season, is truly the season to give. It could, however, be a much grander giving season. … Continue reading