Posts by David Phillips
Nonprofit Boards – The Eighth Wonder of the World
We are all taught early in life that there exist only seven “Wonders of the World.” However, as development professionals working in North America, we are working on a daily basis with the Eighth Wonder of the World: the non-profit board member. Where else on this planet do so many successful men and women volunteer…
Read MoreNightmare or Rosy Dream — Database Management for Fundraising
The Nightmare: All of the clothing you have ever owned in your entire lifetime is in piles on the floor of your walk-in closet, unfolded and disorganized. Socks, shoes, tights, jogging pants, underwear, pajamas, shirts, tank-tops, t-shirts, shorts, ties, earrings, rings, hats and coats, everywhere. The pile is chest-deep. You have to get dressed. You…
Read MoreNever Underestimate the Power of Complimenting Someone
I have come to the conclusion that the power of a compliment is not related to it size. Giving a positive accolade can do wonders for someone and these powerful expressions can come in the smallest of packages.
Read MoreNail Your Most Important Conversation of Today
This article comes from Dr. Laura Mixon Camacho’s Mixonian Blog found here: http://mixonian.com
Read MoreManage Your Time During a Capital Campaign
How to Manage Your Time During a Capital Campaign Recruit a Campaign Director One of the major benefits of retaining a full-time resident fundraising consulting firm to direct a capital campaign is that the group gains a seasoned campaign director. This person orchestrates all of the campaign activities in the most efficient manner and streamlines…
Read MoreHow to Write a Great Apology Letter
Maybe you send a donor an acknowledgement letter for a gift in memory of his son—who happens to be alive and well. Or you mistakenly drop a longtime patron from the invitation list for a gala event. You might send a donor a thank-you letter for a $50 gift, but she gave $50,000. How do…
Read MoreMaking Direct Mail Work
It’s easy to waste a lot of money very quickly with direct mail. The cost of the “package” as well as postage costs can soon exceed the income and benefits of any program. Here are 14 questions that may help focus your direct mail and make the effort successful for you and your organization.
Read MoreMajor Gift Solicitation
As fundraising professionals, we all want to get the biggest gifts for our client organizations. We want a major gift from every potential donor. The only way to accomplish major gift solicitation is by working daily to improve our listening and speaking skills and by practicing for each approach. Training and Preparation Solicitor training is…
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