Communications and Networking
3 Necessities to Consider When Soliciting a Gift
In everyday life, asking for financial support is something many of us struggle with. When confronting someone with such delicate requests, we ask ourselves questions like: The truth is, asking for financial support is challenging in any context, and in many cases, the answers to these questions vary greatly. Here at Custom Development Solutions, our…
Read MoreWhat is the Importance of Campaign Report Meetings?
Capital campaigns are extraordinary undertakings requiring extraordinary effort from those involved. “Those involved” include the fundraising professionals responsible for designing and implementing the campaign, professional staff of the organization, the donors and volunteers. The purpose of this article is to focus on one element in the implementation of the campaign plan that requires the active…
Read MoreEighteen Lessons on Leadership
Every one of us has leadership roles to assume. Wherever we are leaders, the position, by its very name, demands we provide the best influence possible for others. But how do we learn to be a leader? General Colin Powell has written eloquently on his view of leadership in “A Leadership Primer.” While his views…
Read MoreDream, Plan & Deliver — Three Steps to Successful Fundraising
Are you the one that everyone looks to as the star fundraiser in your organization? Do you provide the leadership and create the excitement for which your advancement or development office is searching? If so, great! Keep up the good work and send us some of your success stories so that we can include them…
Read MoreConsistent, Methodical Work
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” –Â 2 Timothy 4:7 Why do some people seem to achieve the greatest heights? Â What do they do differently than most people? Â Are they more intelligent, physically stronger or more gifted or talented? Â I think not. Â They are…
Read MoreCommunicate Effectively
We’ve all been on one side or the other of a big communication blunder, whether you received the same email twice from two different people, or someone gave you the wrong address for an 8AM meeting so now you’re late.
Read More6 Parts of an Effective Fundraising Offer
In his video, Jeff Brooks from TrueSense Marketing, explores the 40/40/20 rule of direct marketing and its role in fundraising. The 40/40/20 rule suggests that 40% of the success of a direct marketing campaign comes from the quality of your list, 40% from your request and 20% from the creative. The video touches on all…
Read More6 Signs Your Non Profit Needs a New Website
Are you getting that sinking feeling that your nonprofit’s website isn’t helping your mission as much as it could? Having an effective website is an important step to achieving your goals. Look for these six signs that your nonprofit needs a new website, and find tools and tips to better assess how your current site…
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