Professional Fundraising
Campaign Meetings with Sizzle . . . and Efficiency
The first questions potential campaign volunteers pose often focus on time. Typical time commitments include prospect communication such as calling to set appointments, writing door-opener and follow-up letters, and actually making visits. These are time-consuming activities, and volunteers usually understand that they are essential and that only they can perform these duties.
Read MoreWhy are Campaign Report Meetings Important?
Capital campaigns are remarkable undertakings that require extraordinary effort from those involved, including the fundraising professionals who design and implement the campaign, as well as the organization’s professional staff, donors, and volunteers. This article outlines the steps involved in campaign report meetings for a large, membership based organization. In this type of campaign, a handful…
Read MorePreparing for a Campaign Feasibility and Planning Study
Every year, more and more non-profit organizations are preparing to enter into capital campaigns to construct or update facilities, build endowments, supplement operations, and pursue other financial goals. The more successful of these organizations will hire consulting firms to conduct a campaign feasibility and planning study. Identifying the best consulting firm for your organization is…
Read MoreFacebook Events: Why do they matter to your nonprofit?
At CDS we’re somewhat contrary when it comes to events as fundraisers because of the time and energy they can take to organize. However, they’re great friend-raisers and serve as a platform for you to build awareness in the community you serve beyond your core supporters.
Read More5 Steps for Building a Nonprofit Board That Works
Like Robert’s Rules of Orders that governs parliamentary procedures, or the Agendas and Minutes that move boards through the process of good management and top-notch record keeping, structure around board development can be a safeguard against the unimaginable. The viability of your organization depends on these basics of best practices in non-profit management. A Nominating…
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 MorePersonal and Professional Development — Dreams and Contentment
I feel sorry for people who have never learned how to celebrate the ordinary; who live their lives under the sad illusion that happiness is just beyond their fingertips. “As soon as I find my soul mate… get out of debt… find a better job… then I’ll be happy.”
Read MoreDream Big with Your Capital Campaign
Our Custom Development Solutions (CDS) staff are constantly talking with many nonprofit organizations across the US and Canada. We provide our clients with feedback on how they can best conduct their fundraising and capital campaign operations. That professional objectivity is a luxury for us and a resource for our partner organizations. Why Should You Dream…
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