Posts Tagged ‘donor stewardship’
Fundraising: Donor Discovery Visits Find ‘Treasure’
What’s the most effective way to raise money? Special events, direct mail, phone calls? The reality that many board members of nonprofit organizations often find difficult to confront is that face-to-face visits remain the most effective strategy for fundraising, far outpacing special events, direct mail and telephone calls. Personal visits for fundraising fall into three…
Read MoreConnecting with People
In the fundraising consulting business, we deal with people every day. If we are to work with them effectively and successfully, we have to be able to make personal connections. Connecting with people allows us to create the conditions for our own success and the success of the organizations we strive to represent. Connecting with…
Read MoreMajor Gift Calls: Get What You Came For
What should you do when someone gives you $250,000? Well, that depends on who it is, how much was asked of them, and why they gave it to you! The answer to this question varies with the circumstances surrounding this major gift call. Obviously, no matter what the circumstances, you want to thank this person…
Read MoreBe Kind, Even When They Say No
If the first rule of fundraising is to ask, the second is to be kind about it. An organization should develop a true conviction of its worth and the services provided to others. Fundraisers should never solicit “hat in hand.” However, they should also never presume that a prospective donor has any obligation to give.…
Read MoreThe Power of Thank You in Fundraising and in Life
“I was in line at the grocery store the other day. The cashier was really rude to people. When it was my turn, I handed her my money, she grabbed it, gave me my change, and that was it. I couldn’t help myself. I asked, ‘Would it kill you to at least say thank you?’…
Read MoreThanking Donors – Once Is Never Enough
I came across an old Chinese custom once that said you should thank someone seven times when they give you a gift. As a fundraiser, I thought this was a great standard to which we should hold our efforts. In our business, there are few things more important than recognizing our donors.
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