Have you ever gotten pushback from your board on the topic of major gifts? Maybe when the topic of asking for a significant gift from a donor comes up at a board meeting, you’ve heard, “Why don’t we just write more grant proposals?” Or, “Instead of starting a major gifts program, let’s hold another event.”

Many fundraisers focus on telling client stories, impact stories, stories about how our programs are changing the world for the better. These stories tug at the heart strings. We are comfortable communicating this sort of information.

Need an easy and inexpensive way to connect with your donors that is personalized and will make a real impact? Who doesn’t, right? Read on for 5 reasons why thank-you videos are one of my favorite ways to thank donors!

“I’d like to help with fundraising, but it’s not possible without an elevator pitch.” Sound familiar? How about this: “If we had an elevator pitch about our organization, I’d be able to connect with people about what we do. Without one, I don’t know what to say.”

The high turnover rates among senior development staff are well known. This reality, combined with the high expense of providing salary and benefits to a development director (DD) causes many smaller organizations to ask themselves: Is there another way?

If there’s one thing I love, it’s being productive. Over the years I’ve made lists, checked things off, and even touted the virtues of To-Do lists in this post.

Has your year-end campaign been lackluster thus far? Still haven’t sent out a single request? No problem. There are six days left in 2017—here are things you can still do to boost year-end gifts:

The first step to effective function is intentional onboarding to set the tone for a great tenure. Read on for 5 ways to onboard with purpose.

Development (or fundraising) is a relationship business – you’ve heard this before and probably even spoken it yourself. Although this is certainly true, when people say it, they are usually referring to outward-facing, external relationships. In other words, the relationships your organization has with your donors.

I’m often invited to review and make recommendations on a nonprofit organization’s donor communications, including year-end appeal letters or emails. Sometimes I am delighted with compelling stories and an opportunity to support a mission.