In Part 1 I laid out why philanthropy inspires, and fundraising tires. Fundraising must be done, of course, but there’s something about how it’s been practiced in the past that turns too many people off. It’s been connoted as being all about money, when really it’s all about valued outcomes. These valued outcomes are d…| Clairification
If you want gifts, you must give them Giving is not always its own reward. Sometimes you have to help it along if you want to truly show donors they matter. Some years ago I happened upon an article by Scott Monty, offering some Father’s Day advice. It included a brilliant idea for a gift…| Clairification
I find a widespread misunderstanding about the notion of what constitutes being donor-centered. It derives from two misconceptions: Assuming people don’t want to be asked. Spending all your time on cultivation, assuming folks don’t need an ask and will simply give spontaneously as a result of being wooed. Both of these rationales short-change your would-be…| Clairification
Donor-centric fundraising strategy tends to focus a lot on giving gratitude and engaging in cultivation, but you’re missing asking!| Bloomerang
When the world feels wildly out of whack, it’s time to figure out how to bring things back into some semblance of balance. Today I a proven 1-2-3 formula for nonprofit fundraising success — even when the ground underneath feels shaky. This is a time when keeping one’s balance is quite a challenge. But, if…| Clairification
Philanthropy is about reciprocal awe, gratitude, altruism and purpose. I’m a huge fan of the Greater Good Science Center at U.C. Berkeley, and often apply their research to nonprofit fundraising and marketing. This particular article really strikes me today, because it talks about times when we feel isolated from others: How to Find Your Purpose…| Clairification
I’m a huge fan of the Greater Good Science Center at U.C. Berkeley, and often apply their research to nonprofit fundraising and marketing. A recent article really struck me: How to Find Your Purpose in Life. Over my 30 years of practice as an in-house development professional, the fundamental thing I…| Clairification
What are you doing to give your donors the meaning they seek? Donor needs vary and evolve, depending on where they are in their own life cycle and their life cycle with your nonprofit. Do you ever wonder how you might help them meet their needs? How you might reward…| Clairification
A super star! Seriously, that’s what you are. But you may be wondering why I ask. What’s in a name? Recently, veteran fundraiser Jerrold Panas weighed in on the subject of development titles. He noted he prefers “Charitable Gift Planner,” “Chariable Gift Counselor,” and “Director of Donor Services” to the most…| Clairification
The world reacted with shock and outrage. There was a pervasive feeling of “how could this happen here?” People screamed… cried… prayed. This was five years ago. Last spring. When a fire wreaked devastating damage to something that, for many, represented the soul of a nation. And . Notre Dame…| Clairification
Get on the Pathway to Passionate Philanthropy, Not Forgettable Fundraising In Part 1 I laid out why philanthropy inspires, and fundraising tires. Fundraising must be done, of course, but there’s something about how it’s too often practiced that turns too many people off. It’s the “fund” part of the word. This makes people think…| Clairification
I find a widespread misunderstanding about the notion of what constitutes being donor-centered. It derives from two misconceptions: Assuming people don’t want to be asked. Spending all your time on cultivation, assuming folks don’t need an ask and will simply give spontaneously as a result of being wooed. Both of these rationales short-change your would-be…| Clairification
