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
Nonprofits pay a lot of attention to donor acquisition. Then? They largely ignore these donors, unless… They become worthy of attention by virtue of being ‘major’ donors. Then? Nonprofits pay a lot of attention to major donor relationship building. But between new donor acquisition and major donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, what happens? Usually not…| Clairification
Philanthropy comes from the Greek and means (philos) of humankind (anthropos). Nonprofits are here to be kind. To repair the world. To make our communities better, just, beautiful and caring places. This is not easy work. Love is not always readily accepted or given. Inspiring generosity takes…| Clairification
What must you keep top of mind to have meaningful conversations with donors who (you hope!) may contemplate a gift to your organization? I’ve given you a hint within my question. One word: meaningful. And for a conversation to be meaningful, you have to speak in a language that resonates with…| 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
What gets donors going? The heart, not the head. “People do not give to the most urgent needs, but rather they support causes that mean something to them.” This is the finding from a report done by the Centre for Charitable Giving and Philanthropy at the University of Kent: “How Donor Choose Charities.” They…| Clairification