You Have Presence
None of the great fundraisers I interviewed indicate that presence is important. Then, when we discussed the question in some depth, most spent a good bit of time talking about how important an element presence actually is! For the type of fundraising I’ve been writing about, being “attractive” to the donor is important.
You Delight in the Premise That Fundraising Provides Fulfillment to Deeds, Not Words
It forces us to believe in the promise of the future. But it pays great tribute for what we achieve today. It chastens mistakes, but it is forgiving. It pays great dividends to those who strive the most, run the race, and give the best they have in them. And every day is a new […]
You Have Decisive Resolve
Nothing significant has ever been accomplished unless some man or woman dreamed it should be done. Someone believed it could be done. And then, most importantly, someone decided that it must be done.
Great Fundraisers Are Winners
They have a lust and a will for winning. Their attitude is that if you want to be in second place, nobody is going to fight you for it! You attempt nothing great unless there are difficulties to overcome. You persevere and achieve from your desire to win and from the pride you have in […]
This One Is Obvious: You Ask for the Order
Markita Andrew is 13 years old. She gives us the answer. She is the all-time champion seller of Girl Scout cookies– 12,000 boxes last year. She has led the country the last several years.
You Are High-Touch, Low-Tech
You have a great appreciation for all of the remarkable electronic equipment and software that is available. You understand, however, that the computer does not take the place of calling on someone personally for a gift—not anymore than a pencil substitutes for literacy.
Our Cup Is Filled to the Brim
Several years ago, we prepared a Thanksgiving message. We couldn’t possibly anticipate what happened.
The Call to Get the Appointment
Our Partner, Jay Frost, writes in his weekly Fundraising Digest: “Not long ago, I met with a terrific young fundraiser at a major university. She was having a problem with her phone. And it wasn’t mechanical.” “I have no trouble meeting with people,” she said. “But I just freeze when I
The Story of Farmer Fleming
This story comes to me from Jim Miller. He is Vice President of Children’s Hospital of Central California. It’s an excellent illustration for all of us in the field. You don’t always know or recognize the impact you make on a person’s life. It is well to remember that you are in the business of [&hellip
A Gift of Pearls: What Would You Do?
This actually happened. The Vice President of a well-known and prestigious private university had been calling on a very wealthy widow, a major donor, for a number of years. There were always several visits a year. And regular telephone calls and letters. The relationship was very close. On one occasion, the donor said to the
