Donors Give to the Magic of an Idea
Winston Churchill once said: “Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm.” The first time I read this quote I thought how apt he was in describing my success in asking for gifts as a young development officer. However, I am certain I had difficulty maintaining my enthusias
No Money. No Mission! Part II
A strong board sustains your mission and ensures your future. A committed board helps your institution resonate with service and overflow with activities. Your board members just need to be reminded that their major responsibility is to make certain that your organization has the proper funding. Money makes it happen.
Listening
The most important communication skill of a fundraiser is that of listening. It is listening that truly inspires the gift.
When a Board Member Resists Giving or Asking. Part I
“He shook his finger at me. It was obvious this was a topic he felt keenly about.
You Must Ask
When we ask men and women why they haven’t given to the organization, the single, most often repeated answer is— they weren’t asked. At some point, you must ask for the gift.
Determine. Dare. Do.
The uncertainties surrounding economic, political, and pandemic affecting our world, dare us to think differently. They make us reexamine past practices and design new strategies for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts.
Never Be Satisfied
The successful fundraiser is not easily satisfied. Only the very best will do.
Listen Carefully
You will hear a gift. You perhaps know the definition of an anagram. It means two words that have different meaning but contain precisely the same letters.
What Makes a Great Fundraiser Great?
Of all the talents, skills, and characteristics a fundraiser can bring to the profession, the mightiest is the ability to listen.
Decisions Determine Resources
It is important to understand that resources do not determine decisions — Decisions determine resources.
