Over 83 weeks (yes, eighty-three!), you will read some lessons I’ve learned in my richly rewarding 40-year journey in fundraising. There are bits and pieces about our profession and what skills and attributes make a great fundraiser. I also write about what motivates a person to make a gift to your organization.
There is some wisdom, perhaps. Years of experience, for certain. A great deal for you to think about. And suggestions for you to put into practice.
Forty years! You may well ask whether what I write about is relevant for the mind, heart, and spirit of today’s men and women. You bet it is!
What follows are some thoughts I have about fundraising and philanthropy for today’s organizations. The material is relevant. Certainly thought-provoking. And, I hope, a bit helpful.
Thought #60 - Seize the Day
The great fundraisers don’t put things off. They Seize the Day. Lay siege to the moment.
Thought #59 - Put a Plan Together for Your Meeting
Before I plan for a visit, I always ask myself: “How can I infuse this meeting with excitement, enthusiasm, and new ideas?” How can I add WOW! I want to make certain I plan on having something special happen at the meeting.
Thought #58 - Who Started the First Capital Campaign?
Very often, when people talk about philanthropy in the States, they always mention the great tax savings. Actually, that isn’t the motivation for giving. In all the studies we have done, we find that tax consideration is one of the lowest incentives for giving.
Thought #57 - You Can’t Raise Money by Arithmetic!
Let’s say you want to raise one million dollars. That’s not an unreasonable amount.
Thought #56 - Success is Always Coupled with Determination
Success is always coupled with determination. And unrelenting persistence. Perseverance is a key element in being successful.
Thought #55 - Getting the Appointment
Getting the appointment is more difficult than getting the gift. If you get to visit with a person, you are 85% on your way to getting the gift.
Thought #54 - Being Successful
Here are the twelve factors I find to be most important in order to be successful in our work.
Thought #53 - Restricted Gift
The larger the gift, the more likely it is to be restricted.