Don’t be self conscious, there is no such thing as “making” people give. Ask for a specific amount for a specific purpose, be quiet and wait for their response. Asking in person is always important, but social media and email is another way to engage potential donors, especially if you are part of an active network.
If you don’t want to fundraise, don’t make it a priority, and don’t invest time and money in fundraising, chances are you don’t have the will to fundraise. Will and willingness are related, but not the same. Willingness is an attitude: will is the application of willingness. It is evident in the actions you take and don’t take. You can’t go on auto-pilot.
You can’t see what you can’t see. There may be some challenges facing your nonprofit that you’re not be aware of. They are insidious and sometimes deadly. Taking a close look at “what’s really going on” may refocus your energy and resources, and rescue your fundraising.
The Fooling Yourself Theory can get in the way of successful fundraising. If last year’s fundraising strategy did not yield the required results, thinking it will work this year may be an example of the “theory” in action. If board members did not solicit those they agreed to solicit last year, you may want a different strategy – or different volunteers – this year.
The giving season is upon us. For many nonprofits, hospitals, schools, and colleges the next three months are all about fundraising… Some of us have the ability to be most generous. For most, giving is more constrained, focused on a few organizations we believe in. Here’s something to think about: extend your gift by giving more than money. Consider these five ideas.
Loyalty to the leader reaches its highest peak when the follower has personally grown through the mentorship of the leader. Why? Because you win people’s heart by helping them grow personally. The impact of Beverly Robertson, outgoing president of the National Civil Rights Museum.
To help you make the right hire, we suggest asking some out of the box questions… Listen to language: do you hear “I raised $99 million in 90 days… out-of-the box questions can help you learn what you need to know.
If you are considering a new position don’t let the allure of “greener pastures” keep you from researching your potential employer. Here are five things to consider before accepting a fundraising position.
if your challenge is successful, what will be your plan to convert your “challenge” donor into one who will support your organization for years to come? … Will they become one-time donors or life-time donors?
Have you heard about Raymond Burse, the newly appointed interim-president of Kentucky State University who voluntarily reduced his salary by 25% in order to ensure that all university employees would make a minimum hourly wage of $10.25? That’s right, this HBCU president gave up a total of $90,125 so that 24 employees– some of whom were making $7.25 an hour – could receive a wage increase.
