You never know until you ask -- and follow up! I have a real-life story for you today that will help convey why timely follow-up remains one of the most important skills in fundraising. Silence Doesn't Always Mean "No" A few weeks ago, I went to a small, boutique-style gym -- the kind that only takes five people at a time -- for an … [Read more...]
How to Raise Bigger Money for Your Nonprofit (Without a Major Gift Program)
There's one form of fundraising that will transform your organization unlike any other: major gift fundraising. You can check out the latest giving data in the current Giving USA report or read about it here. The Fastest Path to Major Gifts: A Capital Campaign The easiest way to start major gift fundraising in a meaningful, powerful way … [Read more...]
New Book for Nonprofit Board Members to Raise Game-Changing Money
One of the most frequent complaints I hear from development directors is this: Our board members don’t help with fundraising. My question is always about the disconnect with regard to expectations. Are they clear on both sides? Help Your Board Members to Raise More Money In my work at Capital Campaign Pro, it’s imperative that board … [Read more...]
The “Why” (Inner Motivation) is Key to Your Fundraising Success
I just got off the phone with a prospective client -- an organization raising funds for a rare disease. Like most organizations I talk with, they were eager to find new donors. And while they understood on some level that people without a personal connection to the disease probably weren't strong prospects, they were still holding out … [Read more...]
Hiring and Firing Mistakes Most Leaders Make (And How to Avoid Them)
After almost 10 years of leading Capital Campaign Pro, and a decade before that as a solopreneur consultant, I've hired and parted ways with a lot of staff and contractors. It's never fun, and it's never easy. Hiring is one of the most challenging parts of leadership, whether you're running a business or a nonprofit. And parting ways is … [Read more...]
Why Your Board Members Are Disengaged (And How to Fix It)
A few months ago, I asked nonprofit leaders a simple question: "What's your number one challenge right now?" Time and money topped the list -- no surprise there. But a close third caught my attention: board engagement (or more precisely, disengagement). What Are the Expectations of Nonprofit Board Members? When I see a disconnect … [Read more...]
Lessons Learned at AFP ICON: Navigating AI in the Nonprofit Sector
Last week I had the privilege of delivering a new talk -- "Anyone Can Raise $1M or More in Any Economy – Even You!" -- at the Association of Fundraising Professionals International Conference (AFP ICON). The talk shares real stories of fundraisers who overcame serious hurdles and raised millions -- not through magic, but through simple, … [Read more...]
The Fastest Path to Transformational Fundraising
After nearly three decades in fundraising, I want to let you in on a secret: There is a faster path to transformational fundraising. It’s not new. I didn’t invent it. But it works. And most development directors still aren’t doing it. Shift Your Mindset → Transform Your Fundraising Truly impactful fundraising isn’t quick or easy. But … [Read more...]
Professional Development I’ve Found Invaluable at AFP — and You Will Too
When I first started in fundraising in 1998, my boss encouraged me to attend my local AFP chapter’s monthly meetings. At the time, I had no idea that simple suggestion would help shape my entire career. That suggestion led to nearly 30 years of growth, opportunity, and meaningful colleagues and friendships. Not long after joining AFP-NJ, … [Read more...]
Achieving Your Goals One Quarter at a Time: How are You Doing?
The year is flying by -- we’re already nearing the end of Q1. Depending on the day, time can feel like it’s racing ahead or dragging along. I try to measure time by goals and accomplishments, while also giving myself some grace. Real change is hard in the short term, but over time, the progress can be significant. Reflect on Your Goals … [Read more...]
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