Make no mistake about it, 2024 is going to be a tough year for nonprofits. Inflation continues to soar, and the stock market is going to remain flat at best. Donors with capacity will give, but it is going to be very intentional.
major donor plan
You Must Meet with Donors
Before a donor increases giving to the 5-figure level they usually want to meet with someone. It is about stewardship. Most people who make transformational gifts want to meet to ensure that every dollar they invest in your organization has a real impact.
The New Normal for Year End Giving…
December has changed for most non-profits, we have just experienced the biggest decline for a December in more than a decade. Volatile stock markets at year end; combined with expensive, divisive political campaigns and new tax implications from one year to the next are forcing most non-profits to rethink the giving calendar. Is this the new normal?
Footprint Donors…
I traveled to a major city recently and met with a man who had given $25 million to charity over the last decade. The amazing thing was that he is in his 80's and still working everyday. As a matter of fact, he travels to China every month to oversee one of his new...
Check Under The Hood, Even After A Great Race…
The fact is a big check can hide a multitude of problems. In each of these cases the charity thought they are seeing real, measurable growth with predictable, repeatable results. However, nothing could be further from the truth
Can a Capital Campaign Hurt Your Non-profit?
Most nonprofits, like Sweet Briar, do not consider the fact that capital campaigns can hurt your annual fund and general operating budget, especially if annual fund donors are being targeted for a large percentage of the capital gifts. With nearly $200 million raised in Sweet Briar’s case, they learned the hard way that capital campaign donors will rarely give “twice” or release “restrictions” to pay for overhead and operations.
Fundraising Begins with “Your Preacher and Six Pallbearers”…
It begins with the data. I'm often approached by nonprofit leaders with the same question. Leaders of both large and small nonprofit organizations have asked me the same question over and over. The are all looking for a short cut to building their fundraising...
Friend-raising, Fund-raising and Advisor-raising…… Are you doing all three?
The term “friend-raising” has been popularized in our industry as an interchangable substitute for “fundraising”. However, nothing could be further from the truth.
What I am Thankful for… a year of thanks and giving at THANKSGIVING
I have sat down this year, face to face and personally interviewed 117 major donors. People with hearts that are so unique. People whose careers and businesses are not about amassing wealth. People who believe their purpose for living is giving. They have dedicated homes, careers and businesses to alleviate suffering, helping the homeless, feeding the hungry and providing clean, cool water to those who thirst.
Are You Ready for the Golden Week? 8 Steps To Safeguard Your Year-end Fundraising
The best development leaders bear down during the months of November and December to insure that the last week of the year is the most profitable 7-days of the calendar year.