(Picture credited to Benjy Owusu-Daaku from Kwame Osei Studios http://www.kwame-osei.com) I am delighted to announce that Adriana Williams, Director of Development and Marymount International School, is joining the Propper Fundraising team. Adriana is a self-professed data geek, who wants to ensure data sparks joy for development professionals, and makes working life easier. Adriana posts regular … Continue reading Adriana Williams joins Propper-Fundraising.com
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Welcome to Propper Fundraising, the website collating fundraising blogs and articles written by some of the best fundraisers, leaders, marketers and data professionals.
Turning Blind Calls into Bullseyes: How Data Empowers Fundraisers with Smarter Targeting
Does data really matter? In the increasingly crowded and vital world of fundraising, every interaction counts. Yet, for busy development teams, the shotgun approach of contacting just about anyone connected to your organisation or institution often yields disappointing results. This is where data steps in, transforming the fundraising landscape from a scattershot endeavour into a … Continue reading Turning Blind Calls into Bullseyes: How Data Empowers Fundraisers with Smarter Targeting
‘Dos and Data – how your database can help you make your events even better
Whatever you fundraise for, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to get away from events. They are a wonderful, personal way to raise awareness of your cause, bring together possible donors, and thanking those who have donated. On the flip side, they’re a lot of work to get right, and sometimes you can be left … Continue reading ‘Dos and Data – how your database can help you make your events even better
Do you like what we do? How can you measure and track engagement using what you already do.
By Adriana Williams Why is engagement important The traditional pyramid, or its inverted “funnel” counterpart, is (in my opinion) the best demonstration of the role that engagement plays in fundraising. Whether at the top or the bottom, the slice named ‘community’ or ‘potential donors’ is certainly where the vast majority of our constituents sit. In … Continue reading Do you like what we do? How can you measure and track engagement using what you already do.
Saying ‘aloe’ to your new community – tricks for a trouble-free transition
Every year educational charities turn students into alumni and add a new cohort of students. Many charities also have regular schedules of welcoming new supporters and managing changing relationships en mass. In this exclusive, original post on Propper Fundraising, Adriana Williams presents an essential guide to managing this data process. Trigger warning: this post is … Continue reading Saying ‘aloe’ to your new community – tricks for a trouble-free transition
How to find your community as an adult — and why it matters
Charities rely on communities to help support their causes and, as social creatures, humans need interpersonal contact to survive. These connections range from your inner circle of family and close friends to the outer rungs of your social network — other pet parents at the dog park, for example — and it’s important to have … Continue reading How to find your community as an adult — and why it matters
Think yourself better: 10 rules of philosophy to live by
From Aristotle to Iris Murdoch: what the greatest minds of the past 2,500 years have to tell us about the good life. Julian Baggini shares 10 top tips on thinking and living well. Thinking well requires adopting the right attitudes and being prepared to nurture effective habits. Without these “intellectual virtues” even the cleverest end … Continue reading Think yourself better: 10 rules of philosophy to live by
CASE-Ross Support of Education Survey 2021-22
The CASE-Ross Survey is annually conducted by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). It provides an estimate of the overall state of philanthropic giving to the higher education sector and is a key source of information on the subject in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. Sue Cunningham, President and CEO … Continue reading CASE-Ross Support of Education Survey 2021-22
Loosing motivation
Motivation — the willingness to get the job done by starting rather than procrastinating, persisting in the face of distractions, and investing enough mental effort to succeed — accounts for 40% of the success of team projects. Yet managers are often at a loss as to how to effectively motivate uninspired employees. Richard E. Clark, … Continue reading Loosing motivation
Fundraiser turnover problems: The stigmatized story character
Inspirational stories can motivate. But stigmatized stories can cripple. This matters for fundraising because it matters for fundraisers. Few professions suffer more from stigmatized stories than fundraising. Story begins with character. Consider the “fundraiser” character. What is this role? What is this title? Fundraiser. What does that mean? Fund means money. Raiser means one who … Continue reading Fundraiser turnover problems: The stigmatized story character
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