Do you always find yourself saying "yes" to requests and then wondering what to do? While it is always worth being helpful, not delivering on promises made isn't being helpful either. In this blog, Mikaela Kiner provides helpful thoughts on how to say "no". Food for thought. https://www.fastcompany.com/40561649/how-to-get-better-at-saying-no
The change imperative
When deciding on what to focus your time on, it's also important to understand what makes you or your cause distinctive. The change imperative helps you to manage your competitive position. In this insight written while developing the book "The challenge of being distinctive", Susannah Baker explains her thinking. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/change-imperative-susannah-baker
Why You Should Try to Be a Little More Scarce
This is a valuable article on how being too busy or scarce makes you more valuable to your colleagues and clients. People want more of what they can't have, thanks to the psychology of "reactance". Cindy Lamothe explains in this article from the New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/18/smarter-living/benefits-of-being-scarce.html
Is Your Project Urgent or Important?
How do you cope when others decide which of your tasks take priority? Some tasks seem important and others come by that need your immediate attention. Urgent tasks out us in a reactive mode, so how can we become better at spotting the longer-term important tasks? Fundraising author, speaker and consultant Lynne Wester provides useful … Continue reading Is Your Project Urgent or Important?
What to Think About Before You Take that Job…
Jason Lewis shares his thoughts on how to tackle an organisation's unrealistic expectations towards fundraising goals early on... Some great advice for first time Development Directors. https://www.nonprofitpro.com/post/think-take-job/
Prospect Research and GDPR-compliant wealth screening
Prospect research and wealth screening do not sit easily with GDPR: Can individuals reasonably expect to be researched for wealth? Would they expect to charities to find public information about them and use it? How about if the charity uses a third-party supplier? Nicola Williams, MA in Philanthropic Studies, has written several helpful guides at … Continue reading Prospect Research and GDPR-compliant wealth screening
GDPR: Marketers don’t forget PECR!
Although there is still no confirmed date when the new e-privacy regulation will be released, here is some excellent guidance on how the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) combines with GDPR to give more power to consumers. https://www.dpnetwork.org.uk/opinion/gdpr-marketers-dont-forget-pecr/
Consent, Opt-In, Legitimate Interest and GDPR and how it relates to fundraising
Adrian Beney has a wonderful grasp of GDPR, particularly around the pros and cons on using consent and legitimate interests by charities. This guide of his provides the perfect introduction to GDPR and how it impacts communication, prospect research and fundraising. A reassuring read to those old and new to the profession. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/consent-opt-in-legitimate-interest-gdpr-adrian-beney
Why simple, old-fashioned-looking fundraising still works like crazy
This piece with a provocative title by Jeff Brooks is a nice quick read and may just inspire you to think differently about your target audience. Have fun and do leave some comments as to whether or not you agree with this article. https://www.futurefundraisingnow.com/future-fundraising/2018/01/why-simple-old-fashioned-looking-fundraising-still-works-like-crazy.html
10 Steps to Create a Fundraising Appeal Letter That Brings in the Money
"The decision to give is made in an emotional place, not a logical one." Here, we feature another helpful blog of Gail Perry's where she lists 10 steps to help you craft successful appeal letters that will resonate and involve the reader. https://www.gailperry.com/10-steps-create-appeal-letter-brings-money/
Propper Fundraising 