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
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
The why and how of fundraising
In another thoughtful post by Mary Cahalane, she asks "Would you prefer to read a grant proposal or a novel?" When you’re fundraising, it’s really important to understand the difference between the "why" and "how". Many fundraisers are rightly proud of their organization’s work. And they’re especially proud of what sets their organization apart from … Continue reading The why and how of fundraising
How Jargon Destroys Nonprofit Fundraising & Marketing
Why would you ever use jargon if you wanted to truly communicate with someone? Just check out the definition: “language used by a particular group of people, especially in their work, and which most other people do not understand” — Cambridge dictionary. When you talk to people in words they don’t understand, really, what’s the … Continue reading How Jargon Destroys Nonprofit Fundraising & Marketing
When you’re too big to succeed
Mary Mcahalane's family recently made what was for them a large gift to a national charity. The response was underwhelming, and that’s being kind. An 8.5 x 14 sheet of paper, with the bottom being a tear-off, generic response form. The thank you letter – such as it was – consisted of 4 short paragraphs. … Continue reading When you’re too big to succeed
15 Expert Tips for Giving a Powerful Business Presentation
A powerful business presentation is much more than just a bunch of nice-looking slides. Whether you’re presenting to venture capitalists, senior management or potential donors, you need to make a great first impression and stand out from the dozens of other speakers they’ll encounter. For some people, presenting in front of even a handful of … Continue reading 15 Expert Tips for Giving a Powerful Business Presentation
The big question your donors want you to answer: WHY
Why should I give you money? Why should I care about your work? Why will this matter to someone? Too often, we focus on HOW. We love to talk about how we do the work. All the cool ways we accomplish great things. A new process. A unique way of tackling a problem. All of … Continue reading The big question your donors want you to answer: WHY
Why the things you hate make good appeals
That informal language is undignified... A fundraising appeal is not a business letter. Say it again. Keep saying it until you believe it. An appeal should read like a letter from a dear friend. Or better yet, like a phone call from that friend, transcribed. So yes, there will be contractions, because people use contractions … Continue reading Why the things you hate make good appeals
How to Follow Up with Someone Who’s Not Getting Back to You
We’ve all been there. You email someone asking for a conversation, information, input, or an introduction, and you get no response. Whether you are reaching out to a coworker, a donor, a recruiter, a prospect, or even an old friend, not everyone will get back to you on your timeline — if at all. As … Continue reading How to Follow Up with Someone Who’s Not Getting Back to You
The Science Behind What Motivates People To Donate To Nonprofits
There is no algorithm for human behaviour. To truly understand your donors, you need to take a cue from science and their findings. First, the good news: Charitable giving to nonprofits is contagious and elevating. Most people assume that generosity involves sacrifice: We are giving something up so someone else can have more. But this … Continue reading The Science Behind What Motivates People To Donate To Nonprofits
Propper Fundraising 