Too many nonprofits begin their fundraising with a number, how much they want to raise, before they’ve even thought about why someone would give. That’s like starting a relationship with the question “Will you marry me?” on the first date. It’s functionally...
Why 3-Year Trends Matter More Than One-Time Gifts In fundraising, it’s tempting to celebrate when overall dollars go up. But behind every headline is a deeper truth: a few big gifts can mask donor erosion, retention challenges, and a weakening grassroots base. Thanks...
Donors Give Because They Feel Connected Over the years, one of my most effective donor practices was simple: a personal thank-you call followed by one question: “What prompted you to give?” Those conversations offered more perspective on donor motivation, interests,...