Not a big expensive study. A disciplined way to prove what’s true. When nonprofits hear the term feasibility study, many picture a large consultant-led process with a hefty price tag. That perception alone stops organizations from asking an important question before...
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...
Too often, fundraising begins with a dollar goal before it has a story worth telling. But donors are not motivated solely because of the dollar amounts needed to complete fundraising goals. They give because a narrative calls to them, a narrative where they see...
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...
This reflection is part of a three-post series on a return to relationship-based philanthropy. Building on the broader framework introduced in the main blog, this piece focuses on monthly giving as one of the most practical expressions of donor trust and...
Opening Scene: The Dessert That Sparked a RelationshipOn a Sunday afternoon in March, we served dessert and poured coffee. The room was filled with laughter, ladies, stories, and a special guest, a meteorologist who also happened to be our state’s Miss America...
