Category Archives: Fundraising Q&A
How not to lose a donor
We took your question about lapsed donors – How did you let it happen? – to heart. Hopefully, our story will help others. Read More
Would you mind taking a look at this fundraising letter?
I can’t tell you how many times I have heard that request, and I am always happy to oblige. Unfortunately, it’s sometimes a painful experience. Read More
Fundraising Q/A: How can we reconnect with major donors who have stopped giving?
Donor retention is an essential part of the cycle of giving, and warrants focused attention. Here are three ways to sustain donor interest and commitment to your cause. Read More
Fundraising Q/A: What do you think of a Stanford study’s claim that male donors respond best to pitches that stress self-interest?
This February 23 headline from Philanthropy Today – “Male Donors Respond Best to Pitches that Stress Self-Interest” – attracted some attention. The byline was equally provocative: “Attention fundraisers: Stop trying to pull on men’s heartstrings.” I basically think that they got it wrong, for three reasons. Read More
Smart Giving Q/A: We find ourselves writing a lot of checks at the end of the year but want to be more strategic. Where do we start?!
I applaud your desire to be more strategic, but I hope that you also feel … Read More
Fundraising Q/A: We had less than a great experience with a recent gift agreement, and could use some advice please.
To start, I would suggest you check out a general overview called “How to Seal the Deal” that we offered in a previous newsletter. Here, I’ll talk about some of the common problems you can run into.
The syllogism is true: “Good decisions come from wisdom, wisdom comes from experience, and experience comes from bad decisions.” I’ve experienced my share of gift agreement mistakes, as a donor and a fundraiser. Read More
Fundraising Q/A: What’s the best “thank you” that you’ve ever received, as a donor?
That’s actually a hard question to answer because there have been so many good ones over the years. (That would fall into the good news category, I think.)
What makes for a “good one”? For me, it reflects three things. Read More
Fundraising Q/A: Do You Have Any Tips For Year End Giving?
Year-end giving is a tradition that goes back to Good King Wenceslas[1]. These days, according to The Chronicle of Philanthropy, nearly half of all donations to nonprofits arrive in the last quarter. That’s a tough way to run a business, and may explain why so many nonprofits end the year with a shortfall. Read More
Fundraising Q/A: Why Do People Give Anonymously?
There can be any number of reasons why a donor may not want their largesse known. Here are a few examples that I’ve encountered: Some people simply believe that the only true giving is unknown. Others may not be interested in public recognition, but not mind if people think nicely of them. Read More
Fundraising Q/A: We’re thinking about naming one of our programs after a major donor. Good or bad idea?
The answer is yes; it all depends on why and how you do it. But first, a cautionary note: Don’t presume that a significant gift is all about recognition. Some donors (including me) may be offended at the presumption that public recognition is the main motivator for their largesse. Most significant donors, in my experience, are motivated by a desire to have an impact on something they care about. They may even prefer anonymity. The key is to acknowledge their gift in a way that is meaningful and comfortable for them, not you. Read More