Category Archives: Fundraising Q&A
Fundraising Q/A: What do you think about debt as a funding source?
A lot of organizations borrow money, but don’t forget – you have to pay it back! You’re just postponing the day of reckoning. You also have to be careful what you’re doing it for. Read More
Fundraising Q/A: What has your experience been with family philanthropy?
I can talk about that from both sides of the equation: the giving and the getting. Especially when it comes to a significant gift, a spouse and/or other family member often is involved. If there’s a family foundation, its staff will come into play as well. The fundraiser needs to determine who the real decision makers are, and be especially aware of who has veto power. Read More
Fundraising Q/A: What inspires donors to increase, reduce or end their support?
Good question! Fundraising isn’t just about making that first ask, as we’ve said many a time. Your goal is to build a long and mutually satisfying relationship, but it is a moving target. Read More
Fundraising Q&A: How do you measure performance?
There has been a lot of work on that problem over the past few decades, but there still is no agreement on a common set of financial and social metrics for nonprofit organizations, and it can be somewhat fad-like. Here are some things to consider. Read More
What is your worst fundraising story?
I have a few of those! As I was wincingly recalling them, I realized what they had in common – jerks. Most of the people I have encountered were quite wonderful, but running into a jerk or two is inevitable. What to do? Read More
Can you share your best fundraising experience?
I’ve been fortunate to have many great fundraising experiences over the years, working with inspired and inspiring donors, development professionals, and volunteer fundraisers. You may be disappointed by my favorite story, though. It’s not about a billion dollar gift, and I’m not even in it. I share it, though, because I found it so moving, and learned a powerful lesson from it. Read More
Fundraising Q&A: We’ve been told that we should start an endowment. Any suggestions?
At the risk of sounding contrarian – yes, once again – my first reaction is: “Don’t do it.” That said, I understand where the question is coming from. Nonprofits are facing extraordinary financial pressures, and are grasping for solutions. Read More
Fundraising Q&A: What should we be looking for in a development director?
As with many things, the short answer is “it depends.” Your fundraising strategy, organizational complexity, and donor base all have implications for the personal characteristics, skill sets and experience that you’re looking for in your chief fundraiser. Read More
Fundraising Q&A: Where do you get those great cartoons?
We are happy to give credit to Grant Brownrigg (www.grantland.net). Here is a reprise of a few of our favorite G2G book cartoons. Read More
What are your pet peeves as a fundraiser?
This one is a bit trickier because, as a volunteer fundraiser, you’re sandwiched between the donors you’re soliciting and the organization that you’re representing. Also, I’m not sure I really have the right to be critical of donors, since I am asking them to help me and my cause. But, since you asked… Read More