A significant portion of our success in direct mail solicitation hinges on the quality of our mailing lists. To begin with, consumer mailing lists go sour at a rate of 2% per month, or 25% per year. That means over the next twelve months one quarter of your mailing list…
Advocacy groups always face one of the greatest challenges in the nonprofit community – they have to play ball in the political arena. Politics is a nasty, ugly, and unforgiving realm and those who are unprepared for the fight are best to sit on the sidelines. One of my mentors…
It was a cold, wet, just really nasty December morning and 34 people showed up for an event that should have had over 200. This was the 28th Annual observance of this particular dinner and it should have been packed. Publicity was through the roof, the nonprofit had a rock-solid…
10 Steps to Donor Loyalty Respond quickly to all inquiries and donations. Be informal. Let donors and prospects see you as a person. Send articles and clippings to donors. Develop a recognition program for donors. Show special appreciate for first time gifts. Make it easy for donors to give. Personalize…
Just this week I was working with an organization that was looking to hire a Director of Development. The first question out of their mouth when I walked in the room was, “How should be pay him/her?” They were uncertain as to whether he should receive a straight salary, be…
Our donor database is the life-blood of our fundraising efforts. If it isn’t operating correctly, or if we can’t get the information we need, our organization is going to die a slow, painful death. Here are the most tragic mistakes people make in using their databases. Lack of database hygiene. …
Effective fundraising is all about having the right information at the right time. To establish a well-balanced fundraising program we need to include annual giving, major gifts, estate planning and grant writing programs. Each area has its own niche and requires that we have some understanding of our donors. Through…
So you’re the one responsible for making your quarterly report at the next board meeting. Are you tired of regularly scheduled meetings where the enthusiasm is drained from the room shortly after the opening remarks? Bring a little life to your next board meeting. Instead of providing a “gifts-to-date” report,…
The very best fundraising packages are developed as a “family” of marketing materials that have the same look, and convey a consistent mission and message for the organization. Consistently preparing attention-getting and compelling materials is always a challenge for development directors. Here are five steps to help improve your fundraising…
In the workshops I conduct, egardless of the topic of discussion, we always get around to the question, “How can I get the board of directors more involved in the work of our organization?” Here are five tips that will help you help your board. Ask for 100% participation. Many…
