Tag: Fundraising
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Being willing to be uncomfortable
This is a follow-up to an article I wrote more than a decade ago entitled: “Step Out of your Comfort Zone.” I was recently talking to a board member for…
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Tracking time
To manage your time, you need to know where it goes. The only way to know where you spend your time is to log it. Your memory tells you that…
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Don’t make these mistakes in selecting a donor database
I recently came across a great summary from TechSoup on mistakes organizations make in selecting a donor database. I can personally attest to making a couple of them myself. In…
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Don’t let your elevator speech fall flat
This morning I led a conference call teaching organizations about how to create an effective elevator pitch. It was an interesting exercise, since I’d danced around having an elevator speech…
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How do corporations differ from individuals
No, this isn’t a blog about Citizens United and the inanity of the Supreme Court giving corporations the right to make unlimited contributions in elections. As I work with clients…
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Raising money through strategic planning
Strategic planning can require significant resources — both time and money. Fortunately, going through the process can also be a means of raising additional resources. In my mind, there are…
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On the perils of chasing money
I recently had a conversation with an organizational Executive Director who was having their group round up its grassroots supporters to generate online votes to have the group selected to…
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Mercenary vs. Missionary Donors
A mercenary donor is one who gives to you for some reason that isn’t primarily about agreement with your mission. They may give out of loyalty to a friend, out…
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Asking your board for money
I recently heard Nick Fellers of For Impact present. Great speaker if you ever have the opportunity. One of the things he suggested that rang true for me is the…
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Never ask for a donation
Sometimes it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking about fundraising as an ask. Indeed, that’s the language I often use when I’m creating a fundraising plan or counseling…