Campaigns are not "business as usual." Far from it. Your campaign is a once-in-a-decade, perhaps a once-in-a-generation, opportunity for your organization. So, don't sell yourself short. Instead, make sure you're prepared to seize the moment. How? Good planning—lining up everything you need on the front end. Running a successful campaign takes resources and infrastructure above-and-beyond your "business as usual" fundraising … [Read more...] about Campaign Readiness – Leadership
Do you need a feasibility study?
So, do you really need to pay a consulting firm big bucks to run a feasibility study for you? … [Read more...] about Do you need a feasibility study?
Your Next Campaign: Laying the Foundation
In my last post, I made the case for big, bold fundraising campaigns and why you need to be in one. The main reason, of course, is to maximize your organization's philanthropic potential and do something big to advance your mission. Beyond that, however, a campaign can catalyze other benefits, including increased awareness, new relationships, an elevated culture of philanthropy, and energized stakeholders. So, revisit that post for the … [Read more...] about Your Next Campaign: Laying the Foundation
You Need to Be in a Campaign
It's true. Your non-profit really should be in a capital campaign right now. If you aren't in a campaign currently, that’s OK. Just make sure you're getting ready for your next one! Why? The obvious answer is that capital campaigns help you do big, mission-critical things—the kind of stuff that your annual fund, or your golf tournament just can’t do for you. Whether it's building buildings, adding programs, or … [Read more...] about You Need to Be in a Campaign
Major Gifts Systems
Let’s face it: big gifts move the needle. Direct mail is fine, and yes, every gift is meaningful. But think about truly advancing the mission of your organization. Do $100 checks have the power to take you to a new, better place? How much time and money do you spend pursuing $100 checks? And are you as intentional and systematic when it comes to your major gifts program? You can be. Because it’s one thing to get a major gift from … [Read more...] about Major Gifts Systems