So, what does a high-functioning donor stewardship program look like? That’s a question I’ve been asking while thinking about my own organization’s stewardship efforts. We know stewardship is important. And, we have a sense that more would probably be better. But how much more? And more of what, specifically? There’s truly no limit to how much we could do in thanking, acknowledging, and celebrating our donors. But how do you get the most bang … [Read more...] about Auditing Your Stewardship Program
Fearless Stewardship
Giving should feel good, right? Our donors need to feel great about their giving. If they don’t, we’re sunk. Our slow, Fearless Fundraising march through the giving cycle has reached the final stage—stewardship. While stewardship may be final stage of one gift-giving journey, it is by no means the end of a donor relationship. When done well, stewardship serves as the first step of a donor's next gift-giving process. It strengthens their … [Read more...] about Fearless Stewardship
Fearless 2021
2021 has arrived! Finally. If you’re like me, there were days you thought we’d never get here. The past year was hard, maddening, and at times traumatic. And the difficulty lasted much longer than any of us expected. Yet, when chaos and disruption become the norm, we have to recognize the value of surviving. Maybe we didn’t all thrive in 2020, but we’re still here—doing good work on behalf of good organizations. And that’s … [Read more...] about Fearless 2021
Interviewing for Fundraising Jobs
“That was one of the most painful interviews I have ever participated in.” That’s what our CEO said after the candidate left our building. We had really wanted to like her. She came from the search firm and looked great on paper. But it truly was bad. And our frustration was mounting. A key major gift officer position had been open for about six months at that point and there were no prospects on the horizon. The story ends well, … [Read more...] about Interviewing for Fundraising Jobs
Solicitation – What to Say
Not all asks are the same. And you know that. But it means that what you say when asking depends on the type of ask you’re making. And what you’re asking for, how much you’re asking for, etc. … [Read more...] about Solicitation – What to Say