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
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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
Are you setting your MGOs up to fail?
I received zero training in my first MGO job. Or support for that matter. My boss showed me the donor files, made sure I got into the database, and then said, “OK, go raise some money!” I was scared to death. … [Read more...] about Are you setting your MGOs up to fail?
Cultivation #2 – Planning for Success
I went on a bit of a rant earlier this year. The bluster and noise was about gift officers and/or development shops with no systems and no plans. These folks are just “winging it.” You can get caught up here if you missed it. Cultivation, in particular, is an area where you can’t afford to wing it. It’s too important. I’m a little ashamed to admit that I used to meander my way through major donor cultivation. And I didn’t even know it! … [Read more...] about Cultivation #2 – Planning for Success
Fearless 2015
I don’t know about you, but my honeymoon with 2015 ended about a week and a half ago. We tied the knot on Jan. 1 and immediately left town for a few weeks of wedded bliss - the perfect escape from reality. But, now we're back home. And we're starting to get on each other's nerves. A month ago, 2015 could do no wrong. She was perfect in every way. Now, she's starting to seem a little...ordinary. And apparently I'm just a big … [Read more...] about Fearless 2015