Category: Fundraising
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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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Why Videos Go Viral
I recently came across this fascinating short video about why some videos go viral. The bottom lines: tastemakers, communities of participation, and unexpectedness. It’s worth a watch.
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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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Read this. Now.
Came across the attached and thought it was so good that I’m encouraging anyone I know who cares about social change, particularly fundraising for social change, to read it. Now.…
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When do you hire a Development Director?
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the transition of organization from all-volunteer, to their first Executive Director, to the build out of additional staff. One of the recurring questions…
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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…