Note: I first posted this 3 years ago. My recent post on the fundraising responsibility of a Board generated some really good comments and conversations. I still believe that assuring an organization’s fundraising activities is first and foremost the responsibility of the board of directors.…
You will not succeed in finding (or raising) money for your project or organization if you: Are too busy to focus on what matters. Focus on the wrong things. Don’t plan your week, or do it sporadically. Let the meetings and daily activities of your…
As a fundraising volunteer, you have to be familiar with the organization or project you represent and be able to explain the mission, organizational goals and objectives, benefits of giving, ways to give, and anything else that a prospect or donor might ask about. Just as your…
One of the things I know my clients get tired of hearing is this: Be real. I’m always reminding fundraisers (professional and volunteer) that they can be incredibly confident, smooth and polished, but if they’re not real and authentic in their passion for the cause,…
I read a recent article in the online New York Times Dealbook about Lance Armstrong and was reminded that the flipside of finding new board members who’ll participate in the fundraising of the organization is the removal of board members who won’t or don’t measure…
I’ve written a lot recently about the board of directors taking responsibility for their role in fundraising. It IS there job, after all. But of course, as people have pointed out, the board can’t do it on their own. Well, they can, but having a…
My recent post on the fundraising responsibility of a Board generated some really good comments and conversations. I still believe that assuring an organization’s fundraising activities is first and foremost the responsibility of the board of directors. Of course there are a myriad of ways…
(Last month I posted an article that basically said, “fundraising special events are a waste of time and energy”. Most agree with my general statement as it relates to events that have a fundraising focus. However, several people were quick to point out that events…
This seems like a very simple rule to follow. I’ve explained it to every volunteer of every capital campaign I’ve ever worked on or conducted. I often joke that it’s one of my secret strategies for fundraising success. But really, it’s not so secret. Won’t…
That’s a question I got from Kent Glasscock, a former statewide political leader in Kansas and someone who is recognized for his ability to get things done. He was speaking at a local Chamber Leadership meeting a decade ago, and although he doesn’t remember it,…
