Blogs and Vlogs

  Have you Googled yourself lately? While sophisticated and expensive prospect research software is available, many non-profits cannot afford the services, and those who do often use Google to verify their findings. I once enjoyed 15 super exciting minutes because … read more

The New Tax Bill vs Wall Street: The Winner Is…. Perhaps because the April tax deadline is looming, I’ve been asked several times recently about the impact the 2018 tax bill will have on philanthropy.* Specifically, since nearly 30 million … read more

Donors Love This Trait! Bill and Melinda Gates’ 2018 Annual Letter, “The Ten Toughest Questions We Get,” begins like this: “We are outspoken about our optimism. These days, though, optimism seems to be in short supply. “Compare today to the … read more

“We didn’t get the gift,” our board member reported, “because he really wanted someone on his level, I mean, one of his peers, to ask. That’s what I heard anyway.” You know, of course, that Who Asks, matters. But this … read more

Focus on the Harvest Imagine buying seed, studying crop strategy, and breaking up fallow ground but never bothering to plant, water, cultivate, or, ultimately, reap a harvest. Today, I’ve included three easy ways to keep your eye on the harvest, … read more

Personal Accountability and The Chart You probably know a rock star fundraiser. In fact, you may be one! If so, I believe you share these four traits that are so essential in an outstanding fundraiser. Today’s post is on the … read more

Don’t believe it! Well, at least not all of it! You’ve likely been told, “Jettison events. Secure Major Donors!” Wait a minute…”If” you end an event, will you “Then” automatically increase in Major Gifts? Not necessarily. Instead, grow Major Donors … read more

  Today’s post is the 2nd in my February series filled with common sense strategies to immediately increase the impact of your organization’s special events! In 2009, I had just begun a new fundraising position when my boss invited me … read more

  This February, I thought I’d focus on common sense strategies to immediately increase the net impact of your organization’s special events on your mission! You’ll want to share this post with your committee! So, where can you save? Where … read more

  Looking for a way to immediately increase donations! Well, here’s a simple idea: Run a list of gifts received since Jan. 1st of this year. Next, run a list from the same time period last year. Compare. Those missing off this … read more