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“I’ve already made all of my giving decisions for this year, so there’s no reason for us to meet.” Here is another common objection that… Read More
I hear this so frequently from organizations that are not hitting their revenue goals. Before running out to get new donors why not start with… Read More
No one likes to hear complaints. But when you work for a nonprofit or a private sector business, you need to welcome complaints. Here’s why:… Read More
In case you’ve ever wondered why some donors prefer to stay anonymous, here are 6 proven reasons why: They do not want fundraisers from other… Read More
I’m always a bit baffled when I see fundraising letters that fail to take into consideration the following. After all, research by Professor Siegfried Vogele has clearly proven… Read More
Accenture – the world’s largest consulting firm – says that we’re in the era of the “nonstop consumer”. According to their website, “A customer’s path… Read More
Most fundraising is based on what I call “single shot” strategies. For instance, it’s an event, gala or golf outing. Or, perhaps it’s a mailing,… Read More
I know the feeling. A supporter calls to tell you your email or letter spelled her name wrong. She’s pissed! You begin to sweat and your muscles… Read More
Here are some of the thoughts crossing your donors’ minds while you’re asking them to support your cause: Will they say thank you or just… Read More
No. Sorry. It isn’t. For example, if you search for environmental organizations on Wikipedia, you’ll find the following list: Why should anyone make a major gift… Read More
There’s too much talk about whether or not direct mail is dead. Of course it is NOT dead! I get direct mail delivered to me every day. … Read More
According to Brian Saber, “Your ‘Asking Style’ is based on your personality and unique set of strengths in fundraising.” But, don’t be fooled by stereotypes…. Read More
I was wondering who might have created the first survey ever. My search led me to Charles the Great, the “Father of Europe.” Apparently, in… Read More
Recently I was reminded of a blog post I wrote four years ago that got a lot of attention. Some of the reactions were not so kind…. Read More
Too many nonprofits fail to inspire people to give because they don’t understand value. An exchange of money from supporters to nonprofits only occurs when a clear value… Read More
1. Dialogue. Major donors expect to be able to have a dialogue with an organization and its staff. 2. Permission. Major donors expect to maintain… Read More
I always hated when my staff sent me an Excel file showing our astounding growth. You might be thinking, “Why would you hate getting an… Read More
1. Large amounts of money are at stake. This might be the largest amount of money your organization will ever raise. Getting an experienced consultant… Read More
76/10, not 80/20! Last year the Congressional Budget Office released a report about wealth in the United States. Here are some points to consider: The top… Read More
1- Permission Donors have immense power these days. They can ignore your communications! The best way to ensure that they don’t exercise that power is… Read More
My uncle is a radiologist. Recently he told me about a 2007 study of radiologists. The study found that including a photo of a patient along with their… Read More
Recently I was asked the following: “The whole idea of the ‘ask’ is very uncomfortable to me. How can I become more comfortable with it?”… Read More
RemembranceHonor Memorialize Pay tribute Fairness Right wrongs Give back HormonesOxytocin “the love hormone” Cortisol for focus Brain Neurons transmitting information Mirror neurons support empathy… Read More
The flow chart below makes me very uncomfortable. Here’s why: Science and experience have led me to realize that a donor’s objective is usually, first and foremost,… Read More
Feeling like your job is getting harder because donor expectations have changed and competition for the charitable dollar is growing?
Finding that the old orthodoxies and conventions espoused by so-called experts in online echo-chambers and at conferences don’t work anymore?
Want to help more people make impact by facilitating their acts of philanthropy but feel like too many obstacles keep getting in your way?
Then this book is for you.
Engagement Fundraising was developed from the perspective of a donor who discovered firsthand that the impersonal, spray-and-pray approaches of his beloved charity were not only offensive but also wasteful and ineffective. So he took action. And now, you can too.
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