I don’t know about you but there are certain movies that I must watch whenever they come on television. If it is Saturday afternoon and I am flipping the channels because I have finished my chores for the day and need to relax, there are a few movies that will always command my attention. The … Read More →
I was consulting for a small organization led by a new Executive Director who had no fund raising experience. Typically I try to stay away from going on solicitations as a consultant, rather I help devise strategy and provide training to build capacity. This particular ED was deathly afraid of asking for money so I … Read More →
Back in the day I had an executive director who did not like me to publicly announce large gifts to the organization. She felt that if the community and/or donors perceived that we had too much money, it would impact our fund raising negatively and we would encounter financial distress. She believed that donors want … Read More →
Recently I was speaking to a colleague about my need to identify a donor for the purpose of throwing a House Party. This person, who was “older” like me, made a comment that she did not see what “Kid ‘n Play” has to do with raising money. We had a laugh but it got me … Read More →
Executive directors at small nonprofit organizations have said to me in the past that branding is for the ‘big organizations.’ For example, the Red Cross is one of the top three recognized brands in the world. Obviously they have the resources to invest in brand awareness and they understand the benefits. Many leaders of small … Read More →
Take a look at this post from Gail Perry. It is excellent. If you see these signs at your organization it is time for action. KLM
There is some disagreement in the fund raising world surrounding how to get meetings with donors. Every time I speak to a different development professional, I often hear a different strategy. Some people I have met would have a promising career as a Secret Agent with the NSA if they were interested in that type … Read More →
One of the questions that I often get from young fund raisers working in direct marketing is ‘how often should I mail my donors?’ This is an interesting question, and you can get a different answer every time you ask a different person. I will throw my perspective into the fray, and I hope that … Read More →
This is an interesting article about Walmart’s community engagement efforts in one of their newest markets. http://goo.gl/sZQsD KLM
This article, showing the worldwide impact of Rotary International, makes me truly proud to be a Rotarian. http://www.forbes.com/sites/devinthorpe/2013/04/25/what-is-rotary-international-your-local-rotary-club-is-doing-more-than-you-think/ KLM