Jump-starting Year-End Gift Conversations fundraisers fundraising major donors major gifts philanthropy relationships Nov 30, 2023

"Donor, would today be the right time to speak about your impact with [charity]? Our impact continues to [impact]."

If you still have donors or prospects on your list who you meant to ask, tried to ask, or have been trying to have a conversation with... now is the time to get engaged in...

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"That donor I don't have to worry about..." donors fundraisers major donors major gifts relationships success Aug 08, 2023

One of the great joys I have, being a fundraiser, is meeting donors who are true fans of our mission. 

You may have had donors like that - they're supporters and they give regularly. They may attend events or volunteer. They talk about your work to others. You may not even realize how much...

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Conversational Asking: Building Donor Relationships communications donors fundraisers fundraising major gifts relationships success Jul 17, 2023

"So if you aspire to be a good conversationalist, be an attentive listener. To be interesting, be interested. Ask questions that other persons will enjoy answering. Encourage them to talk about themselves and their accomplishments.” 

This quote from Dale...

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Fundraising: Beyond the Numbers to Meaningful Connections donors fundraisers fundraising major gifts philanthropy success transformational gifts Jul 10, 2023

As a fundraiser, I've come to realize that I'm more than a connector to charitable gifts. I'm a catalyst for change.

As fundraisers, we take the hopes and aspirations of supporters and prospects - their desire for a better world - and connect them to the life-changing missions...

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Why are fundraisers down on DAFs? - Part 1 donors fundraisers fundraising major donors major gifts transformational gifts May 30, 2023
I hear fundraisers complain about gifts received through Donor Advised Funds, known as DAFs.

"I never know who is actually giving."

"I can't steward these people properly!" (nor cultivate the donor for a second gift.)

"We have major donors who have stopped giving - how do I know if they are...

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Making the Ask: Guiding Phrases for Securing Major Gifts donors fundraisers fundraising major donors major gifts transformational gifts May 22, 2023

Yesterday I came across a document from my early fundraising days in Canada. The Director of the nonprofit asked me for phrases she could use when asking for large gifts from donors.

I'd forgotten that I had created this document and "Key Phrases and Next Steps when Asking...

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Adjust Your Mindset for the Big Ask donors fundraisers fundraising major donors major gifts transformational gifts Jan 20, 2022

Get ready for inspiring your donors for the big ask...

Making a big ask isn't about being fearless, it's about being sure-footed. 
Fearlessness is all about you - it's a solo act. Fundraisers, though, are in business of relationships. You and the donor are climbing together to the mountain...

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Connection-based strategies so you can raise more money

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