Jeffrey D. Byrne, President + CEO We know to do our homework on prospective donors. You’ve heard me say time and again “Don’t commit fundraising malpractice!” (See my blog piece on the benefits of prospect research here.)That means do your research – because it reveals information about the wealth and capacity of prospects as well as information about philanthropic giving…
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Editor’s Note: We are pleased to introduce Grant Gooding of Proof Positioning as a guest contributor. Grant cut his teeth in the mergers and acquisitions world which gave him an uncommon, macro understanding of the hard and soft components of businesses and market transition. He took his knowledge of analyzing hundreds of businesses to consult with entrepreneurs, mostly inventors, to…
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Giving USA is a powerful tool: it is the most trusted annual report on the sources and uses of philanthropy in the U.S., but it’s also a valuable resource in helping us improve philanthropy. Nonprofit organizations can (and should) use Giving USA to help identify trends as well as opportunities to strengthen resource development efforts. Here are my Top Five Ways Nonprofits Can Use…
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Bruce Broce, M.A., Vice President A Board member once asked me if I considered our philanthropic supporters to be “donors” or “partners.” I answered by saying they ideally should be both. Every nonprofit has donors, but the really successful ones expand their relationship with their constituents beyond the financial plane and nurture them as partners who can help move forward…
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Saber Hossinei, Coordinator of Administration + Consulting Have you seen those shirts with JUST DO IT across the front? It certainly makes for a catchy phrase, but the meaning behind it is so much more than that. It’s a message of action. Regardless of one’s condition, level of experience or ability, don't forget what's truly necessary: action. And with action, come results.…
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By Heather Ehlert, Vice President of Client Services For most of us, speaking confidently about our organization’s mission comes naturally. But we can best respond to the question “Why should I donate or support your organization?” after we’ve gone through the process of developing a Case for Support. Good advocates for any organization – Board members, Executive Directors, fundraisers and program…
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By Katie Lord, Vice President In this series we have examined both “Time and Talent” as it relates to the “Time, Talent and Treasure” paradigm in nonprofit donor management and cultivation. This final segment of “Treasure” is often the one that we, as nonprofits, are most interested and influenced by because it affects our pressing financial goals. It can often be…
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Editor's Note: The 2016 U.S. Trust® Study of High Net Worth Philanthropy, in partnership with the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, reports the giving patterns and priorities of America's wealthiest donors and provides valuable insights into the strategies, vehicles and approaches that can make giving more effective. This Study is a continuation of the 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012…
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This year’s release of the Philanthropy 400 confirmed what many nonprofit professionals have suspected over the past few years – the way we give and the way we raise money is changing. In The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s annual ranking of nonprofits that raise the most from individuals, Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund claimed the number one spot collecting $4.6 billion in…
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Now entering its fifth year, #GivingTuesday is officially a global charitable movement. Celebrated on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, following the consumer frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday is a day dedicated to giving back. It’s a simple idea with an enormous impact. Fueled by the power of social media, #GivingTuesday brings individuals and organizations together online where missions…
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