Fear, we all experience it. Large major gift campaigns instill fear into every one of us. We can accomplish all the tasks we assign ourselves — forming a compelling and urgent case, identifying the prospective donors, recruiting the leadership, developing a solid plan…but success boils down to asking donors for financial investment.
Read MoreApril Showers Bring May…Funder Visits!
Aah, May! Flowers are blooming. Birds are singing. The sky is bluer and the grass greener. And hopefully, your organization is slowing down a bit to celebrate a few award notifications at the close of a busy spring grants cycle. During the late spring or early summer months, because schedules are calmer, you might consider inviting existing or prospective funders to visit for an agency tour or coffee date. These “just because” visit invitations are great ways to try and nurture relationships outside of presenting an ask (don’t forget to add your major donors to the mix!).
Read MoreWhere are the Elusive New Donors?
I recently had a Board member ask how their organization can find new donors – if Let’s Build Hope had a list of people at our office who tend to give money. Um, no, we do not.
Read MoreNew Year, New (Fill in the Blank)
We hear so many clichés when a new year rolls around. New year, new me! New year, new job! New year, new (fill in the blank)!
A new year will always come. Sometimes it’s the (fill in the blank) that offers the most opportunities. Sometimes it brings up uncertainty. Sometimes it reflects a thousand-mile stare into the universe. Sometimes…it even transforms people.
Read MoreGrat-i-tude!
Man, there are moments I cannot believe how this year has turned out and how very lucky I am. Let’s Build Hope has grown like crazy, and we’ve been blessed with 15 amazing, dedicated, caring, smart, strategic, thoughtful, openminded leaders and teammates. What a gift!
Read MoreHow to Prepare for Difficult Conversations
Conflict is a natural and healthy part of any organization. Instead of turning away from conflict, learn how lean into it effectively.
Read MoreWhat Now? Our Donor Gave Us Tough, Difficult, Awkward Feedback
What happens when a donor comes back to you with feedback that you missed the mark with your gift proposal? It happens, but it’s not the end of the relationship.
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