As a seasoned grant writer, I’m all too familiar with the sinking feeling that a blank page can bring. That feeling is why using AI has become so tempting for writing and editing tasks: it promises to do away with that sense of dread and keep you moving along at a brisk pace, no pauses or long stares necessary.
Read MoreThese are Unprecedented Times—We Cannot Possibly Launch a Campaign Now!
There is no perfect time…now is the time!
Despite facing what feels like “unprecedented times,” many nonprofits have successfully launched and completed fundraising campaigns during periods of crisis. Rather than halting your campaign efforts, adapt your strategy with compassion, transparency, and a clear focus on the organization’s goals.
Emphasize your mission’s relevance and urgency. During uncertain times, the need for your nonprofit’s programs and services may actually increase, even as funding becomes tighter. Your campaign should clearly communicate urgency to donors and potential funders.
Read MorePutting your Nonprofit on Offense begins with Building a Playbook
You’re in your weekly staff meeting. As usual, a few team members arrive with detailed lists of their ongoing projects, while most jot down a handful of updates in the last hour before the meeting.
Your teammates begin logging into the online meeting or drifting into the conference room just a minute or two before start time. A few punctual attendees chat about weekend plans or touch base on an ongoing issue. Five minutes past the scheduled start, the leader suggests waiting a bit longer since not everyone has arrived—and Bob is supposed to be joining. At seven minutes past, someone asks, “Can someone text him?” Finally, the meeting begins.
Read MoreHere Comes Fall! Is Your Fundraising Ready?
Yes, I’m one of “those people” who look forward to the fall season. Cooler weather, warm fireplaces, and hot drinks – what’s not to love about autumn?
That also includes the fall fundraising season. We know September-October are the best asking times of the year. Followed by November-December as the best giving times. Fall is more than pumpkin spice lattes, apple pies, and back-to-school routines. It’s a launchpad for year-end giving. And continuing to engage your donors throughout the fall increases the likelihood they’ll stay connected through the giving season.
Read MoreDemystifying Logic Models
It’s the name that strikes terror and consternation into the hearts of many. Logic model. The name is mysterious. The concept is intimidating. But what is a logic model? And does your organization need one?
Read MoreYear-end Appeal – It’s not for Everyone!
Meaning…not for everyone in your database.
Many organizations mail their year-end appeals to everyone on their mailing list. Let’s consider a different approach.
Read MoreFeeling the Fear and Doing it Anyway!
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.
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