
“Why You Need It: 8 Reasons Why the CFRE Makes a Difference in Fundraising.”
I started my fundraising career almost twenty-five years ago. Like most people during those days, I learned on the job. It was something that I “chose” to be or to do. It was a necessity to keep the organisation operating. Back in…

How to upgrade your donor’s giving to your organisation
organisations often become so focused on acquiring new donors and broadening their universe of prospects rather than developing and building relationships with the ones that they currently have.
Many organisations that I see are not focused…

How to create multiple giving options for all of your donors interests
A wise organisation is one that provides its donors with multiple options, whether programs or projects to invest.
Donors come with all different types of passions held deep in their hearts, and it is our job to match those desires with our…

How to start a major gifts fundraising program without any major donors
How to start a major gifts fundraising program without any major donors
I often get asked, "How can I start a major gifts program if my organisation does not have any major donors?" Is it even possible? And, the short answer is YES!
Even…

How to start a major gift fundraising program even in your small nonprofit
I often get asked, "Isn't my organisation too small to have a major gifts program?" And, I always say, "No!"
Even the very smallest of fundraising offices, can take the same steps to establish a robust major gifts effort for their organisation.
Here…

How to begin preparing for the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) application and exam
For those interested, in the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential, the most often asked question is, "How do I prepare for the application and the exam?"
Well, for starters, the CFRE is the first globally recognized credential…

How to follow up with your donors for your calendar year-end campaign
The clock is ticking ever so close to midnight on December 31.
Are you ready?
Have you taken all of the steps that you possibly can to give your donors opportunities to contribute during this giving season?
Here are a few simple last-minute…

How to create a manual that ensures your database stays clean and up to date
Databases are indeed the foundation of your development program.
While it is critical to have one, it is not enough to just enter data into it.
I have long advocated for consistency in data entry through developing a manual of standards…

How to raise more money this Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday, the Global Day of Philanthropy is on Tuesday, November 28. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is partnering with Facebook again this year to provide a match up to $2 million to donors who give during that day.
Here…

How to have a direct mail appeal reply envelope that increases your appeal returns
When organisations create their direct mail appeal letters, the remittance envelope is often an afterthought. Far too many organisations put little thought into how the envelope or reply device should appear and what it should say. Many…

How to approach your major donors during your calendar year-end campaign
How to approach your major donors during your calendar year-end campaign
When organisations start to segment their calendar year-end appeal letters, they often start off with segmenting out active donors and non-active donors. Far too many…

How to have the most leverage in your new fundraising office
Many organisations when seeking to start their first development office do not which way to turn or where to start first.
Far too many organisations often start and end with grant writing. They don't get beyond this particular strategy…