May
24
2019
Fundraising Strategies to Implement
I come across the ‘get rich quick’ schemes all the time — they don’t work. Trust me. Contrary to popular opinion, that prince in Africa hasn’t...
Philanthropy
Apr
12
2019
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED? A Success Story
I must be getting old. Every Sunday evening, my wife and I watch 60 Minutes. More often than not, there is a vignette or story that really...
Mar
29
2019
When Fundraising isn’t Sales
Many people have stated that fundraising is just like sales, but with a conscience. The same principles apply and that good salespeople often make good fundraisers. I, too,...
Mar
08
2019
Does Benchmarking Actually Help?
I fondly remember my time as a fundraising consultant (for churches, of all things) some 20-plus years ago. When I met with the boards, I would...
Feb
01
2019
Is Life Insurance a Charitable Thing?
Life Insurance benefits can be a huge revenue boost for a charity. In Canada, there are really two different ways that a charity can treat a...
Jan
25
2019
Database — Friend or Foe?
Databases. It’s a love/hate thing for most people. I have advocated that your database (and the data contained in it) are your organization’s most valuable asset....
Jan
11
2019
People Know When the End of the Year is!!!
This is truly a pet peeve of mine. I received no less than 22 emails from various charities (local, national and international) in the last 10...
Nov
30
2018
What is the Olive Cooke tragedy?
In 2015, the world lost Olive Cooke. Being a North American, I had never heard of this lady. She died by suicide, choosing to jump off...
Nov
09
2018
The relationship needs to change
For as long as I have been a fundraiser, Direct Mail has always been toted as the holy grail — where the most number of donors...
Nov
02
2018
The Primark Approach
Jason Lewis has a great book out there — the War for Fundraising Talent. It is a real eye-opener and I have learned quite a few new...