Three years ago, I wrote about recruitment for a new board member (here). In the article, I focussed on managing expectations, as Joan Garry so eloquently lays out. Fast forward to Spring 2021 and, while still accurate, the focus on new board recruitment has become so much more. It is so essential to look...
Continue reading...stewardship
UPDATE: Facts About Stewardship
A few years ago, I wrote an article that listed seven different truths about fundraising (here). The past 14 months have been quite a roller coaster ride for many charities, but I firmly believe that those that have succeeded are those charities that have focussed on stewardship. I address some of these points made...
Continue reading...UPDATE: The Relationship Needs to Change
A few years back, I wrote about the need to change the relationship with the prospect/donor (here). There, I quoted my good friend Jason Lewis as saying, “Once an initial gift has been received, the relationship has changed, and both sides of the relationship will have higher expectations of the other.” But, as we...
Continue reading...Noble Failure: An Update
I was a fan of the ACBF (Andrea & Charles Bronfman Foundation) before it wound down, specifically how Bronfman went about his thoughtful philanthropy. In his book, The Art of Giving, Bronfman speaks of noble failure (the ability for a project to fail in order to gain valuable learning experiences). I wrote about this...
Continue reading...Fundraising Metrics Part 2
Today, the new Borat movie comes out (and I cannot wait), so the photo above is pretty appropriate. Fundraising metrics are a great measure of success, provided that you measure the right things. Last week, I wrote about the Financial Metrics, and this week I will focus on the non-financial metrics, or moves management....
Continue reading...Recommended Reading
I have to admit that I wasn’t always a reader. Perhaps it was my ADHD, but I couldn’t wrap my head around the concept of staring at pages for hours. While I am proud to say that it is no longer the case (long live the pills), I am still very judicious when reading...
Continue reading...Leadership Lessons Learned
There are many times that I wish that someone told me which pitfalls to avoid when you are a leader. Or which ladders to climb. I have been through the School of Hard Knocks (graduated with honors, thank you very much) and I think it only fair that I share some of my lessons...
Continue reading...Covid-19 & Fundraising
Never in my life have I ever seen a situation as we find ourselves in right now. Admittedly, I was less than a stellar student at university (oftentimes, my classes interfered with drinks at the Elbow Room). I do, however, remember an introductory Social Science class that spoke of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. That...
Continue reading...Facts About Stewardship
What separates good charities from great charities? Many things, from mission to staff; from culture to corporate relationships. Some of these are controllable, while others aren’t. I wholeheartedly believe that stewardship is in your control (if it isn’t, take control of it — NOW!!!) Here are some naked truths about stewardship: Don’t expect financial...
Continue reading...Do Donor Societies/Giving Clubs Work?
Giving Clubs/Donor Societies have been around as long as fundraising has been around. It is a proven way to steward donors, as well as create/confirm loyalty to your organization. I’ve seen giving clubs based on gender, based on dollar amount, based on years of donating and, of course, based on leaving a bequest. According...
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