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DESIGNS FOR FUNDRAISING

Early in my career, I was given a copy of a book which my experienced colleague at the time said would “be the basis for your success.” The book was Designs for Fund-Raising by Harold J. Seymour. Harold (Si) Seymour is considered one of the founding fathers of modern fundraising. His book, originally published in 1966, established many fundamental concepts that still form the backbone of fundraising practice today.

For me, these are the key aspects that remain relevant:

  1. The emphasis on relationship-building rather than simply asking for money
  2. The importance of thorough planning and strategic campaign design
  3. Understanding donor psychology and motivation
  4. The cultivation cycle for major gifts
  5. The concept of donor stewardship

 

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Topics: Leadership, Board Development, Stewardship, Fundraising, Strategy, Board Management, Board Leadership, Planning, Fund Development, Communication, Development, Advocacy, Ideas

DROP THE OARS

Posted by Kennerly Benraty

As we move through the year, nonprofit leaders need to ask themselves: Are we where we hoped to be? These check-ins are about more than forecasting—they are a strategic opportunity.

These are opportunities to not just to evaluate results, but to ask deeper questions about direction, adaptability, and mission alignment. As Tod Bolsinger writes in Canoeing the Mountains, leadership today is no longer about mastering well-worn paths. It’s about stepping into the unknown, “off the map,” where the old tools don’t work, and the terrain requires new vision, vulnerability, and innovation.

Whether you’re ahead of pace or navigating unexpected challenges, this is your opportunity to drop the oars, stop paddling harder in the wrong direction and begin adapting to the real terrain ahead.

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Topics: Leadership, Stewardship, Fundraising, Nonprofit Management, Annual Campaign, Goal Setting, Goals, Financial Development, Strategy, Board Management, Planning, Communication, Development, Advocacy, Clarity

USING A DIP TO RESET

Posted by Mary Ramirez

I don’t know about you, but I love a good dip – especially during the summer months while gathered with friends and family. Whether it’s a zesty guacamole, creamy artichoke, or a citrusy pico de gallo; a tasty dip always seems to get people together around a central location, talking and interacting in a fun and enjoyable way. But for those of us in fundraising, the word “dip” can oftentimes mean something completely different.

Fundraising campaigns are often likened to marathons rather than sprints. They require strategic planning, deliberate preparation, sustained effort, and a dedicated team working tirelessly towards a common goal. However, even the most well-planned campaigns can experience dips, where significant donations slow down or even come to a halt. During these times, it’s easy to feel disheartened and pressured to push harder. But sometimes the most productive step a team can take is to pause, take a break, and reset.

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Topics: Capital Campaign, Fundraising, Nonprofit Leadership, Strategy, Planning, Patience, Capital Fundraising, Development, Downtime, Advocacy

LEARNING AND UNLEARNING

Posted by Bruce Berglund

,We share the grief and outrage felt by the country in the wake of the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and countless others. This must end.

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Topics: Advocacy

UNSUNG HEROES

Posted by Michele Goodrich

I looked out the window of my warm home last week to see my mail carrier dressed in a full snowsuit, heavy gloves and a hat with furry ear flaps struggling to climb over a pile of drifted snow to deliver a package. It was after 7 pm and certainly not the first time he had delivered the mail that late this week. In addition, my city’s trash and recycling crews have worked quite a few extra-long days this winter to make up for times when snow removal took precedence over refuse collection. And the steady stream of plumbers, garage door repairmen and HVAC experts coming in and out of my small neighborhood over the past seven weeks has been remarkable.

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Topics: Stewardship, Advocacy

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