For leaders of mission-driven organizations, keeping a hopeful attitude is critical to meeting the inevitable challenges that arise. But how do you keep your attitude positive when things aren’t going your way?
In “Imaginable” by Jane McGonigal, the author introduces the concept of “urgent optimism.” In this state of mind, it’s possible to be realistic about the issues and risks ahead, while also keeping an open eye and heart as to how you can help to solve those issues and address the risks.
Topics: Collaborations, Book Club, Donation, Fundraising, Goal Setting, Goals, Culture Of Philanthrophy, Fundraising Management, Inspiration, Capital Fundraising, Communication, Appreciation, Development, Donor, Online Giving, Attitude, Happiness, Potential
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When setting fundraising goals—whether for annual contributed revenue or a multi-year campaign—many organizations default to looking at past performance. But here’s the thing: basing your goals only on what’s been done before can be limiting.
Topics: Capital Campaign, Donor Stewardship, Donation, Fundraising, Goal Setting, Campaign Leadership, Goals, Financial Development, Fundraising Management, Capital Fundraising, Fund Development, Communication, Development, Campaign Planning, Making The Case, Making The Ask, Donor, Online Giving, Donor Advised Funds, CelebratingOurClients
If you’ve been putting off implementing a strategy to secure gifts from donor-advised funds, let this be the year that changes that. Why? The numbers are too big to ignore.
Topics: Capital Campaign, Donor Stewardship, Donation, Fundraising, Major Gifts, Financial Development, Annual, Annual Fundraising, Fundraising Management, Capital Fundraising, Fund Development, Communication, Cultivation, Development, Campaign Planning, Making The Case, Making The Ask, Donor, Online Giving, Donor Advised Funds
As our clients seek to finish the year strong, we are helping them navigate the changing landscape of grant writing with its new challenges and opportunities. Staying ahead of the curve is crucial for anyone looking to secure funding in a competitive environment. Here’s a look at the latest trends that we are seeing in grant writing. Consider using these strategies to refine your approach and increase your chances of success.
Topics: Fundraising, Major Gifts, Annual Campaign, Donor Communications, Campaign Leadership, Financial Development, Annual Fundraising, Fundraising Management, End Of Year, Capital Fundraising, Fundraising Campaign, Development, Preparation, grants, grant writing
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.
Topics: Capital Campaign, Fundraising, Nonprofit Leadership, Strategy, Planning, Patience, Capital Fundraising, Development, Downtime, Advocacy
When DBD is given the opportunity to be considered to conduct a capital or comprehensive feasibility study, we make it clear from the start that we will not perform a study for you, but we would be honored to perform a study with you!
While I could try to explain this more, I am honored to share with you the first-person perspective of a recent client/partner, Robert P. Kirschner, Chief Philanthropy Officer & Senior Vice President at the YMCA of Greater Cleveland.
Topics: Capital Campaign, Feasibility Study, Capital, Capital Fundraising, Client Stories
Have you ever wished that property abutting one of your current locations would come on the market? What if a for-profit service provider in your community wanted or needed to exit a facility that was perfect for a service expansion? What if the undeveloped parcel that fits your long-term strategic plan suddenly became available after years of cultivating the owners?
Would you be in a position to close? The timing doesn’t always line up, and it’s possible that you wouldn’t be. But instead of walking away, consider the often-overlooked source of bridge funding: the friendly buyer. The friendly buyer purchases and holds the real estate with the intention that at some future date, your organization can and will purchase from them.
Here are three scenarios that we’ve seen play out in real life.
Topics: Capital Campaign, Capital, Capital Fundraising, finance
I recently joined a meeting with a new client that is about to embark on his first capital campaign. He asked a great question, “What do you wish you would’ve known before your first capital campaign?”
Hindsight is usually 20/20 so I was grateful for this great question and the ability to help this client avoid some preventable pitfalls.
A few tips came to mind:
Topics: Capital Campaign, Goals, Financial Development, Capital Fundraising, finance, financial management
Topics: Capital Campaign, Capital Readiness, Fundraising, Camp Fundraising, Fundraising Management, Planning, Capital Fundraising, Church Fundraising, Fundraising Campaign, Asking For Help, Nonprofit, financial management
