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And Now What? The Key Question in Major Gifts Fundraising

Posted by Jon Simons

Simple or complex?  Basic or advanced?  Checkers or chess? Which approach best describes your fundraising?

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Topics: Grit, Fundraising, How To Ask, Financial Development, Ymca, Fundraising Campaign, Listening, Communication

Fundraiser of the Year

Posted by Jan Brogdon

I’m nominating Alice S. for “Fundraiser of the Year.”

While that award may not exist exactly, this spunky, driven young lady has much to teach even the most seasoned development professionals.

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Topics: Fundraising, How To Ask, Art Of The Ask, Asking, Inspiration, Relationship Building, Communication, Making The Ask, Donor

What To Do With A No

Posted by Bruce Berglund

Nearly every big ask in my career as a staffer and consultant – whether it be an ask for a lead gift or a key leadership position – started with a no.

For example:

Would you and your family consider a lead gift of $____ for this campaign? No.

Would you consider serving as a chair for this campaign? No.

It wasn’t fun to hear, but it didn’t mean the end of the relationship, just a change in strategy. What is the next step after the no? Do you move on? Or do you re-approach in a new way?

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Topics: Fundraising, How To Ask, Annual Fundraising, Fear, Giving, Making The Ask

Challenging Best Practices in Grant Fundraising

As the nonprofit world continues to move out of the pandemic recovery stage to the “new normal” and economic uncertainty, we find ourselves in changing times in every area of fundraising. Grant makers are no different. Many are re-evaluating their own models of giving and looking to change the way they invest in communities. Some are even going so far as to forgo formal line-item budgets in applications and traditional written applications all together and are asking nonprofit partners to solicit requests through a variety of channels including virtual presentations, videos and Q&A sessions.

Development professionals know that during times of change and transition, it is more important than ever to stay focused on best practices. In the foundation world we know these to be:

  • Get to know the funder and their giving priorities
  • Understand the application process
  • Make a strong case and clearly identify outcomes
  • Be a good steward

While we keep best practices at the forefront of our work, it doesn't mean there’s not room for creativity within each practice.  

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Topics: Fundraising, How To Ask, grant writing

FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR

Posted by Jan Brogdon

I’m nominating Alice S. for “Fundraiser of the Year.”

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Topics: Success Stories, Donation, How To Ask, Art Of The Ask, Professional Development, Goals, Making The Ask

FOUNDATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Posted by Michele Goodrich

In any given year, grantmaking foundations in the United States award BILLIONS of dollars to nonprofit organizations. 

If you want to increase your chances of receiving some of those funds, consider thinking of foundations as individual donor prospects.

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Topics: How To Ask, Asking, Strategy, Planning, Communication, Ask For Advice, Making The Ask, Preparation, grants, grant writing

THE PAIN IN YOUR ASK

Posted by Jon Simons

Fundraising is a lot like yoga. If it hurts, you are probably doing it wrong.

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Topics: Ask, How To Ask, Art Of The Ask, Patience, Making The Ask

BURNING QUESTIONS: I’M AFRAID TO ASK

Posted by DBD Team

This July, we’re answering burning questions we hear from many clients and non-profit colleagues across the country. Chances are, the question might be burning in our readers’ minds, as well.

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Topics: Feasibility Study, How To Ask

HOW TO ASK

Posted by DBD Team

When people think of fundraising, they usually are thinking about The Ask – and that can be very intimidating. Today, we’re digging into the archives for some of our best advice on How to Ask.

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Topics: Ask, Donation, How To Ask, Art Of The Ask

TELLING (AND LISTENING) YOUR BETTER STORY

Posted by Bruce Berglund

When people think of fundraising, they usually are thinking about The Ask – and that can be very intimidating. This month, the Donor By Design Team is taking on How to Ask. Today, Bruce delves into a better way to approach the ask.

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Topics: Ask, Fundraising, How To Ask, Art Of The Ask, Asking, Face To The Case, Interest Raising

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