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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

THE NEXT RIGHT MOVE

Posted by Kellie Wardman

“We are going to keep seeing patients. Today, that’s our job. To just keep seeing patients.”

A CEO of a large mental health organization said this to me recently regarding how they are navigating the uncertain federal and state funding waters right now.

She mentioned this as we are launching a strategic planning process with her staff and board.

But one might wonder how can any organization create a strategic plan if they don’t know which end is up right now?

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Topics: Leadership, Nonprofit Management, Nonprofit Leadership, Strategy, Planning, strategic planning, Leadership & Boards

THREE EARLY WINS FOR A SUCCESSFUL CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

Posted by Leighann Sibal

Is a capital expansion project included in your blueprint for growth? Whether a new facility, a refresh or update, or an addition, here are three early wins that should be considered now as the organization prepares for a capital campaign in the future.

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Topics: Leadership, Capital Campaign, Board Development, Case For Support, Goal Setting, Financial Development, Capital, Planning, Capital Fundraising, Fund Development, Capital Leadership

AFTER THE STORM: COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY DURING DISASTER RECOVERY

Posted by DBD Team

In the aftermath of a natural disaster, timely, clear, and compassionate communication is essential for nonprofit organizations seeking to raise support for recovery efforts. Whether you are in this situation now or in the future, here are things to consider to help you stay connected to your donors – both immediately after you have assessed the damages, and in the months following as you continue to rebuild.

Where to start 

Once you have assessed the damages and identified urgent community needs, it's time to initiate your communications. But don’t wait too long. You don’t have to have all the answers before you start to reach out. Prioritize transparency and urgency in your outreach, while also offering hope and tangible ways for donors to make an impact. Early communications should focus on immediate needs and establish a foundation for ongoing updates as recovery efforts continue.

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Topics: Fundraising, Donor Communications, Financial Development, Annual Fundraising, Fundraising Management, Planning, Development

FACING THE GAP: CREATING A FOURTH QUARTER MINDSET

Posted by Kennerly Benraty

Whether you’re looking to finish strong on an already successful year, or you’re looking to close a gap to goal, this story of a high school wrestling tournament offers four ways to help any team reach their goal in the face of adversity.

First, let me set the stage…

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Topics: Success Stories, Fundraising, Major Gifts, Annual Campaign, Donor Communications, Campaign Leadership, Financial Development, Purpose, Annual Fundraising, Fundraising Management, End Of Year, Planning, Fundraising Campaign, Development, Preparation

AUGUST IS NATIONAL MAKE-A-WILL MONTH

August is Make-A-Will Month. What an opportunity for your organization to raise awareness about the importance of estate planning!

Using the concept of "Make-A-Will" to encourage donors can be a powerful strategy for your planned giving and endowment programs. Here are several ideas you can implement this month to capture donors' attention on this important topic.

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Topics: Fundraising, Endowment, Nonprofit Leadership, Endowment Development, Strategy, Planning, Estate Planning, Planned Giving, Development

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

THE REVERSE BOARD JOB DESCRIPTION

Posted by Kellie Wardman

A CEO once said to me, “I would like us to have a conversation with one of my new board members.”

“Of course,” I said. “What would you like to talk about?”

“He wants to know what he is going to get from being on my board,” she said. “And I have never had anyone ask me that before!”

The CEO was intrigued.


Change Your Perspective on Boards

Typically, when non-profits are recruiting board members, they discuss the gifts, skills, and experience different volunteers might contribute to the organization. What time, talent, and treasure might they bring?

But what if instead we talk through what the volunteers will get from being on the board? Volunteers typically gain satisfaction from helping a community. They feel good about using their skills toward greater good.


A New Board Job Description

Imagine a reverse job description. Consider one that stresses what board members will receive from being part of your organization.

What would yours say?

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Topics: Board Development, Fundraising, Nonprofit Leadership, Strategy, Board Leadership, Planning, Campaign Planning, CEO Coaching

CLICK RESET

Posted by Thom Peters

Those of you who love high-brow films most certainly didn’t miss the 2006 Adam Sandler classic, “Click.” In it, a workaholic husband and father finds a universal TV remote that allows him to fast forward and rewind parts of his life. Complications ensue.

While I admit I enjoyed the movie, it was the premise that captured my interest. What if we could reset our lives with the click of a button (complications not included)?

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Topics: Learning, Fundraising, Case For Support, Positioning Campaign, Change, Nonprofit Leadership, Strategy, Board Leadership, Planning, Campaign Planning, Attitude, Ideas, Covid

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