by Michael Friedline | Jan 17, 2019 | Cultivation, Donor Communications, Fundraising Management
You are done fundraising for 2018. There is nothing now that you can do to bring in any more donations. Whether it was a good year or bad, it’s time to focus on 2019 and what you can do better in the new year. So, here are some suggested priorities to work on in...
by Michael Friedline | Nov 15, 2018 | Cultivation, Solicitation
These are the most important 6-7 weeks of the entire year for every non-profit. Donors are programmed to give on a calendar year basis. Most annual giving comes in the last quarter of the year. And, most donors review what they have done and make final giving...
by Michael Friedline | Oct 31, 2018 | Attitude and Approach, Cultivation
When you start your new non-profit job as a Major Gift Officer, Development Director or even the new CEO you have an amazing opportunity to set the tone on your tenure with your donors and board members in the first few months.Don’t get distracted or bogged down...
by Michael Friedline | Sep 11, 2018 | Fundraising Management
No matter when your fiscal year ends, for donors, the focus in always Dec. 31st. People typically set their giving goals based on the calendar year. In October or early Nov., they start thinking more about their donations, wanting to know what they have already given...
by Michael Friedline | Aug 15, 2018 | Cultivation
Too little is written on CULTIVATION, the process of getting a donor ready to be solicited. It is often not a priority for many non-profits. They seem to only reach out to their donors when they need more money. The idea of taking the time to educate and inspire...
by Michael Friedline | Jul 26, 2018 | Attitude and Approach, Donor Communications, Fundraising Management
The greatest challenge for a Development Director or Major Gifts Officer is working for an organization that is not effectively or reliably executing its programs. This is because major donors today see themselves investing in projects and programs more than simply...
by Michael Friedline | Jul 12, 2018 | Donor Communications, Fundraising Management, Solicitation
In the 1970’s fund raising using mass mailings really took off. Back then, people still looked forward to receiving a letter. There was far less junk mail to contend with, and we tended to believe what was written. Non-profits purchased lists of proven donors that...
by Michael Friedline | Jan 29, 2018 | Cultivation
First gifts rarely come easily or frequently. You can’t take them for granted. Most of the time, the new donor is waiting to see how they will be treated (appreciated and informed) before they give again. To maximize your opportunity to gain a new donor, you must...
by Michael Friedline | Oct 18, 2017 | Solicitation
Research and experts alike tell you that for the typical non-profit, MAJOR GIFTS account for about 80% of donations and are given by about 15-20% of your active donors. Most of us that have gone into non-profit work are not match wizards, but it’s pretty easy to see...
by Michael Friedline | Sep 28, 2017 | Attitude and Approach, Cultivation
One of the best resources for any non-profit organization are the donors who give a set amount each month. It might be just $10, $25, $50, or even $100. It arrives like clockwork, and typically comes completely unrestricted, allowing you to use it where you need it...
