We talked about “Namestorming” as a strategy for adding prospective donors to your database. This article expands on the “networking” advice given previously. Truly networking is the most effective way to build a database. What does it look like? 

1. The...

Easy to Avoid Capital Campaign Mistake

Capital campaigns are wrought with land mines. Whether it’s selecting the right ask amount or setting the right timeline some mistakes can temporarily or permanently de-rail your campaign. There is one mistake that I see time and time again which is...

Confessions of a Development Director: I Hide Behind My Email

In this series, entitled "Confessions of a Development Director," I share with you emails between real-life development directors and me about the struggles they don't want their boss to know they have. My email inbox is a...

 Thanks to several of you who reached out to me following the article I wrote last week criticizing emergency appeals. Several people asked for some clarification. I came off strongly opposed to emergency appeals, but I do understand there is sometimes you need to send an emergency appeal. ...

That's right... I said it... Nobody Cares About Your Emergency

Your need to close your funding gap… NOT an emergency. 
Your need to offer students scholarships… NOT an emergency. 
Your need to fund blankets for Christmas… NOT an emergency.

COVID on the other hand...

So it’s time to write an appeal letter for your nonprofit. You sit down and look at a blank page. Ugh… hate that feeling.

Well, at least for your next appeal, you don’t have to worry!

After last week's post - 10 Tips to Raise More Money With Your Next Fundraising Appeal...

 Tip 1: Merge Fields Are Your Friend

There is absolutely no excuse to not mail merge letters or merge in someone’s first name into an email. This technology has been around for two decades and is commonplace with all email services. You can even do it in Gmail using third-party plugins...

This is part two of a two-part series walking you through a typical grant application. Part 1 can be found by CLICKING HERE. 

In last week's article, we discussed the common sections of a grant application: the nonprofit's general information, an executive summary, a statement...

This is part one of a two-part series walking you through a typical grant application. Part two can be found here. 

If you want to write for grants, it will only take you two or three applications to see a pattern emerging of what the potential funders are looking to gather. Typically, a...

 Ask Kevin: “Technology to Increase Fundraising”

In this series, I answer questions from my audience. To submit a question, email me at: [email protected]. You will get a prompt response, and in some cases, I will also eventually outline a more in-depth response on my...

The Surprising Major Donor Question I Always Ask

Since 2010 or so, every time I am part of a major donor appeal, I ask the millionaire (or billionaire) one question…. and it’s not what you think.

I ask every donor I have ever solicited a $25,000+ gift,
“At what point did you...

With Google, YouTube, and the blogosphere, it’s easier than ever to DIY just about everything. Fundraising is no different. I often encourage clients to Google things and use the internet to help them brainstorm or overcome hurdles. What I do find, however, is that there is great...