Blogs and Vlogs


Increase Non-Profit Sponsor Support from Local Businesses

Cause Marketing and Your Case for Giving Today’s blog features Savannah business leaders and ran first in the Savannah Morning News. Click here. In 2003 a former marketing professional from Colgate-Palmolive joined the non-profit board where I worked. Jim Emery … read more

Do You Know an Idea Fairy?

  Transform Glitter to Gold with Free Download   Download: Fundraising Appeals   Idea Fairies Have you ever had an idea fairy on your board? You know, someone who waves a wand at the staff, sprinkles sparkly ideas onto the … read more

This Ancient Practice Will Increase Your Fundraising!

As a consultant, I’m often brought in to discuss major gift strategies or capital campaigns. Soon, however, I’m asked about social media appeals, end-of-year letters, and event sponsorships. In other words, I’m asked, “How can our nonprofit organization target specific … read more

Almost Gone: How a New Donor Was Nearly Lost

7 Steps to Ensure New Donors Can Easily Find You and Make a Gift “Phoenicia,” the older gentleman said, “I’m glad I finally reached you. I called the main number, and the lady who answered doesn’t know you. In fact, … read more

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!

Take Time to Write Down Your Recipe for Next Year’s Fundraising! I have been appointed the keeper of the dressing recipe from Mom. (See the print out beside the bowl.) My two sisters taste as I mix and say over … read more

Habits of Happy Donors

Several years ago, I offered to return a six-figure gift to a generous donor. Here’s what happened. True Story The gift was spontaneous, made in a moment of joyful appreciation but without input from the fundraising staff. Restricted completely, the … read more

Are You Ready for This Soaring Major Donor Trend?

Understanding Donor Advised Funds One of the fastest growing vehicles used by major donors today is the Donor Advised Fund or DAF. Why do Donor Advised Funds Matter? The number of DAF’s has surged to 300,000 in the past eight … read more

Donors Look for Outcomes, Not Financial Advice

Why I Recommend Not Recommending Bunching & Bundling As we near year-end, here’s my advice: Don’t mention “bundling” or “bunching.” What is Bunching or Bundling? The concept of philanthropic “bundling” or “bunching” is simple: Donors “bunch” together several years of … read more

Savvy Fundraisers Anticipate This Question

Amid the excitement and joy created by renderings and beautiful pictures, a  single, sincere, and serious voice rose above all others: “How much will the new building add to our operating costs in terms of personnel and other expenses?” (Her … read more