Fundraising is Beautiful

Dec 17, 2013

Understanding the problem can lead us to the solution. Here are four of the most important causes of donor attrition:

1. Increased competition -- more organizations are asking.
2. Donors are consolidating their giving -- more money going to fewer organizations.
3. Generational change: Boomers are rapidly replacing the...

Dec 3, 2013

Keeping your donors means developing relationships -- two-way "conversations" with each donor about your cause. Follow this simple framework, and you'll keep more donors for longer:

1. Ask often and well.
2. Thank promptly and well.
3. Report back on the impact of the donor's giving.
4. Repeat the first three steps over and...

Nov 12, 2013

Donor retention is down across the fundraising industry. Here are five of the most common causes of donor attrition -- and what you can do to overcome them:

1. Poor receipting
2. Not enough communication
3. Not enough reporting back
4. Online and offline communications out of sync
5. Acquisition and cultivation out of sync

The good...

Sep 11, 2013

How much fundraising is too much? How much is too little? There's no single right answer to these questions, but we can help you move toward what's best for your organization.

If you increase your number of appeals, you will see more net revenue, and improved donor retention. Really! Embrace this truth, and throw off...

Aug 15, 2013

Five quick, easy-to-understand, easy-to-implement pieces of advice that have transformed our work over the years:

1. Donors fund outcomes, not processes.
2. If you like it, it probably won't work.
3. There are many best practices in fundraising that will probably work for you.
4. Sell the sizzle, not the steak.
5. Fundraising is good...