When it comes to your donor marketing where is your focus? On the head or the heart? Today we look at the power of both emotional and rational marketing appeals and learn why they work and why they might not. Continue reading Head vs. Heart Marketing: Which One Wins With Your Donors?
Top 5 Webinars: Do Your Job Better With Advice From These Fundraising Experts
If you missed any of our webinars or would like a refresher, here are the five highest-rated presentations to enjoy.Continue reading Top 5 Webinars: Do Your Job Better With Advice From These Fundraising Experts
9 Key Data Points for Finding Your Planned Giving Prospects
What data points do you examine to uncover the propensity to give, particularly when it comes to planned giving? Here are the top 9. Continue reading 9 Key Data Points for Finding Your Planned Giving Prospects
6 Ways Planned Giving Scares Your Donors (And How You Can Ease Their Fears)
Whether you’re a fundraiser guiding your donors through a tricky situation, or a donor scared to look their future (and death) in the eye—let’s face it—planned giving can be a bit frightening. Here are six reasons donors often feel scared about committing to a planned gift and what you can do to ease their fears. Continue reading 6 Ways Planned Giving Scares Your Donors (And How You Can Ease Their Fears)
How to Secure a Budget for Planned Giving (Psst: It Pays for Itself)
Budget season brings all kinds of stress…not to mention an obsession with Excel formulas and Google presentations. But, with 2023 on the horizon, it pays—apologies for the pun—to think critically about budgets. It’s especially savvy to lay out a strategy for securing a budget for planned giving marketing. Continue reading How to Secure a Budget for Planned Giving (Psst: It Pays for Itself)
Be First in 2023! The Case for Fundraising Early.
When it comes to fundraising, the assumption has always been that January would be a waste of marketing dollars. I made the same assumption, but then a few years ago I had an interesting conversation with a colleague of mine. Continue reading Be First in 2023! The Case for Fundraising Early.
Avoid These 10 Common Mistakes When Making the Ask
You want to make an ask that encourages action. You want a “yes.” To get there, avoid a few common mistakes. Continue reading Avoid These 10 Common Mistakes When Making the Ask
Recession-Proof Your Fundraising with These 3 Proven Strategies
In periods of high inflation or market uncertainty, donors of all demographics are likely to become more strategic about their giving. Help your organization navigate this economic instability with these tips. Continue reading Recession-Proof Your Fundraising with These 3 Proven Strategies
This One Word Describes the Best Fundraising Stories
Storytelling is a powerful tool. In his 2022 series, “The Storytelling Fundraiser”, Dr. Russell James tells us that, “compelling fundraising story does something special. It leads to giving.” Here’s the one word you need to make your stories compelling. Continue reading This One Word Describes the Best Fundraising Stories
[Special Update] New CGA Rates Released
The American Council on Gift Annuities has released a new schedule of suggested maximum gift annuity rates for gifts established on or after July 1, 2022. Get all the details from our senior gift planning consultant, Lynn M. Gaumer, J.D.Continue reading [Special Update] New CGA Rates Released
As Supply Chain Woes Continue, Smart Marketers Are Doing This
Supply chain hurdles don’t define everyone’s decisions. Marketers who plan and remain flexible are successfully navigating this moment. Here are the secrets to their success. Continue reading As Supply Chain Woes Continue, Smart Marketers Are Doing This
Yes, You Can Measure ROI in Planned Giving. Here’s How.
Certainly, securing planned gifts is critical—and fundamental—to your nonprofit’s sustainability, but planned giving is also about cultivation. Here’s how successful programs measure ROI. Continue reading Yes, You Can Measure ROI in Planned Giving. Here’s How.
The #1 Mistake in Fundraising Is…
Have you ever heard the fundraising suggestion, listen your way to the gift? Today we help you avoid the critical mistake of rushing your donor. Continue reading The #1 Mistake in Fundraising Is…
How to Share Comfort and Condolences with Someone Who’s Grieving
At some point in your career, you’ll likely be working with a supporter who has just lost a loved one. It’s never easy to know what to do or say. For times like these, I offer a few helpful resources. Continue reading How to Share Comfort and Condolences with Someone Who’s Grieving