Rules of Solicitation: The Script
After only 10 minutes into the conversation, the prospect said, “I am satisfied that you have met all the requirements for fundraising success that I requested several months ago. I’m ready to sign and pledge $2 million dollars to this effort.” The two solicitors looked at each other in disbelief. Carefully scripted, they were preparedRead More Rules of Solicitation: The Script
Learning the Language
By Mark Belcher, Partner After more than 20 years of working in and with various types of development organizations – higher ed, research, hospitals, etc. – one thing I have come to appreciate is that there is more often than not a considerable gap translating our work into the language of business operations. As is alsoRead More Learning the Language
Engaging Generation Z
By Project Manager, Heather Thornton Recently, my teenage cousin came for a short visit. She is an amazing kid – smart, funny, engaging…so much so that I sometimes forget I am dealing with a 15-year old and not an older, more mature person. I would say that she represents a fairly typical Gen Zer, thoseRead More Engaging Generation Z
Leave A Legacy
“I’d like to buy the world a home and furnish it with love…I’d like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony…” I was reminded of those lines from a 1971 Coca-Cola ad as I read an article in Planned Giving Today about ‘Leave A Legacy.’ Now, I know I’m showing my age withRead More Leave A Legacy
Don’t Treat Your Board Chair And Campaign Chair Like This!
A previous blog offered suggestions on how to aggravate your board in four easy steps. Following up on that post, I’ve received suggestions on how to not only tick off your board chair but your campaign chair as well. Some of these came from chairs that we have worked with throughout the years. It broughtRead More Don’t Treat Your Board Chair And Campaign Chair Like This!
Crowdfunding: The Ask of the Future or Just Another Tool in the Tool Belt?
By Katie MacKenzie, Project Coordinator Crowdfunding. Every week on my various social media feeds, I see at least one or two Kickstarter, GoFundMe, or Indiegogo-type pleas for fundraising support. Some of the causes are noble – supporting a medical mission trip to Haiti, assisting underserved students in need of new classroom supplies – while othersRead More Crowdfunding: The Ask of the Future or Just Another Tool in the Tool Belt?
Young Alumni Giving
A few months ago I attended my five year high school reunion and a few weeks after that I got my first solicitation to the alumni fund call. I was shocked to think back and realize this was the first time my high school was soliciting me for a gift of any kind. And toRead More Young Alumni Giving
How Do You Present?
By Heather Thornton, Project Manager Recently, I dressed up for my first “picture day” in over 10 years, as the firm is updating our website’s company photos. This time, instead of excitedly pulling on the brand-new thoughtfully purchased and carefully laid out outfit (bought by my mom) and waiting in line with other classmates whileRead More How Do You Present?
Donor Contact: Make It Personal
A recent conversation with an alumna of a public university in the east illustrated to me how a variety of contact methods can be used effectively. She is an international businesswoman in the Los Angeles area being courted by one of the leading private universities there as a potential trustee and eight-figure donor. A deanRead More Donor Contact: Make It Personal
Dancing With A Donor’s Ego: A How To
By Jarrad Howard, Campaign Strategy Study Coordinator In a meeting with a potential donor, whether they are a new donor or a constant supporter of your organization, I have found that these meetings are never one-on-one. The parties in attendance are always you, your donor…and your donor’s ego. Although uninvited, the ego is ever presentRead More Dancing With A Donor’s Ego: A How To