Guest blog by Jeff Walker, bio below. Jeffersonian Dinners Create Transformative Connections Imagine being invited to a dinner in 1819 with Thomas Jefferson, President, scientist and writer of the Declaration of Independence.  Participating in a stimulating conversation with guests that he invited because he found them intriguing and interested in similar things as others at [...]

You can’t build a relationship with someone unless there is a commitment.  Relationship is different than an encounter. We have all had both.  We have had wonderful encounters with people, over lunch or a cup of coffee, where we exchange our stories and even share some moments of pure connection. But unless we agree to [...]

“When I heard the learned astronomer; When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me; When I was shown the charts and the diagrams, to add, divide, and measure them; When I, sitting, heard the astronomer, where he lectured with much applause in the lecture-room, How soon, unaccountable, I became tired and sick; [...]

Next week, please join Jeff Walker and me for a conversation on “Exponential
 Fundraising.”  The details of the call and more in-depth description can be
 found here on Katya’s blog:
             http://www.nonprofitmarketingblog.com/comments/ a_peek_inside_the_ideal_fundraiser-philanthropist_relationship/ Also check out my interview with Jeff from this blog
 http://jennifermccrea.com/2010/06/jeff-walker-natural-philanthropy/ for a
 taste of the kinds of things we’ll be [...]

People often ask me if they should involve both spouses/partners in their organizations.  Yes!   Almost without exception, the best course of action is to involve both halves of a couple. As always, when in doubt, put yourself in your donor’s shoes.  Would you make a significant gift without talking with your spouse or partner?  Not likely. We [...]

It’s simple, really. The success of your fundraising rests on four essential criteria. Your organization must have: 1. A STRONG BOARD  Is your board highly committed to giving the time and resources needed to lead your organization to the next level of accomplishment?  Can all of your board members articulate, in their own voices, why [...]

My friend Sarah works for a nonprofit that is focused on the environment. Recently, I asked her why she was so passionate about her work. Her answer surprised and thrilled me.  She said, quite simply, “I am for a healthy and sustainable planet.” What’s so thrilling about that answer you may wonder. Seems logical enough.  But many [...]

I just got back from a silent retreat. While it was held at a Zen meditation center, the object wasn’t to learn a meditation technique. The object was, simply, to enjoy silence.  To notice and pay attention to the silence that is inside us and we are inside of, rather than focusing on the noise, on our incessant thinking, that [...]

Always ask for a specific amount. When you ask someone to consider a gift in a range (“Would you consider a gift of $25,000-50,000?”) it may be easier for you, the solicitor, to get the ask out. But it’s simply not as effective.  Mostly, people will give at the lower level, if they give at all. Why?  Two reasons. [...]