Failure to close your first gift, regardless of its size, is one of the biggest obstacles to your success in creating partnerships.  Of course, at first we need time and spaciousness with people to explore our respective interests and where they may meet. But we generally wait too long to invite people to join with [...]

As a young fundraiser, I was taught the most effective way to ask was to use these words: “Would you like to consider a gift of $xx….” Over the years, as my approach has developed to be partnership-focused than sales-focused, I realized this “ask line” was off the mark. And I likely left a lot [...]

The dates are set for the next Exponential Fundraising workshop:  May 5 and 6 in New York City. Since they are highly interactive and aimed at ensuring a rich and stimulating exchange of ideas among a diverse group of peers, only a small number of spaces are available (no more than 15 participants).  To contact [...]

This was my first post. It remains one of my favorite messages to share. At his TED talk this year, David Brooks said over 90% of what we hear doesn’t come through words. Yet another reason why that whole ‘behind a desk’ just doesn’t work. My first job out of college, 23 years ago, was [...]

For years I believed the weathered fundraising maxim that Job One was to convince and convert people to the mission of my specific project. Then they’d give. Then they’d get involved.  What I’ve discovered over the years, though, is that it’s after people write a check that they really start to get involved.  People discover [...]

First, remember that right now at least 25% of your prospective partners are ready to be solicited.  If you are not asking them formally to join you, consider what’s stopping you. More often than not, it’s simple fear of rejection.  If you’ve laid the groundwork and been open and clear, the solicitation is a natural step in the relationship. [...]

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 [...]

When I was a new fundraisier, one of the first things my boss told me was that the average cultivation period for a major gift is 12-18 months. “Take your time,” he said. “Get to know people.  Get them fully convinced about what we do. Then make the ask.” This sounded reasonable to my very green [...]