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We all know that new donors are the most expensive to acquire. We also know that getting that first time donor to give again is difficult! With one-time donors hovering around 60%, nonprofits are leaving a lot of time and money on the table. Adrian Sargeant says “a 10% increase in donor retention can increase the lifetime…

I started my career in fundraising by working with institutional funders. I truly enjoy working with foundations and corporations. It’s a great balance of articulating the organization’s work through a proposal and building effective relationships with program officers. I want to share some of the things I’ve learned over the years raising funds from institutional funders: Keep…

Recently, there have been a number of local job postings for Development Directors. As I mentioned in a previous post, this is no surprise as the turnover in this field is high. A few weeks ago, I talked with one Executive Director of a nonprofit that is still in its infancy. Luckily, she had the…

Through this blog, I hope to provide you interesting perspectives, information, and inspiration. On a weekly basis, I find my own inspiration from leaders in the nonprofit field. If you don’t already follow this people, I would recommend that you check them out: Veritus Group – Richard and Jeff are the masterminds behind this consulting…

While meeting with a potential client earlier this week, I was asked what I really love to do.  As someone who has often been in a one-stop-development-shop, I have done nearly every area of fundraising. But just like most people I have preferences and strengths. After reflecting on this question a bit, I can confidently…

With many nonprofits starting their fiscal year on July 1, I thought it would be good to discuss budgeting. I know one executive director that loudly sighs when she talks about budgeting. Budgeting shouldn’t be a chore but an opportunity! Budgets reflect priorities. Think about that. Your budget tells the world – your board, staff,…

I’ve been there. Your organization desperately needs you. You work long hours. You work evening and weekend events. Your health, sleep, and family time takes a toll. Finally, you dread going to work. It’s not because you don’t like the work or the mission of your organization. You’re just burned out. And you’re not alone.…

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the AFP New Orleans Conference last week. The conference was headlined by Kim Klein of Klein & Roth Consulting and Jen Love of Agents of Good. These two women are inspiring. Jen Love (her name is so fitting) is one of the champions behind the #donorlove movement. If you’re…

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