Anyone who is a sports fan understands the power of momentum. Consider the race in which a runner in the pack suddenly starts gaining ground only to surpass each opponent in the final stretch. Or the basketball team that seemingly catches fire unable to miss a shot as they build their lead toward victory. According …
Do you wake up each morning wondering how bigger, more established organizations are able to raise more funds year in and year out? In my decades working with nonprofits that range in size, the toughest hurdle to making and sustaining the step up in size and impact comes down to vision. If you truly believe …
As of the end of the third quarter of 2022, the stock market had dropped close to 33% in value for the year. Inflation has been hovering above 8% and internationally the conflict in Eastern Europe has not helped to calm the markets. Times of economic uncertainty or instability affect donors in different ways. Smaller …
Henry Ford once said, “Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.” Imagine if you work for an organization that never takes the time to set goals in the first place. If so, you could be in the unenviable position where everything you do could be an obstacle …
2022 has shaped up to be a challenging year for many nonprofits. The jump in inflation has taken a toll on many organizations as they have seen reliable income from traditional donors drop off year over year. This is not the first time unforeseen economic circumstances has had a negative effect on philanthropy and it …
Ensure a Strong Future While Addressing Current Challenges Read More »
Events have always been an important tool when developing a Major Gifts program. Fundraising is always about developing strong relationships with donors and if you hope to move them up the giving pyramid, an in-person relationship is always preferable to engagement solely through the mail or email communications. A letter will never allow you to …
Whenever I meet with a new client, I ask them to fill out a questionnaire that identifies strengths and weaknesses in their fund raising program. Some of the most important questions in the questionnaire have nothing to do with actual fund raising but, rather, are more focused on how well the organization communicates with its …
The third principle in Robert Cialdini’s book Influence that is worth considering is Social Proof. This is the principle that states, “We view a behavior as more correct in a given situation to the degree that we see others performing it.” I’m sure you’ve utilized this principle in your own decision making. For example, if …
The Psychology of Solicitation Part III: Social Proof Read More »
”What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet” These words from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet come to mind when considering the value of offering a naming opportunity as an incentive for fundraising. Shakespeare’s reference makes clear that names have value and that, as in the …
The second principle in Robert Cialdini’s bestselling book Influence to consider is Consistency and Commitment. This principle states, “Once people make a decision, take a stand or perform an action, they will face an interpersonal pressure to behave in a consistent manner with what they have said or done previously”. One example he uses to …
The Psychology Of Solicitation Part II: Consistency and Commitment Read More »