Getting a new donor can take years; it also takes a lot of patience, persistence and resilience to keep smiling when obstacles and setbacks appear along the way.

The more confident you are, the more likely you are to clinch a deal that is a win-win for both sides. Gaining confidence means taking the time and finding a lot of reasons to connect and to create and build the relationship, co-creating a shared vision.
[Read more…]

You’ve been after a key donor for two years now. You’ve called more than 50 times and have had over 10 meetings with them, you’ve sent them over 100 emails, you’ve prepared and adapted the proposal several times, sent birthday wishes every year, and have done them a big favor. But the donor still says no. What does that feel like? Obviously, getting donors to Yes is the goal of any fundraiser.

Use the 7 keys for getting donors past “No” and to the “Yes”

[Read more…]

As we celebrated the Independence of the United States of America this past 4th of July, I was reminded just how important fundraising was (and is) in the formation and nourishment of our private, non-profit organizations. Especially in the realm of post-secondary education.
[Read more…]

No–not dirty dancing. No–not flash dancing.

And, no–not “dancing with the devil in the pale moonlight” (Batman, 1989).

What I am referring to here is the dance between fundraising professional and donor. That’s right, the BIG DANCE. The one where you are present, open, and flexible. The one with JOY. The one with BEAUTY. The one where MAGIC happens.
[Read more…]