Development Department

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Noah Maier

Systems Fundraisers and Rolodex Fundraisers

Every project will have solicitors - sometimes paid, sometimes volunteer, sometimes you, who will help us bring in more donors. Finding and managing these solicitors is a challenge in itself. In the professional class you’ll find two subcategories of fundraiser - the rolodex fundraiser and the systems fundraiser. Rolodex fundraisers keep

Attending Fundraising Events

Attending social gatherings can be a fantastic method for increasing the resource pool of your nonprofit. Of course, it’s not as simple as being present at these functions; there’s a lot more to consider. Set Goals Before setting foot in any event, familiarize yourself with the attendees and

Creating a Fundraising Plan

A fundraising plan serves as your roadmap to success— a compass directing your efforts, making each step intentional and significant. This document embodies your dedication, capturing your thoughts, ideas, and commitment to the cause. Without a plan, you risk being adrift in uncertainty. Even well-intentioned efforts can lose direction,

A Brief History of Professional Charity

The history of charity is as old as human civilization itself, and the act of helping those in need is virtually universal. Thus, this post is far from a comprehensive history. It does cover a few major points that may be helpful as you seek to understand a bit more

Creating Strong Donor Communities

Building a community is not just about creating connections; it also serves as an antidote to loneliness. As social beings, humans naturally desire connection, but societal structures often prioritize individualism, leading to feelings of isolation. Loneliness can breed unhappiness, which contradicts our potential as people. Communities, whether formed around a

Following Up

The quality of relationships, not merely their quantity, shape your journey. Several years ago, my boss asked me to visit a younger donor. His father was a famous venture capitalist but only gave a small check every year. With little hope of improving our relationship, my employer - a civil rights

Saying Thank You (Stewardship and Recognition)

No one is more famous for customer service than the Ritz-Carlton. The chain of hotels has built a reputation so stunning that I feel confident in shamelessly copying them to build my stewardship and recognition plans. Building these plans is important and almost always overlooked. They matter less if

Honoring Commitments

When someone makes a promise, it is essential for them to follow through. This is a matter of justice. As fundraisers, we sometimes make excuses for donors, especially if we feel uncomfortable asking for funds. However, it’s important to remember that what may be our top priority is likely

Myths About Asking for Money

Myth: Asking for money is rude or pushy. Truth: Fundraising is about inviting people to make a difference and be part of something meaningful. When done with respect and authenticity, asking for money becomes an opportunity for individuals to contribute to a cause they care about. Myth: People don’t

Asking

We have a prospect list. We’ve qualified it. We’ve decided on a strategy, and we’re moving forward with a list of people. Now is the time to ask. I’ve been on both ends of countless pitches from nonprofits. All (well, ok, most of them) were brilliant