Noah Maier

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, diluting

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

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

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

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 you&

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

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

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

Moves Management is, in the words of Bill Sturtevandt, “the seminal conceptual accomplishment in the field of major gifts fundraising”. It is the brainchild of Cornell’s Buck Smith, and was refined by the brilliant fundraisers David Dunlop and Jerry Panas. It is a framework for thinking about how to

Understanding the nuances of different types of non-profit and political organizations in the United States, such as 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), Political Action Committees (PACs), and Super PACs, can be a daunting task. These designations come from the Internal Revenue Code and they refer to the sections of