A Story in Four Words: Call Your Lapsed Donors
If someone is assigned to you and they’ve lapsed, they’re not “less important.” They’re just… waiting.
Innovation That Actually Feels Like You
Innovation isn’t about doing something new for the sake of it; it’s about removing friction.
Moving from “I love everything you do” to meaningful donor conversations
Broad support reflects goodwill. Specific connection builds relationship.
Stop Breaking Up with Your Donors: Why Lack of Response Isn’t a Reason to Remove Them from Midlevel
When we remove donors from relationship simply because they haven’t responded to outreach, we risk sending the message that their giving alone isn’t enough to matter.
When Wealth Screening Gets It Wrong: Why Capacity Alone is a Risky Way to Assign Donors
Long-term generosity is built on understanding the donor, not assumptions about them based on a rating system
Sustainers and Midlevel, Part Two: When There’s No Perfect Answer
We propose a hybrid approach to sustaining donors, when there’s no perfect box to put them in.
Sustainers and Midlevel, Part One: Should Monthly Donors Be in Your Relational Program?
Should sustainers be managed in a relational midlevel program, or should they stay in a sustainer program?
What Great Fundraisers Have in Common
Professional fundraisers – the ones who are great – have some skills and traits that all of us should aspire to.
How Unrealistic, Untethered Asks Lose Donors (and Dollar Handles Bring Them In)
When donors can see their role in meeting a need, they’re far more likely to step in – and step up.
Why Big Numbers Lose Donors (and Dollar Handles Bring Them In)
Big numbers describe need. Dollar handles invite participation.
Why Midlevel Officers Deserve Equal Pay
Midlevel officers are often underpaid compared to their MGO counterparts. But they have their own high-level skills and should be paid well when they succeed.
Being New at Year-End: How to Turn It into Your Fundraising Superpower
If you’re new, year-end doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In fact, it’s the best possible time to step into fundraising.
When Capacity Lies (and What It’s Costing You)
Wealth ratings are a tool, not a truth. They can guide your thinking, but they should never replace your instincts, your conversations, or your curiosity.
Great Nonprofit Leaders: How to be one, and how to become one
No matter where you sit, you can choose to be a person with integrity, who seeks clarity, who exhibits courage.
Great Nonprofit Leaders: What We’ve Learned
Good leaders not only strengthen organizations; they also bring out the best in our people.
How to Keep Sane when your Leaders Miss the Mark
Every bad leader is also a teacher, showing us the leader we refuse to become.
When Leadership Misses the Mark
Sadly, not every non-profit leader leaves a legacy of growth, trust, and mission-centered success. Here’s what we’ve seen.
Don’t Just Serve Bacon: Creating Stories of Impact that Actually Inspire
Next time you create a story of impact, try to include something for donors of each of these four types...
No Need to Reinvent the Wheel: Using Ask Letters for Stewardship
Here’s a simple, efficient way to make a meaningful connection with donors without creating additional work.