If fundraising is an art—the “gentle art of teaching the joy of giving,” as Henry Rosso wrote—then major gift officers are artists. They skillfully build relationships, ask good questions, engage and follow up with donors, and raise transformative gifts for worthy missions. Of course, all great craftsmen require tools. For … Read More

The Ant and the Grasshopper, one of Aesop’s Fables, is the story of the grasshopper who plays and frolics all summer long, while the ant plans and works for the coming winter. Soon enough, along comes the cold weather and the grasshopper is left unprepared and hungry, while the ant … Read More

These suggested practices are provided to assist staff and board members of nonprofit organizations in drafting donor recognition and stewardship guidelines or auditing current guidelines and procedures. Each organization is unique and should adapt these suggestions to reflect its own culture, priorities, and practices. The Thank You and Acknowledgement Guidelines … Read More

Why, What, and How Peer-to-peer events are an amazingly fast-growing source of funding. P2P event fundraising grew 55% in 2015. The top 30 peer fundraising programs alone raised nearly $1,530,000,000 in 2016. Tapping into the deep and wide networks of your supporters make P2P events an excellent way to recruit … Read More

Should you join the board? Whether you are being asked to join the board of an art museum, social service agency, hospice, or any other type of nonprofit, ask yourself these questions.

With consistent application, constant-gentle-pressure creates a culture of accomplishment.

Do you think of seniors (age 65+) as a primary audience for your nonprofit organization? Maybe you should. By 2060, it is estimated that the population of Americans over 65 will climb to 98.2 million – double the estimate in 2015, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. As they age, … Read More

Giving USA 2017: The Annual Report on Philanthropy©, is the longest running, most comprehensive report on philanthropy in America. The Report shows 2016 with steady giving in these uncertain times. Giving rose to $390.05 billion in 2016 contributions, up 2.7% over last year, another record high. This was the seventh … Read More

  The scenario: Mary Smith, a trustee, has given $25,000 consistently for several years.  She’s also a member of the capital campaign steering committee. Today, the major gift officer delivered her signed pledge for $500,000, payable over five years. The donor instructs that the gift should be split between the … Read More

Nothing beats the Olympic games in showcasing the best in teamwork, individual performance and goal achievement. During the XXXI Olympiad in Rio, the United States earned the highest medal count among all participating nations.  According to a post at teamusa.org, our country’s 121 medals “are the most ever for a … Read More