Blog Posts

Who doesn't love receiving a major gift? Especially when your nonprofit has been working hard to meet fundraising goals and expand programs. But what happens when a donor offers a substantial contribution with restrictions that conflict with your organization's mission or values? Sometimes, the best fundraising decision is to decline a gift. When a $100,000 Gift Comes With Conditions A nonprofit was approached by a potential donor who wanted to make a $100,000 contribution. T

How many times have you heard, "We need more donors!" from your board or executive director? Nonprofits spend considerable time and resources acquiring new donors. But what happens after someone makes a contribution? Does your organization send a thank-you letter and then move on to the next event or grant? Do you have a written stewardship plan to keep donors informed and engaged? As I've shared over the years, strong stewardship is the foundation of successful fundraising.

Fundraising professionals have a reputation for changing jobs frequently. When a development director leaves after 18 months or a major gifts officer moves to another organization after two years, nonprofit leaders often place blame on the fundraiser. Maybe the better question is: What is happening inside the organization? Research from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and The Chronicle of Philanthropy found that 51% of fundraisers said they were likely