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35 years ago, when I became tge first Director of Development at St Leonards College in Melbourne Australia, everyone said – we are in a recession – this is no time to run a Capital Campaign. I forged on and have been running Capital Campaigns ever since. It is wonderful to see you develop this art and science into such a respected profession Amy – I applaud your leadership, and have so much to learn from you.
The Major Gifts Challenge is back and new and improved. Commit just a few hours each week and you'll be raising major gifts in no time! Watch this video.
Thanks for this Amy. Any tips on how to work with a board that has never donated to the org? And where expectations of board participation in fundraising were never set from the onset of recruitment?
Great post, great advice! Another suggestion, if you’re working on a long piece is: so hallway through something. That way, when you come back the next day, you are on a roll straightaway.
Great piece, Amy! Love the idea of ‘Make America Kind Again, a.k.a. MAKA. Maybe we could start this desperately needed movement!! Also, #9… think like the recipient of the message; what would they want to hear and how do you want to make them feel or respond to your message. Finally… what to do when writer’s block hits– how I wish I could take my computer into the shower!
In stressful times for you and your nonprofit, it's essential to focus on what you can control and get a grip on what you can't. Here are some helpful tips.
I so enjoy your inspirational blogs, Amy. Especially today’s. Thank you for your dedication to keeping us centered during challenging times and focusing in on what matters most. Thank you for sharing your bad-ass-ness with all of us!
When I was in my early 30’s, I was a Development Director, and would meet with a Program Director 20 years older than me to go over things. If the meeting was in her office, she would sit behind her big desk, and point out a chair. If you sat in it, you sunk very low due to the very-used cushion. However, you were at a low vantage point and had to look up at her!
Hi Amy, Congratulations on all those milestones and great thinking. I enjoyed this post and appreciate all of the advice. I hope you have a wonderful year in 2025, and it brings all the best that changes can provide.
Hi Amy, I agree 100% in the power of TOV (tone of voice) and POV (point of view) in communicating effectively; they’re critical. We’re looking to raise major gifts and new donors this year. I have a prospect list, but I’d like to approach and communicate with them in the most strategic and thoughtful way. Can you help us develop a plan for this?
The Major Gifts Challenge is back and new and improved. Commit just a few hours each week and you'll be raising major gifts in no time! Watch this video.
The Major Gifts Challenge is back and new and improved. Commit just a few hours each week and you'll be raising major gifts in no time! Watch this video.
I found this article extremely useful! Thanks for sharing Amy! Now, I want to share this with friends and family and with family members set our goals for 2025!!
You are so amazing and energetic and goal-oriented that you’ve really inspired me to announce my (much more modest) goals more openly with friends. Thanks for helping all of us!
Just want to say “thank you, Amy” for the inspiration this past year, when I was part of the Raising Major Gifts training. I always find your words inspiring and encouraging, and that really helps my day-to-day efforts. Happy New Year!
We have a problem, today, with a non-profit board. We temporarily hired a president for 12 months with a 6 month evaluation timeframe. This date passed and when board members were questioned, the situation was rebuffed. Again, this man who is not competent and is corrupt, is not being ‘evaluated’ He is a bully and frightens people. Now the ‘messenger’, maybe today, will be asked to leave -vote could be 5 to 5.
Very motivating, thank you, Amy! There’s a saying that has been running through my brain: Don’t mourn, organize. I’m now thinking, Don’t mourn, fundraise!
Hi Amy, I am transitioning back to major gifts from grants and trust development. I am committing myself to raising major gifts and achieving fame and fortune for my organisation. I am so happy I came across this exciting and useful program!
Hi Amy Yes, voting is such a privilege. In Australia, it is compulsory to vote at all elections: local, state and at a national level. People around the world are watching your election with much interest. Thanks for posting and encouraging others to exercise their right to vote.
The Major Gifts Challenge is back and new and improved. Commit just a few hours each week and you'll be raising major gifts in no time! Watch this video.
The Major Gifts Challenge is back and new and improved. Commit just a few hours each week and you'll be raising major gifts in no time! Watch this video.
With a tumultuous election season, multiple natural disasters and other worldwide conflicts, here are 11 ways fundraisers and nonprofit leaders can de-stress.
As I always say about fundraising, one size does not fit all. I think fundraising can be both a cycle and a timeline; perhaps best represented in stacked cycles guiding our relationships with donors depending on the length, amount etc. of their gifts. You are truly pointing out the need to segment your donor base and address the varying communication and stewardship needs of these donors within the segments to deepen the relationships.
Thank you for digging deeper into this! They might be key steps, but as the relationship builds and evolves, this cycle likely evolves into something more tailored. Honestly Amy, I think a lot of burnout and boredom from development professionals stems from the inability to reach beyond traditional ways of thinking and get creative with the donor relationship.
We’ve always described fundraising in the context of a cycle. But what if we’re looking at it the wrong way? Here's a modern look at raising major gifts.
We’ve always described fundraising in the context of a cycle. But what if we’re looking at it the wrong way? Here's a modern look at raising major gifts.
We’ve always described fundraising in the context of a cycle. But what if we’re looking at it the wrong way? Here's a modern look at raising major gifts.
Dear Amy, I am very grateful to have received your gift of two books that I am sure will help us raise more funds for our organization. Thank you so very much! Ann Miller Woodford Founder/Board member One Dozen Who Care, Inc.
I recently learned about the power of women in fundraising. While our perspective in the lower Caribbean may differ, I agree that change is needed. As a woman who fundraises, we deserve equal recognition and trust, regardless of gender. ‘As a woman who has asked for donations, I have encountered many offenses. So gradually on your advice Amy, to commit to empowering my non-profit, I feel more secure.
Women make up the majority of fundraisers, but many of them doubt their fundraising skills. Read this post to learn why you're already an amazing fundraiser.
Please give examples of women-owned business that “serve” the nonprofit sector? This is not a definition that I am familiar with. A publisher of books for hospital personnel? A food service company that supplies local colleges? A clothing manufacturing company that makes uniforms for high school athletic teams? Is this what you mean? I co-founded and ran a $2M+ nonprofit with 22 employees that I built from a $5K loan.
In reply to Pamela Belyea. Hi Pamela – Thanks for your question. I was thinking more along the lines of consulting companies (grant writers, prospect researchers, strategic planners, nonprofit board experts, nonprofit headhunters, etc.) and what I do… capital campaign consulting. I would also include vendors who make donor CRM’s or wealth screening, etc.
It's hard to be a boss in the nonprofit sector. But a little care and concern goes a long way. Here are 6 tips to help you be a better boss to your staff.
The Major Gifts Challenge is back and new and improved. Commit just a few hours each week and you'll be raising major gifts in no time! Watch this video.
Amy, Absolutely loved this article! Especially the part about ditching the brag-worthy tour for a real connection with the impact. Building those authentic relationships, not just shaking hands and asking for money – that’s what makes a difference, right? Thanks for the reminder!
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