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Thanksgiving Week Calls to your donors

Thanksgiving Week Calls to your donors

I often ask organizations whether they have a stewardship process or a donation receipt procedure. There's a big difference. Of course we must acknowledge the contributions of our supporters. We must send a gift receipt. We must say thank you. If you aren't doing...

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Why the points system works

Why the points system works

When I was starting out in my career as a fundraiser I attended a seminar with Jerry Panas. Jerry is an inspiration, and inspiring people are often associated with "big picture" ideas. At that seminar, though, Jerry shared something so incredibly basic and practical....

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What makes a great fundraiser?

What makes a great fundraiser?

What makes a great fundraiser? As a consultant with more than a decade of professional experience, more than a thousand donor meetings, and millions of dollars raised, I am often asked by non profit executives and board members, "what makes a great fundraiser?"  When...

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Two months to go

Two months to go

It's November 1st.  We're down to the final two months of the year.  What other gifts are on the table you can close before the end of the year? Actually you have less than 2 months.  You're probably not going to have many donor visits Thanksgiving week.  And...

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