What do you recommend to strengthen our charity's approach to corporations? Asking businesses for support is often the second default after "let's have a special event!" What you need to remember in your diversified fundraising plan is neither of these...
Our board is very new to fundraising. What would you recommend to support their efforts? The board’s role in fundraising is one of my favourite topics, albeit an evolving one. Times are changing as the development profession matures but many...
We want to improve our donor recognition and stewardship programs. What would you recommend? Thanks for your question; you have chosen one of my favourite topics because it's an area that can make or break your fundraising efforts. I've often...
Why should organizations should consider setting up a monthly giving program? Donors who opt for monthly giving demonstrate a strong commitment to their favourite causes. Not only do they provide regular, predictable income, they are the most likely constituents to...
A major gift prospect recently refused our request — what do you recommend we do now? It's always disheartening when a proposal is refused but I like to remind people that "gifts" cannot be taken for granted. Most of my...
A close friend of mine frequently makes significant gifts to her favourite causes. I sit on the board of a charity; how do I get her to support mine? Last month I began answering our reader's question by addressing steps...
A close friend of mine frequently makes significant gifts to her favourite causes. I sit on the board of a charity; how do I get her to support mine? Ask and you shall receive is a good place to start!...
What should my charity focus on over the summer to strengthen our fundraising program? July and August are good months to refocus your fundraising strategy so you can hit the ground running come the autumn. While June is often taken...
What should I include in our charity's annual report? While the name "annual report" seems self-explanatory, let me just clarify. Corporations (for-profit businesses) need to report to their shareholders annually and outline the preceding year's activities, whereas Canadian charities don't...
Our charity spends a lot of time and energy on special events that don't raise much money. How do we assess their effectiveness? Considering how exhausting special events can be, it's a good plan to evaluate your efforts. Generally speaking,...
