The Fundraising Framework Blog

The Nonprofit Professional’s Source for Encouragement and Inspiration

Advanced Strategies for Adding Prospective Donor Names to Your Database advice how to more donors tip Apr 25, 2022

 We talked about “Namestorming” as a strategy for adding prospective donors to your database. This article expands on the “networking” advice given previously. Truly networking is the most effective way to build a database. What does it look like? 

1. The...
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An Easy to Avoid Capital Campaign Mistake advice capital campaigns communications fundraising Apr 18, 2022

Easy to Avoid Capital Campaign Mistake

Capital campaigns are wrought with land mines. Whether it’s selecting the right ask amount or setting the right timeline some mistakes can temporarily or permanently de-rail your campaign. There is one mistake that I see time and time again which is...

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Confessions of a Development Director: I Hide Behind My Email advice confessions of a development director fundraising personal development Apr 11, 2022

Confessions of a Development Director: I Hide Behind My Email

 

In this series, entitled "Confessions of a Development Director," I share with you emails between real-life development directors and me about the struggles they don't want their boss to know they have. My email inbox is a...

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How To Raise Money for Your Emergency Appeal appeal appeals communications fundraising Apr 04, 2022

 Thanks to several of you who reached out to me following the article I wrote last week criticizing emergency appeals. Several people asked for some clarification. I came off strongly opposed to emergency appeals, but I do understand there is sometimes you need to send an emergency appeal. ...

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Nobody Cares About Your Emergency Appeal appeals capital campaigns communications fundraising Mar 28, 2022

That's right... I said it... Nobody Cares About Your Emergency

Your need to close your funding gap… NOT an emergency. 
Your need to offer students scholarships… NOT an emergency. 
Your need to fund blankets for Christmas… NOT an emergency.

COVID on the other hand...

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Free Download: Simple Fundraising Appeal Template advice appeals diy free download fundraising how to resources Mar 21, 2022

So it’s time to write an appeal letter for your nonprofit. You sit down and look at a blank page. Ugh… hate that feeling.

Well, at least for your next appeal, you don’t have to worry!

After last week's post - 10 Tips to Raise More Money With Your Next Fundraising Appeal...

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10 Tips to Raise More Money With Your Next Fundraising Appeal appeals ask-to-touchpoint ratio fundraising how to tip Mar 14, 2022

 Tip 1: Merge Fields Are Your Friend

There is absolutely no excuse to not mail merge letters or merge in someone’s first name into an email. This technology has been around for two decades and is commonplace with all email services. You can even do it in Gmail using third-party plugins...

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Breaking Down the Grant Application - Part 2 advice appeals diy grants how to Mar 07, 2022

This is part two of a two-part series walking you through a typical grant application. Part 1 can be found by CLICKING HERE

In last week's article, we discussed the common sections of a grant application: the nonprofit's general information, an executive summary, a statement...

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Breaking Down the Grant Application - Part 1 advice appeals diy grants how to Feb 28, 2022

This is part one of a two-part series walking you through a typical grant application. Part two can be found here

If you want to write for grants, it will only take you two or three applications to see a pattern emerging of what the potential funders are looking to gather. Typically, a...

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Ask Kevin: Technology to Increase Fundraising advice fundraising just ask kevin technology Feb 21, 2022

 Ask Kevin: “Technology to Increase Fundraising”

In this series, I answer questions from my audience. To submit a question, email me at: [email protected]. You will get a prompt response, and in some cases, I will also eventually outline a more in-depth response on my...

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The Surprising Major Donor Question I Always Ask major gifts personal finance Feb 14, 2022

The Surprising Major Donor Question I Always Ask

Since 2010 or so, every time I am part of a major donor appeal, I ask the millionaire (or billionaire) one question…. and it’s not what you think.

I ask every donor I have ever solicited a $25,000+ gift,
“At what point did you...
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Does Your Fundraising House Need a Remodel? When to Hire a General Contractor vs. DIY diy how to project management Feb 07, 2022

With Google, YouTube, and the blogosphere, it’s easier than ever to DIY just about everything. Fundraising is no different. I often encourage clients to Google things and use the internet to help them brainstorm or overcome hurdles. What I do find, however, is that there is great...

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