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...

 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. ...

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...

 Ask Kevin: “How Do I Make A Communication Calendar?”

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...

Prepare to Make Next Year Your Best Fundraising Year Yet

1. Prep Your Annual Summary of Giving Receipts

I recommend organizations send two tax receipts per gift. The first tax receipt immediately following the donation, within 48 hours (even if someone gives online and receives...

This is part three of a four-part series I am doing on major gift fundraising.

1. Working with major gift officers or consultants
2. The foundations of why major donors give and how to talk with them
3. How to identify major donors for your small to mid-sized nonprofit
4. How to do the major gift ask...

Maximizing Year-End Giving Through Strategic Communications

On the same day as the autumn equinox, I walked through several stores, including Home Depot and Lowes, looking for some outdoor items - only to see the patio furniture has been replaced with… Christmas decorations? I...

“You’re Always Asking for Money” 

Has a donor or friend ever told you “you are always asking for money”? In over a decade, I have never once worked with or for an organization that did not have the “asking too often” concern expressed. Hearing...