Annual Campaigns
At the core of every fundraising operation, the annual campaign is both an important source of revenue and the best way to prospect for future major gifts. From the timing of your appeals, to special programming to attract supporters, learn how to build a campaign that keeps donors giving year after year.
Capital Campaigns
Whether for new building construction or any other major long-term investment, these special campaigns are designed to transform an institution. Learn to evaluate your organizational readiness, what steps to take, how to set achievable goals, and the critical role of the campaign chair.
Cause-Related Marketing
It’s all about image. What corporations want when they tie their brand or marketing campaign to your organization.
Conflicts of Interest
How to avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest that can turn off donors or invite lawsuits.
Corporate Sponsorships
Sell your organization without selling your soul. How to make your programs and events appealing to corporate sponsorship programs.
Database
It is the indispensable tool of the modern fundraiser. What information must be tracked and how to use it effectively. How to decide which commercial package is best or whether you should build one from scratch.
Direct eMail
It’s fast and cheap. And it can be wildly effective. How to build an eMail campaign that keeps your donors involved and giving.
Direct Mail
It is still the most cost-effective way to build name recognition and develop a core constituency. Learn the strategies that work for campaigns of all sizes.
Ethical Fundraising and Donor Screens
How to choose strategies for fundraising appeals that are ethical and responsible, and under what circumstances you should not accept a contribution.
Foundation Grants
Researching foundations and writing good grant proposals are just the bookends of the grantseeking process. What comes in between is far more important: identifying what makes your organization attractive to professional grantmakers.
In-Kind Gifts
Almost anything your organization needs, from computers to office space, can be gotten for free. Learn how and where.
Major Gifts
Building a core of major donors who will give year after year is critical. How to keep your current donors involved, while simultaneously courting new ones.
Marketing Programs
Charities can earn significant revenue through advertising, licensing and selling products and services. How to build these programs, while avoiding costly mistakes.
Mobilizing the Board
They may be rich, famous, and smart, but without careful planning, training, and communication, board members won’t live up to their potential. How to create a strong, active, and generous board of directors.
Network Fundraising
The single greatest determining factor in philanthropic decisions is relationships to other people who already give. How to get your supporters to solicit their friends and colleagues.
One-On-One Solicitations
You have done everything needed to cultivate their interest, but now you need to close the gifts. Learn proven techniques for sealing the deal.
Planned Giving
Often overlooked by small and young organizations, planned giving programs are surprisingly easy to start and manage.
Planning and Budgeting
A critical component of any fundraising program, budgets demonstrate your careful and serious planning. Learn how to create budgets that help your programs get funded.
Political Fundraising
How to solicit money for your campaign, PAC, or grassroots initiative.
Pro Bono Services
Nonprofit organizations can get valuable professional services for free, but sometimes its better to pay. How to make the best use of free professional services.
Program Development
For your donors, some programs will naturally be more appealing than others. Learn how to package your programs to attract more financial support, without compromising your mission.
Psychology of Giving
Civic duty, pride, politics, patriotism, vanity, conviction, religion, family, honor, respect, community. Understand what motivates people to give and how to hone your solicitation with this knowledge.
Reporting Requirements
What disclosures are required by law and when you should provide even more information.
Research Techniques
What information do you really need, where you can find it, and how you can get it for free.
Solicitations Management
Do you spend too much time managing solicitations, making lists, sending reminders, only to have your donors upset by duplicate solicitations? Learn how to track solicitations with minimum effort and maximum effectiveness.
Website
Your organization needs more than a contributions page. Donors use websites for researching an organization before they make a gift. Learn the best ways to present the information they want, track who is using it, and then use that information to turn their interest into gifts.
