A Leader People Want to Follow
August 16, 2018
By Sara Luke Each year, the Donor By Design team attends the Global Leadership Summit to be inspired and challenged. Last week’s two-day summit kicked-off with one of my favorite speakers, Craig Groeschel, Co-Founder & Senior Pastor of Life. Church. His enthusiastic presentation encouraged the audience to “be a leader people want to follow.” And […]
Burning Questions: What’s the latest gimmick?
July 31, 2018
This July, we’re answering burning questions we hear from many clients and non-profit colleagues across the country. Chances are, the question might be burning in our readers’ minds, as well. Today’s question: “What’s the latest fundraising gimmick?” First let’s talk about a quick weight loss fix. Or how to get rich in six months. Or […]
Burning Questions: I’m Afraid to Ask
July 26, 2018
This July, we’re answering burning questions we hear from many clients and non-profit colleagues across the country. Chances are, the question might be burning in our readers’ minds, as well. We hear this question all the time: “How do I get over my fear of asking for a donation?” We hear it from new volunteers, […]
Burning Questions: Feasibility Study Readiness
July 10, 2018
This July, we’re answering burning questions we hear from many clients and non-profit colleagues across the country. Chances are, the question might be burning in our readers’ minds, as well. As non-profit leaders plan for a potential capital project and campaign, they look to us for a feasibility study. We are often asked: What do […]
Summer Book Club: Generation Impact
June 27, 2018
By Jan Brogdon Central to our team values is the concept that we can never stop learning, reading, connecting and sharing. This month, we will share books that have impacted us personally and/or professionally. Perhaps one of our “book reports” will inspire you to join us in our quest for continuous learning. (Although we suspect […]
Summer Book Club: Man’s Search for Meaning
June 20, 2018
By Danny Maier Central to our team values is the concept that we can never stop learning, reading, connecting and sharing. This month, we will share books that have impacted us personally and/or professionally. Perhaps one of our “book reports” will inspire you to join us in our quest for continuous learning. (Although we suspect […]
Summer Book Club: Toxic Charity
June 14, 2018
By Jon Simons Considering you are reading this it’s likely we agree that charitable giving is a good and powerful tool to make the world a better place. And like me, you may also have dedicated much of your professional career to fundraising, witnessing the life-changing impacts of charity on both the donor and recipient. […]
Summer Book Club: Grit – The Power of Passion and Perseverance
June 8, 2018
By Mike Bussey Central to our team values is the concept that we can never stop learning, reading, connecting and sharing. This month, we will share books that have impacted us personally and/or professionally. Perhaps one of our “book reports” will inspire you to join us in our quest for continuous learning. (Although we suspect […]
The Once-A-Year Myth
May 23, 2018
By Danny Maier There are several myths in fundraising. One of the most frustrating to me is the belief that we will somehow overwhelm and upset Ms. Donor and Mr. Donor by asking them to support our mission multiple times a year. Well, my University seems to disagree. I saved every mailing from my alma […]
Volunteer Churn
April 24, 2018
By Michele Goodrich April is National Volunteer Month. Over the next few weeks the Donor By Design Team will be reflecting on the impact volunteers have on our communities and our world. Today Michele warns us not to ignore “retired” volunteers. Last week I received a form letter from a not-for-profit organization asking me to […]
Gutsy Nominating Committees
April 17, 2018
By Mike Bussey April is National Volunteer Month. Over the next few weeks the Donor By Design Team will be reflecting on the impact volunteers have on our communities and our world. Today Mike explains the power of a gutsy nominating committee. One of the great privileges of leading a non-profit organization is to work […]
Unintended Volunteers
April 13, 2018
By Peggy Vinson April is National Volunteer Month. Over the next few weeks the Donor By Design Team will be reflecting on the impact volunteers have on our communities and our world. Today Peggy tells a story of how one gentleman became an “unintended volunteer.” Have you ever had this happen? You recruit a volunteer […]
Reluctant Leaders
April 11, 2018
By Thom Peters April is National Volunteer Month. Over the next few weeks the Donor By Design Team will be reflecting on the impact volunteers have on our communities and our world. The series begins with Thom reflecting on the qualities of “reluctant leaders.” Dagnabbit! It’s supposed to be spring but there is cold wet […]
Fundraising Foolishness
April 4, 2018
In the spirit of the recent April Fool’s Day, the DBD team compiled a list of foolish fundraising myths. Let’s debunk them together. Many hands make light work. Maybe true if you’re building a trans-continental railroad, the fact is that nearly 80% of dollars raised comes from less than 20% of individuals. (Actually, we’re seeing […]
Don’t Go It Alone
March 29, 2018
By Michele Goodrich This month, the Donor By Design Team is discussing campaign readiness: the things that (should) happen before you begin a major fundraising campaign. Today, Michele Goodrich illustrates the benefits of getting a wide team of people involved in the capital planning process. For many nonprofit professionals, a capital campaign is a rare […]
Facts Tell, But Stories Sell
March 27, 2018
By Dan Maier This month, the Donor By Design Team is discussing campaign readiness: the things that (should) happen before you begin a major fundraising campaign. Today, Dan Maier illustrates the importance of being able to share your vision in a compelling way to prospective donors. A wise volunteer’s story recently reminded me of what […]
Recruiting the Right Leaders
March 23, 2018
By Jon Simons and Sara Luke This month, the Donor By Design Team is discussing campaign readiness: the things that (should) happen before you begin a major fundraising campaign. Today, Jon and Sara share the early steps in recruiting your Leadership Cabinet. Recently, we touched on what you should look for as you build your […]
Who Should Lead?
March 20, 2018
By Jon Simons and Sara Luke This month, the Donor By Design Team is discussing campaign readiness: the things that (should) happen before you begin a major fundraising campaign. Today, Jon and Sara share what you should look for as you build your Leadership Cabinet. We say it all the time on this blog and […]
Who Really Cares?
March 16, 2018
By Jon Simons This month, the Donor By Design Team is discussing campaign readiness: the things that (should) happen before you begin a major fundraising campaign. Today, Jon poses an important question as you identify prospects for your capital campaign. When planning a capital campaign, we work closely with our clients to identify a Top […]
Privilege of Purpose
March 13, 2018
By Bruce Berglund One of the most important decisions you will make as you embark on any fundraising effort is the recruitment and selection of volunteer leadership. One of my recent client campaigns had identified a potential campaign chair who was very successful in the marketplace. He had huge work responsibilities and an even a […]
Are Your Leaders Ready To Tell Your Story?
March 8, 2018
By Jan Brogdon This month, the Donor By Design Team is discussing campaign readiness: the things that (should) happen before you begin a major fundraising campaign. Today, Jan shares how important it is that leaders are able to share your story with passion. He was such a strong volunteer, often challenging and even a […]
The Anti-Decider
March 6, 2018
I’ll preface this blog by saying it’s a bit of a tough-love message. Learning about the “Anti-Decider” has been a hard lesson for me over the years. And I confess, I still occasionally give my most earnest advice on this subject…followed in some regrettable cases with the kind truth of, “I warned you.” My counsel […]
What Comes Before the Campaign?
March 2, 2018
By Jim Mellor This month, the Donor By Design Team is discussing campaign readiness: the things that (should) happen before you begin a major fundraising campaign. Today, Jim asks the question that you should ask yourself before your next campaign: are you ready? Dreaming of that new facility? I bet you’re busy planning the capital […]
February Shout Outs
February 26, 2018
By the Donor By Design Team As we come to the end of February, we want to recognize several clients who have reached important milestones in their campaigns. We always tell our clients that campaigns take a long time – it’s important to celebrate as you go! Read on for some celebrating with several great […]
