Giving – Givers – Goals Albert Einstein’s favorite saying was, “Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted, counts.” That is true in fund-raising. Givers give for several reasons, but you have to remember–respect them and remember that manners matter. The American public gave almost $300 billion last year…
I have always had passion for being part of something that is growing and constantly improving. In fact, that is exactly how the J.F. Smith Group was founded. In 1991, I was asked to speak to the board of trustees of a large Christian school in Birmingham, Alabama, to offer advice with regard to a…
The reasons donors give to non-profit charities might surprise you. Following are some of the leading responses from contributors, when asked for their motivation. Note that tax consideration is at the bottom of the list! Personal Some donors feel an affinity because of a personal relationship —that of alumni, parent, grandparent, etc. Ownership Probably already involved, this…
J.F. Smith Group’s Philosophy on Fund-Raising Fund-raising is a team effort – It takes every person in the development office working together to achieve your goals and objectives. Formula for Success: BP + CS x E = S (Basic Principles + Common Sense x Effort = Success) Basic Principle #1 – Always ask for a specific dollar amount.…
More money is probably “left on the table” following a solicitation visit than actually “walks out the door” in the form of a signed pledge card. Too many development officers/solicitors hurry or rush the solicitation process, diminishing the charitable gifts for the organization or school they represent. The following are suggestions to help maximize your…
This pyramid demonstrates the progression of donor involvement. Smaller gifts, i.e., annual giving, would occur at the bottom. Wills, bequests and major gifts would occur at the top. While giving can occur at any level on the pyramid, major gifts normally only occur at the top.
There is no doubt that fund-raising is an art. The art of making small talk and the art of cultivating a relationship. There are numerous books describing in great detail how to develop the art of relationship fund-raising. But, successful fund-raising is more; it is also a science. And, it can be summarized in three…
Webster defines “contact” as: “…an establishing of communication with someone or an observing or receiving of a significant signal from a person …” If you’ve been in fund-raising for even one day, you’ve been told about “contact reports.” The purpose of this article is to: help you understand the importance of contact reports outline what should be included…