The Shrinking Middle: Why nonprofits need to start treating every donor like a major donor
by Derric Bakker, President, DickersonBakker When asked to name a ‘philanthropist’, the first names that pop into many Americans’ minds are people like MacKenzie Scott, Warren Buffet, Bill & Melinda Gates, and Elon Musk, who have pledged billions to charity. Truth is, however, giving from these ultra-high-net-worth donors, while on the rise, typically only accounts…
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Derric Bakker
Capital Campaigns 101 for Christian Schools: Everything you need to know but didn’t know to ask!
Capital campaign fundraising, dollar for dollar, is the most cost-effective way a school can raise funds. And while the results can be transformational, a capital campaign is a complex undertaking. With so much at stake, and only one shot to get it right, there are some things you must know before getting started. During this…
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Melanie Griffin
Six Simple Steps to an Easy Six-Minute Ask
Let’s face it. Most people don’t like asking for money. The reality is, however, that one of the main reasons most nonprofits struggle to raise more money is because they aren’t asking for it enough. In the immortal words of the late Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity: “I have tried raising money by…
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Derric Bakker
Nervous about year-end? Ask yourself these three questions.
What a year 2020 has been. Between the global pandemic, a contentious election, and mass cultural upheaval, the nation’s nerves are frazzled. There are days when it seems like our sense of stability and structure has been torn right out from under us. It can feel hard to make plans when nothing seems certain. Understandably,…
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GDAdmin
Elevate Your Fundraising Message: Make the Donor the Hero [Part 4 of 4]
Series Note: Recently, I had the opportunity to observe the donor messaging of a small, community nonprofit in the Midwest. I noticed four common issues in their messaging at this nonprofit that plague many others. In this four-part series, I will share four fail-safe strategies for elevating the impact of your donor messaging. Click below…
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GDAdmin
Elevate Your Fundraising Message: Ratchet Up the Emotion [Part 1 of 4]
Series Note: Recently, I had the opportunity to observe the donor messaging of a small, community nonprofit in the Midwest. I noticed four common issues in their messaging at this nonprofit that plague many others. In this four-part series, I will share four fail-safe strategies for elevating the impact of your donor messaging. Giving is…
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GDAdmin
A new study shows that donors are prepared to give generously during COVID-19. Are you prepared to ask?
This year marks my thirtieth year in fundraising. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Across three decades I have raised money through three recessions, the attacks of 9/11, and a half-dozen market crashes, including one major financial meltdown. Through it all, one thing stands out. Giving is always resilient. Yes, giving usually does tick down…
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Derric Bakker
Major Gifting & Covid-19 [part 2 of 2]
If we are fostering trust through appropriate levels of transparency and vulnerability--that are scaled to the donor’s disposition and profile--then they will likely open-up to us on the same level. Within the past week of calling throughout my network of alliances, former clients, and prospective clients, I’ve already had two of them open up to…
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GDAdmin
Major Gifting & Covid-19 [part 1 of 2]
It’s July 2008. Having accepted a Development Director position, I began my fundraising career approximately 60 days ahead of the September 29 crash. And keep in mind that 2008 was also a crucial election year. Was it tough raising money during this ominous climate? Honestly, I don’t remember a negative impact on the amount of…
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GDAdmin
Want to know how I grew one major gift partnership?
In one of my other blogs, I've talked about Dr. Scott Wagner and how he coached me in strategic planning, quality management, and process improvement for my nonprofit—Converting Hearts Ministries. (You can read more about that in the updated post here >>) Want to know how I grew this relationship into a major gift partnership?…
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