by Eddie Thompson | Jan 22, 2024 | Development Management
One of the paradoxes of life is that the traditional rewards of success—affluence, status, leisure time—quickly erode the values that created that success. Hard work, frugality, and long-term perspective usually lead to prosperity and eventually to wealth. But having...
by Eddie Thompson | Dec 1, 2023 | Development Management, Donor Communications
The story of Chicken Little originated as a European folk tale that had been told for centuries in various ways with varying moral applications. The best-known version concerns a chick hit on the head by a falling acorn. The chick sets off on a journey to inform the...
by Eddie Thompson | Oct 23, 2023 | Development Management, Donor Communications, Professional Development
As a rookie fundraiser at a small liberal arts college, Si Seymour’s 1966 book, Design for Fundraising, had an extraordinary impact on me, so much so that it has been the primary inspiration throughout my 45-year career. Every page of Seymour’s little book resonated...
by Eddie Thompson | Sep 25, 2023 | Development Management, Donor Communications, Professional Development
Almost all worthwhile advice about fundraising can be traced back to one ground-breaking publication: Harold (Si) Seymour’s Designs for Fundraising: Principles, Patterns, and Techniques. First published in 1966, this book continues to be regarded as the essential...
by Eddie Thompson | Aug 24, 2023 | Development Management
A donor’s primary giving motivation can reveal the depth and strength of their relationship with the institution. In thousands of conversations about charitable estate planning, long-term values, and inheritance priorities, I’ve learned a few things about WHY people...
by Eddie Thompson | Jul 19, 2023 | Development Management, Professional Development
Focusing on person-to-person donor relations is essential for long-term, sustainable fund development. However, many nonprofits are understaffed or lack basic infrastructure upgrades. Consequently, experienced fundraising professionals are often tasked with a host of...
