MANAGING GENEROSITY: When Donors Feel It’s Time for a Giving Audit

by Eddie Thompson | Jun 13, 2022 | Charitable Estate Planning, Donor Communications

Tevye, the blacksmith in Fiddler on the Roof, dreamed about being a wealthy man. “Oh, Lord, you made many, many poor people. I realize, of course, it’s no shame to be poor, But it’s no great honor either! So, what would have been so terrible if I had...

DONOR RETENTION REVISITED: Fundraising Effectiveness Project Update

by Eddie Thompson | Jan 19, 2022 | Donor Communications

In February 2016 I posted an article entitled PLUGGING THE LEAKS: The True Impact of a 1% Increase in Your Donor Retention Rate.  Since that was almost six years ago, I thought it high time to revisit the data. Many of you are well aware the news is not good on any of...

REFERRAL SYSTEMS: How Much Are Fundraisers Leaving on the Table?

by Eddie Thompson | Dec 1, 2021 | Donor Communications

Throughout my 35 years as a development professional, my best leads have always been referrals—particularly those accompanied by personal introductions. That shouldn’t be a surprise to any experienced fundraiser. What is surprising is that so few nonprofits do a good...

TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Five Lessons Learned on the Fine Art of Asking

by Eddie Thompson | Oct 18, 2021 | Donor Communications, Professional Development

 I’m continuing this month with a few more thoughts about the chosen career of a professional fundraiser—a life of never-ending appeals for donations of time and money for worthy causes. With regard to the fine art of asking, below are some of my favorite “tools of...

THE FINE ART OF ASKING: Developing Your Deck of Go-to Questions

by Eddie Thompson | Sep 20, 2021 | Donor Communications

After several years working as a professional fundraiser, it’s commonly assumed that countless face-to-face solicitations will have enabled fundraisers to overcome any reluctance about asking for money. If, in a moment of honest vulnerability, an aspiring young “rain...

IMPOSSIBLE SHOT: Impact of Unrealistic Fundraising Targets Passed Down from Above

by Eddie Thompson | Aug 16, 2021 | Development Management, Donor Communications

I have a lot of conversations with nonprofit professionals at all levels—from foundation presidents to major gift officers to fundraisers in their first development jobs. Among the most frequent stress points I hear almost every business day are fundraising goals...