by Eddie Thompson | Jun 5, 2023 | Development Management, Donor Communications
Whenever I am helping donors plan their estates and discussing impactful events in their lives, I propose the idea of memorial gifts, which many people have never considered. Memorial gifts are a way for donors to benefit nonprofits while also honoring the legacies of...
by Eddie Thompson | Apr 4, 2023 | Charitable Estate Planning, Donor Communications
In his #1 New York Times Bestseller, Tell to Win, award-winning movie producer Peter Gruber explains how dozens of presentations succeeded or failed based on connecting the right story with his presentation. Whenever he relied on facts, charts, and PowerPoint...
by Eddie Thompson | Jan 24, 2023 | Donor Communications
BOB GOLOMB is Sales Manager at the Flemington Nissan dealership in central New Jersey. Wearing his wire-rimmed spectacles and dark conservative suits, he looks more like an accountant than a car salesman. There’s nothing slick, flashy, or contemporary about Golomb....
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...
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...
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...
MOTIVATIONS AND EMOTIONS: Evaluating the Strength of Your Donor Relationships
PERFORMANCE METRICS: Navigating the Murky Waters of Fundraising ROI
PERPETUAL NAMING RIGHTS: Three Cautionary Tales and One Essential Piece of Advice
CAREER PROMOTIONS: Proving Your Worth to the Organization
FOUR BUCKETS: Accounting Standards and Donor Recognitions for Revocable Gift Commitments