by Eddie Thompson | Jul 10, 2012 | Donor Communications
The language of classic planning and decision-making can be a bit confusing. What is, after all, the real difference between strategic, tactical, and operational planning? How does institutional doctrine differ from institutional policy? Most importantly, how can...
by Eddie Thompson | Apr 15, 2012 | Donor Communications
I first got to know Mary at a college I attended. I was a graduate student, and she was the registrar and gatekeeper to all things regarding my fees and class schedule. Mary seemed to be a nice enough person — neatly dressed, very proper, but one who took a...
by Eddie Thompson | Mar 29, 2012 | Donor Communications
As professional fundraisers, we will spend a large portion of our lives managing relationships between donors and non-profit organizations. That sounds like such a simple thing to do. But as you know, both ends of that relationship at times can be complex and...
by Eddie Thompson | Mar 21, 2012 | Donor Communications
As part-owner in a company that recruits fundraising executives, I have had a lot of conversations with organizations and foundation leaders about “the ideal candidate.” Some of the typical skill-set requirements used to filter through applicants are: They must have a...
by Eddie Thompson | Jan 24, 2012 | Donor Communications
Three fourths of all donors give by habit, some with the rhythm and regularity of piano teacher’s metronome. Tick, tock, tick, tock — same time, same amount, same method, same organizations. Other equally habitual donors manage their giving with a systematic approach...
by Eddie Thompson | Dec 14, 2011 | Donor Communications
Each year for many years I have hosted a dinner with estate planning clients who have either made a gift of over $1,000,000 or had executed an estate plan, which include a gift of that size or larger. Since I want them to feel free to discuss with other donors their...
