If we define constituent relations as those programs and activities designed to encourage people to engage more deeply with your mission or cause, then there are three primary aims of those efforts. First, constituent relations efforts should educate people. Yes, this is education on your mission and it’s important impacts. But, this version of education…
Author: Jason McNeal
I provide leadership, advancement and fundraising consulting services to educational, healthcare, and non-profit organizations.
Farmers Plant The Most Productive Seeds
Not long ago, I interviewed a couple who are significant major gifts donors and asked them how they got started making significant gifts. When and how was the seed planted for them to give generously? The husband and wife looked at each other for a moment and then he shared with me a brief story…
Fundraising As Art
French Impressionist artist Edgar Degas once said: “Painting is easy when you don’t know how. But very difficult when you do.” Very similar to fundraising.
Fundraising Dollar Goals
Dollars fundraised is, in most cases, an unhelpful goal. They are outcome measures over which we regularly do not have much control: “How much of that $50 million was in current giving vs. planned gifts?” They are misunderstood: “You mean that most of that $250 million raised will come in over the next 5 years?”…
Why?
Why are we holding that special event? Why are we sending that specific direct mail piece? Why did we request that particular list of donors? Why are we reaching out to our donors via phone? Why do we want to meet with that donor couple next month? Why are we highlighting that alumnus in our…
Listening
We can. . . . . .listen to defend ourselves. . . .listen to reply. . . .listen to rebut. . . .listen to negate the other’s perspective. . . .listen to convince. . . .listen to block. Or, we can. . . . . .listen to understand. . . .listen to co-create. . ….
Seeking Feedback
Most everyone will say feedback is good – helpful and productive. But, some folks really don’t want it. Their decision feels good to them. Their choice makes sense to them. Their motivations are pure from their perspective. Their actions are the best they can do. When others, then, have a different viewpoint or experience with…
The Complex Old World
With each passing day, the roles we play grow more complex. No matter how we might define ourselves, our lot in life, our specific roles, or our individualistic views and perspectives, what we do becomes more complex over time. If you are a parent, for instance, your children aging and developing by the day makes…
“I don’t know.”
I enjoy watching Denzel Washington act. His character range is staggering and I can’t recall a character he’s played that I found unbelievable. Recently I watched, “The Equalizer 3,” where he stars as Robert McCall, a retired special operations officer turned vigilante righting wrongs against evil across the globe on behalf of the innocent and…
5 Advancement Basics
Annual Giving – consistently invite donors to give in support of your cause/mission comprehensively; Constituent Relations – consistently engage volunteers to get others more involved with your cause/mission; Advancement Services – consistently produce standing reports that have clear and important purposes; Major Giving – consistently send creative and compelling messages that encourage donors to visit…