First, the printing press made knowledge and information distributable to those who could read. Then, terrestrial radio and television broadcast knowledge and information to anyone with the hardware to receive the signals. Next came the searchable internet which connected hardware so that the whole planet (mostly) could share knowledge and information. Now, we are experiencing…
Category: Constituency Service
Create or Magnify?
Whether we have 5,000 or 500,000+ constituent records in our database, the percentage of “engaged constituents,” is far less. For example, if we define “engaged” as giving recently, or showing up at an event, or interacting via social media, or opening an email, or receiving a direct mail piece, etc., it is not uncommon for…
Engaging Our Community
Advancement leaders talk a lot about “engaging our community.” It could be engaging our alumni community. Or, even more specifically, engaging our young alumni community. It could be engaging our town, city, or region. It could be engaging our campus community. Or, engaging our school community. But, we talk about “engaging our community” a lot….
What Are We Afraid Of?
If we are afraid of failing, we won’t try new things. If we are afraid of looking stupid in front of others, we won’t take the lead. If we are afraid the donor will say, “no,” we won’t invite the gift. If we are afraid of confrontation, we won’t speak plainly to each other. If…
Working Historically
Fifty years from now, someone may write a history of your institution and it likely will include observations about today’s advancement program successes. For instance, the history might note that, during this period, your year-over-year total giving increased significantly. It might report on the fact that your comprehensive campaign went over goal by some significant…
Making It Easy vs. Making Them Care
Making it easier for donors to give is a fantastic technical success story. In the span of 25 years we have gone from a process that has taken days (even weeks) by giving through snail mail (with actual reply envelopes, paper checks, and live stamps), to almost instantaneous one-click, electronic giving on mobile devices. There…
“We Don’t Make Enough To Give”
Recently, I provided a keynote address to a gathering of high school presidents. During our time together, we discussed faculty and staff giving at their high schools and multiple presidents said, “We had tremendous pushback during our faculty and staff annual giving campaign, so we don’t do that anymore.” “What was the primary objection from…
In A World
In a world where you are told to “build your brand,” commit yourself to a cause instead. In a world where people are constantly busy, be productive instead. In a world where posing is applauded, work when no one is watching instead. In a world where spectacle is celebrated, create meaning instead. In a world…
“I Don’t Know. . .”
“I don’t know how we will reach the goal. . .” “I don’t know where the next major gift is coming from. . .” “I don’t know who is willing to lead this campaign. . .” After we establish a goal, create a fundraising plan, or design a campaign, our advancement work is filled with…
Trust
People, businesses, and foundations make charitable gifts to your institution every day. Comprehensive (unrestricted) gifts, restricted gifts, and, gifts of all amounts. The motivations behind each of these gifts are almost as numerous as the number of gifts themselves. Important to keep in mind, though, that donors are motivated to make major gifts to your…