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Category: Financial Aid

Things Good Leaders Say

Posted on October 21, 2022October 21, 2022 by Jason McNeal

Not long ago I had the good experience of listening to Adam Weinberg, president of Denison University address parents and families of current students.  He delivered prepared remarks for about 15 minutes (no powerpoint) and he spent another 45 minutes addressing questions from the audience. Here are 3 things president Weinberg said that struck me:…

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Budget Decisions

Posted on October 19, 2022 by Jason McNeal

Most advancement leaders agree: Major and principal gifts most often emerge from longer-term, trusting relationships built with donors on a foundation of personalized, face-to-face interactions. Annual giving programs are most effective when they are built on a foundation of consistent, multi-channel direct invitations to give. Special events should be few and are inefficient for fundraising….

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Time and Money

Posted on September 2, 2022September 2, 2022 by Jason McNeal

Most every institutional and advancement leader will say they want to raise more money in the future.  In fact, most will say adamantly that they need to raise more money in the future. However, many leaders will also say in the very next breath, “but we don’t have money to add a new gift officer…

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It’s Never Too Late

Posted on August 1, 2022August 1, 2022 by Jason McNeal

. . . to better engage your Board; . . . to reinvigorate your institution’s social media presence; . . . to make your direct mail solicitations more compelling; . . . to do something about climate change; . . . to get on the road and visit with donors more; . . . to…

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The N=Me Fallacy

Posted on July 25, 2022July 25, 2022 by Jason McNeal

Here are some potentially less helpful starting points when brainstorming new advancement strategies with colleagues: “I wouldn’t go to that event . . .” “I don’t respond to direct mail . . .” “I’m not seeing that much at all on my social media . . .” There are 2 potential problems with these strategy-setting…

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Motivations

Posted on July 4, 2022 by Jason McNeal

We regularly discuss donor motivations, why people give and get involved, and how to appeal to their interests. What’s far less common are discussions focused on why we ask donors to give, why we invite volunteers to get involved, or how to appeal to our own motivating factors. If you are an advancement leader and…

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What Volunteers and Donors Don’t Always Know

Posted on September 28, 2020September 27, 2020 by Jason McNeal

Steve Jobs, the former CEO and co-founder of Apple Inc., is quoted to have said, “Get closer than ever to your customers.  So close that you tell them what they need well before they realize it themselves.” I’ve reflected on this counterbalance to “the customer is always right” perspective for years.  I can recall, for…

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The Nuanced (But Key) Lesson Behind Robert F. Smith’s Gift

Posted on May 27, 2019 by Jason McNeal

Amid all of the publicity regarding Robert F. Smith’s announcement to repay the student loan balances for each of the Morehouse College graduates a Sunday ago, there is a key lesson to ferret out, if advancement and nonprofit leaders are willing to look (and listen) closely. Yes, the gift is wonderful and should be applauded. …

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The 5 Characteristics of Mature Development Programs

Posted on October 14, 2010 by Jason McNeal

Annual Funds are successful prior to the start of the fiscal year.  Campaign goals are achieved before they are announced.  Tomorrow’s planned gifts were solidified years ago. Our successes today depend on how mature our development program was yesterday.   The more mature our programs, the more optimistic we can be regarding success today and…

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And we wonder why college costs continue to soar

Posted on August 21, 2009August 21, 2009 by Jason McNeal

According to the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education (and many others) the higher education system in the United States is already out of financial reach for many in our society. Taking on debilitating debt is the primary way (if not the only way) to fund college for most families. But not so…

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