Giving is Good
When it comes to the field of philanthropy, there probably isn’t a more ubiquitous research question than, “why do people give?” This question (or a variation of it) has fueled dissertation topics, been the focus of sponsored research, and has generated talking points for countless articles and presentations for decades. To their credit, many advancement…
A fundamental difference between the unexceptional and the exceptional gift officer is how they view their donor visits. The unexceptional gift officer is thrilled to have the donor visit. After the donor visit, he will talk at great length about how “warm” or “positive” the visit was. He will report that the donor will “definitely…
One of the most helpful donor rapport building strategies for gift officers to employ is to utilize an “assistance theme.” The psychology of an assistance theme is pretty straightforward. We know that humans, generally, want to feel useful or want to be helpful if they can. Certainly donors have shown evidence through their giving that…
By now, you have probably read about The Center for Effective Philanthropy’s research study focused on the impacts of MacKenzie Scott’s $19 billion dollars worth of unrestricted giving to nonprofits. In short, the study found that Scott’s unrestricted generosity was “transformational” for the nonprofits she supported. Turns out, nonprofit leaders won’t be “overwhelmed” by large…
I once conducted a campaign readiness study for a client in which a participant who had made a 7-figure gift some years back stopped our interview and asked, “I have a question for you. . . Is this institution still Christian?” A bit caught off guard, I responded by saying, “I’m not on campus every…
Most all advancement shops will curate stories to share about givers and sponsors. For example, “Why I Give,” has to be one of the most ubiquitous headlines for e-newsletters and magazines produced by advancement professionals. These stories focus on the giver, “in their own words,” and highlight why they have made the decision to be…
The best annual giving officers imagine the experience of going to the mailbox and receiving their direct mail solicitation. Is the envelope inviting? Does the packaging stand out? Is the chosen font readable and is the messaging clear? The best Deans create stories about important and timely problems of the world and, then, position what…
On far too many campuses and in far too many healthcare settings, finding one’s way around is difficult at best and downright distressing at worst. Whole buildings, floors, or offices may not be clearly marked. Arrows may be misleading or make little sense to the walker. Maps may not be updated or may not show…
I can’t stomach the thought of failing. I must be perfect. I already work hard. It’s not obtainable for me. They might find out I’m an imposter. I don’t want to be accountable. It’s not fair to me. When we view a goal as a potential reflection of our core, fundamental selves (i.e., who we…
Everyone is busy. Life is hectic. What comes to us urgently consistently takes our focus from what is planned. But, when devote just one half hour per week to consistently working on our goals, we make substantive progress. One half hour per week to make phone calls to recent donors to thank them for their…