These examples demonstrate the importance of taking the time and effort to assure that you have good, up-to-date data upon which to base your fund development plan and decisions as it will save you time – and raise more money – in the long run. 

Do you know the difference between capacity and propensity? Just because a person has money does not mean he or she will give it to your organization. Likewise, just because they love your organization does not mean they will make a major gift.

National data suggests that individuals give 80-90% of donations to all types of organizations. If you want to raise more money or diversify your funding streams, you need a strong major gift program.

Have you come across a grant funder who looks perfect for your organization only to read that they "only give to preselected organizations" or do not accept unsolicited applications? Learn what that means and the next steps you can take the next time you run across these types of funders.

Nonprofits across the Quad Cities face an uncertain financial future. Recent shifts in federal grant funding – freezes, reductions, and policy overhauls – have create ripple effects that threaten organizational stability and disrupt critical services for the most vulnerable residents.

A new Federal Grant Impact Report by Wastyn & Associates reveals the extent of these changes. The findings confirm what many nonprofit leaders already feel: financial uncertainty, staff stress, and competition for limited dollars.

The federal grants environment has been – in a word – “interesting” the last two months. But rather than sit back and let change happen to you and your organization, I recommend that you take an active role – starting immediately – to manage the change rather than let it manage you.

You may have heard people talk about different types of funds that you can raise. Learn what those are, how they differ and how to secure each type for your organization.

By taking a strategic approach – on fundable projects, conducting deep research, and assessing both qualification and logistical fit – you ensure that you pursue the right opportunities rather than just lots of opportunities.

25-30% of all gifts come in during the month of December yet many fundraising professionals simply send a letter and wait for the money to pour in, wondering why they didn't raise more. These five strategies will help you raise more money this holiday season.

November 15 marks National Philanthropy Day. Whether your community has a formal recognition of this day, you can - and should - use this opportunity to celebrate the philanthropists who make your work possible and the staff and donors - that's you - who help them find the joy of giving.

Time is not the friend of development professionals who always have much more to do than hours in the day. Time blocking is one way to stay on top of your tasks to get more done. How do you manage your lengthy to do list without going crazy?

If you treat all your donors the same, you are leaving some or many of them behind. Each generation has different preferences in how they like to support an organization and how you can best reach them. Tailoring your message can help generate more money today and in the future.

13 years ago on August 1, 2011, I embarked on an adventure when I left the comfort of my job to focus full-time on my business that allows me to do what I love: helping nonprofit organizations succeed.

A movement has existed for years to include more equitable language in philanthropy, especially in grant applications. This blog explains why.

What does a culture of philanthropy look like and how can you create one at your organization? Here are 4 helpful steps to get there.

While nothing will guarantee that your development professional will never leave your organization, these tips should help minimize the chances that they will begin looking for their next opportunity as soon as the ink dries on their contract with you.

Leverage your outing to maximize the impact not just on event day, but for the entire year.

Machines will never replace the relationships on which fund development work depends for success. However, they can eliminate or streamline the many administrative functions that keep the fund development professional from spending the time to develop these relationships.

Improve your donor retention and bottom line.

The final of seven different dysfunctions of a board we address in this series, see how having a functional can take your organization to new heights.