Real Talk for Real Fundraisers

In the last decade there's been a lot of talk about building a culture of philanthropy. But who's actually doing it? And what does it actually take to do it? In this episode, Richard and Jeff interview Mark Rovner, the founding principal of SeaChange and a much sought-after keynote speaker. Mark will give you some great ideas on how YOU can help change your non-profit’s culture, how to be effective in doing it, and how not to lose hope in the process.

Is your organization considering creating a capital campaign in the near future? Before you spend a bunch of time, energy and money on it, you have to listen to Richard and Jeff talk with Amy Eisenstein, the CEO and Co-Founder of Capital Campaign Toolkit. Amy has a unique approach to capital campaigns, one that could save you thousands of dollars if you heed her advice. She has some really good questions for you to answer as you consider whether or not you should start a campaign. She also gives you tips and advice for what not to do. Please listen closely and alert your CEO and board to what Amy has to say. It could be the best advice you get all year.

Do you wonder what it will take to take your major gift program to another level?  The answer is not about some new strategy or innovation. The answer to bringing more net revenue from your major gift program is to get to know your donors so well you know their passion and interests and why they have them. If you know those and why, you can match that up with everything your organization does to change the world. In this podcast episode, Richard and Jeff talk about your knowing your donor’s passions and interests; they have many stories to share that highlight why it’s so important.

How do you create compelling donor offers that will result in gifts that are significant, or even transformational? In this episode, Richard and Jeff talk with legendary fundraiser, copy-editor and author Tom Ahern about how he helps clients reach donors and motivate them to action.

Have you ever thought it would be nice to be able to qualify,  steward, and cultivate your donors in a more efficient, less costly way – all while using new technology? In this episode, Richard and Jeff talk with Greg Warner, the CEO and founder of MarketSmart. Greg talks about what inspired him to start his company and how hundreds of non-profits are using his software to help them connect with donors. You’ll notice immediately Greg’s passion for fundraising and donors.  He wants to change how our industry views donors and help fundraisers do  what they do best – build relationships with donors.

In this episode, Richard and Jeff will inspire you for major gifts fundraising with some great thoughts and ideas you can implement right now. They talk with Frank Mumford, a major gift officer with Greater Twin Cities United Way, who shares his experience and tells a story about how noticing "little things" can have a big payoff with your donors.

Do you ever get in a rut about what you should be doing with your donors to cultivate them properly? Richard and Jeff hear from many major gift fundraisers who are just tapped out of ideas.  Today’s episode is LOADED with new ideas for you to use when cultivating and stewarding your donors, all with the intent to help you understand their passions and interests – which will allow you to solicit your donors in a more meaningful and impactful way. 

The job of a major gift officer is difficult. In this episode, we talk with Christine Tesmer, a major gift officer from Colorado Public Radio. We get insight into her success, what it takes and how she manages work and life. We also learn how her unique background in sales prepared her for her role as a major gift officer. Her story is compelling and offers great ideas for you to be successful in your role.

Major gift fundraisers are going to get frustrated quickly if they focus on donors who don't want to talk to them. In this episode, Richard and Jeff tell you what it means to "qualify" these donors, so you're talking only to the donors who respond to the individual attention you want to give them. When your focus is on these receptive donors, you'll be more successful in achieving – and exceeding – your goals for their giving.

Major gift fund-raisers can slip into thinking of people as "prospects" even after they've given many times. Richard and Jeff examine this practice and encourage a different approach to these people who are already partnering with you to change the world.