Having worked and volunteered in fundraising for over three decades, I have noticed that there are a few questions that I am asked repeatedly, particularly when I consult on mobilising resources for non-profits: 1. How can we raise money quickly? (or: Where can we find the low hanging fruit?) My response is generally to suggest […]
Fundraising Questions Read More »
In an increasingly digital world, non-profit organisations’ staff and volunteers face mounting pressure to optimise their fundraising efforts. Limited budgets and competition for donor attention and funding (particularly following USAID cuts) are making it more challenging than ever to sustain vital projects. Fortunately, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly large language models (LLMs), offer transformative
AI and Fundraising – Don’t Neglect Legal Considerations Read More »
As the working year begins and NPO, school and tertiary fundraising staff resume their duties, the focus is on raising money. Raising more money; raising money in new/innovative ways; CEOs and boards will be stepping up their pressure and asking for updated fundraising plans: How much money will be raised? From which donors? Via which
The evolution of humankind has been marked by monumental milestones: the discovery and use of fire 2 million years ago; the invention of the wheel – estimated at around 4,000 BC; steam power; the Industrial Revolution; electricity; the telegram; the telephone; X-rays and massive strides in medical science; radar; computing; email; the worldwide web. The
AI is Here to Stay Read More »
The terms ‘goals’ and ‘objectives’ are often confused by NPO staff members and volunteers. Importantly, these are understood by donors. Therefore, it’s vital that these are clear within the NPO sector, particularly by those applying to companies and donor trusts/foundations for funding. Well-run organisations’ projects have theories of change (which should have been developed in
Goals and Objectives Read More »
We are often reminded that fundraising is an art, not a science. Many of us go about resourcing our organisations differently. For instance, the most popular course I teach covers fundraising proposal writing. I share a suggested template and talk through the rationale behind and reasons for each section. But, I stress throughout this course
Most corporate and local trust/foundation donors fund projects for just a year at a time. Although there are a few notable exceptions, the majority of international donor trusts and foundations also restrict their giving to a year. It’s frustrating for fundraisers, CEOs and programme and project managers who want the security of sustained funding for
Ongoing Project Funding Read More »
Never before has a generation so diligently recorded themselves accomplishing so little. I found this quote on social media (where else?) but cannot establish who first said it. (Or rather, neither Google nor ChatGPT can tell me.) Facetious as this line may sound, particularly to Gen Zers or Zoomers (born between 1997 and 2012), the
NPO support by Gen Z Read More »
It happens often, We, as fundraisers see a clever concept to resource a non-profit and say, ‘what a good idea!’ Sadly, there are too few such good ideas. The world of fundraising is drowning in the same old (often boring) concepts, many of which don’t work, or the returns are not worth the effort. And,
Too Little Creativity and Innovation Read More »
Despite the plethora of social media platforms and these channels’ rapid adoption by non-profits, it’s vital to have a website. Potential donors expect NPOs to have websites. Social media platforms alone do not suffice. Having a website adds credibility in a world reeling from the ever-increasing and more and more sophisticated scams evolving at an
Non-profit Organisations Need Websites Read More »
