Amazing Outcomes

Did you read the Chronicle of Philanthropy articles on St. Jude's in Memphis?  Amazing!  Led by David McKee this organization raised nearly $700,000,000 last year.  (I counted the zeros... this is not a typo!). 

What would it take for your organization to reach the greatest amount raised yet? 

There are a few keys:

1. Make the "donor experience" with your organization the central point of your focus
2. Have a lot of conversations
3. Listen to your donors
4. Thank them more than ask them, but....
5. ASK!

Please take the poll on this page and let me know what you consider the most effective way to raise a lot of money very quickly.

Make It Rain!

First, consider this... are you as a fundraiser, also a philanthropist?  We have often been taught that we are "first to give our own gift, before we ask someone else to give."

Are we so moved by the cause for which we are fundraising that we are glad and excited to support it?  Or, do we feel obligated or under compulsion?

Please consider your cause.  Is it huge?  Does it provide beautiful solutions?  If your cause is well articulated and if it is truly worthy, I believe it will stir you to give.  Givers are unique, rare people (as shown by the fact that only 2.6% of Americans give to charity).  Be one of them.  Find or develop your cause to move you, to touch your heart.  I encourage you to give generously.