Fundraising Is Beautiful

The power of relevance in fundraising

It's pretty simple, really: Fundraising works when it's relevant to donors. When it's not relevant, people ignore it. Using the recent Haiti earthquake as an example, we look at what makes a situation relevant, and what you can do to increase that relevance to your donors -- even if you don't raise money for natural disasters.

Program #29

Play: The power of relevance in fundraising (right click or "save as" to save the file for later).

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Time: 22:03

Haiti and Non-Haiti Fundraising

A look at what's going well, what's not, and what we need to know as the nonprofit world responds to the catastrophic January 12 Haiti Earthquake. Includes ideas for fundraisers who are not connected to the disaster.

Program #28

Play: Haiti and non-Haiti Fundraising (right click or "save as" to save the file for later).

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Time: 19:37

See also Fundraising in Times of Disaster, program #8 from July 2008.

Fundraising Manifesto for the New Year

Here are four truths about fundraising that can transform the way you approach this beautiful profession:

1. Fundraising is good for donors.
2. Fundraising is a lot like courtship.
3. Fundraising is about your donors, not you.
4. Fundraising is a science.

(The facts we cite about the impact of giving on giver are taken from the book Who Really Cares by Arthur C. Brooks.)

Happy Holidays, and the best to you in the coming year!

Program #27

Play: Fundraising Manifesto for the New Year (right click or "save as" to save the file for later).

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Time: 20:29

Things to do that will make you a better fundraiser

Here are ten practical things you can do -- starting today -- that will make you into a better fundraiser:

1. Donate.
2. Send and receive snail-mail.
3. Sign up for lots of email from other nonprofits.
4. Participate in online social networking sites.
5. Hang around with older people.
6. Become aware of the cultural context of your audience.
7. Go to church.
8. Read the popular press.
9. Pay attention to how you ask people for favors.
10. Work at becoming a better writer.

You can start doing some of these things today. Don't miss this super-practical podcast!

Program #26

Play: Things to do that will make you a better fundraiser (right click or "save as" to save the file for later).

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Time: 15:38

Podcast changes

The new season brings a couple of changes. Please re-subscribe to this podcast, as some goofy technical things have taken place behind the scenes!

Here are the links mentioned:

• TrueSense Marketing
• Future Fundraising Now

Play: Podcast Changes (right click or "save as" to save the file for later).

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Time: 3:18

How to create a great donor newsletter, with Tom Ahern

You are going to love this hands-on, practical discussion with Tom Ahern, fundraising expert and author of several superb books (including Raising More Money With Newsletters Than You Ever Thought Possible). We talk about the importance and power of donor newsletters, plus 9 things not to do in your newsletter if you want it to inspire donors and raise funds.

Program #25

Play: How to create a great donor newsletter, with Tom Ahern (right click or "save as" to save the file for later).

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Time: 24:08

Back from the Brink: How a Sick Organization Got Better

In this episode we interview Chris Doyle, President and CEO of American Leprosy Missions, an organization that's leading the fight against leprosy around the world. Back in the mid-90s, when Doyle joined, the organization was in an accelerating downward slide. Learn about the steps Doyle and American Leprosy Missions took to turn the corner and return to health. It's an inspiring story that shows what you can do by getting the basics right.

Program #24

Play: How a Sick Organization Got Better (right click or "save as" to save the file for later).

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Time: 26:27

What to cut when the budget is tight

Okay, you've cried, you've pleaded, you've made your case. But there's no way around it: You have to cut your fundraising budget. Find out the area you can cut with little damage to your program, the areas where cuts would be devastating, and areas where you can make meaningful savings. We can't make the cuts feel good, but we can keep them from hurting your program too much.

Program #23

Play: What to cut when the budget is tight (right click or "save as" to save the file for later).

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Time: 13:50

Recession fundraising: Interview with Mal Warwick

Don't miss this interview with fundraising legend Mal Warwick, author of the recent book Fundraising When Money Is Tight (as well as many other books on fundraising). Find out how to survive the recession -- including the biggest mistake you can make.

Program #22

Play: Interview with Mal Warwick (right click or "save as" to save the file for later).

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Time: 28:52

Put your heart into fundraising

An interview with Cass Wheeler, former CEO of the American Heart Association and author of the new book You've Gotta Have Heart: Achieving Purpose Beyond Profit in the Social Sector (available at Amazon and at Powell's). Don't miss what this wise CEO has to say about people who are good at fundraising, how to make sure you get the right people, how to set bold goals, and how the right people with audacious goals can radically change a whole organization.

Program #21

Play: Partnership (not marketing) with donors (right click or "save as" to save the file for later).

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Time: 20:48