Ask Abstracts blog
The Journey to Major Donor Asks
Donor “street” research is essential
Subscription services like DonorSearch and Wealth Engine are the go-to donor research tools. They are the best tools you have—until they are not. We all…
Staff-Driven vs. Volunteer-Based Fundraising Models
Stakeholder organizations rely on fundraising, commonly using either staff-driven or volunteer-based models. Professional fundraisers drive the former, developing strategies and campaigns. This promises expertise, focus,…
The Case for the Case
Whether you work in annual giving, major giving, corporations, and foundations, or planned giving – the case for philanthropic support for your aspect of advancement…
A New Year’s Resolution 40 Years in the Making
I have been an advancement professional for 40 years and have never understood why 501c3 organizations are referred to as “nonprofits” or “tax-exempt.” In addition…
Improve Your Major Donor Program
Aristotle wisely stated that “excellence is not an act, but a habit.” This especially rings true for gift officers. Rather than get bogged down with…
Do You Want to Be a Master Gift Officer?
A Master Gift OfficerTM focuses on skills and authentic relationship-building in fundraising, breaking away from rigid titles and boundaries. The fundraising landscape emphasizes genuine connections rather…
The Case for Gray Hair – Redux
The advancement profession is rare because there is an advantage to being a member of the “gray-haired” workforce. This designation applies to those 55+ men…
Leadership is Key to Successful Fundraising
When considering new leadership, there are many important variables to consider and prioritize, such as the nominee’s professional expertise, communication skills, financial resources, professional and personal contacts, time availability, and leadership qualities.
Introducing Abacus Major Donor Ask Calculator
With Abacus™ Major Donor Ask Calculator you no longer need to shoot from the hip when deciding how much to ask a donor for a major gift.…
Donor Research and Gift Discussions
You have built a trusting relationship with the donor, who knows about your organization and opportunities and needs that can be addressed through philanthropy. Research…
Education About Mission, Programs, and Initiatives
Research has shown that the more a donor is knowledgeable about a nonprofit’s mission and programs, the more they give (Bank of America Private Bank…
Donor Discovery Visits That Jumpstart Gift Conversations
That first meeting with a donor sets your course and speed for relationship building and getting to a gift conversation. The right questions must be…
Donor Pipeline and Portfolios
It would be great if you had the staff and budget to engage and cultivate all of your donors. While you put your resources into…
Identification of Major Donor Candidates — Fish Where the Fish Are
Non-Profit organizations that are serious about building a sustainable and robust advancement program need to design their operation to identify, engage, cultivate, and secure gifts…
Unstated Realities Revealed by GivingUSA Report
The recent GivingUSA Giving Report generated many disturbing headlines. The most significant of which is the steep decline in giving by individuals. The reliance on…