Author: Adam Platzer
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Winning Over Gatekeepers: The Critical Role of Executive Assistants in Nonprofit Fundraising
In the world of nonprofit fundraising, executive assistants (EAs) are often overlooked, yet they have significant influence over a key aspect of the fundraising process: access to top prospects. These professionals are more than gatekeepers; they are trusted advisors, managers of their executive’s time, and can help ensure meaningful engagement with potential major donors. Winning…
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This Absolute Best Way to Thank Your Donors (Ditch the Generic Thank You Letters)
Every nonprofit knows the importance of thanking donors—it’s essential for building loyalty and ensuring continued support. While traditional thank-you letters and small gifts have their place, there’s a way to take your stewardship to the next level: connecting donors directly to the impact of their gift through a personalized video. A heartfelt video showcasing the…
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5 Lessons from Starbucks for Successful Major Gift Fundraising
Starbucks is renowned for delivering exceptional customer service, thanks to its dedicated baristas—known internally as “partners.” From crafting customized drinks to creating memorable experiences, these partners consistently go above and beyond for their customers. One of the secrets behind this impressive service is the Starbucks “Green Apron Book,” a guide that outlines the company’s core…
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What the Founder of Shake Shack Can Teach Major Gift Fundraisers
Danny Meyer, Founder & CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group, is one of the most successful restaurateurs in history. His impressive portfolio includes legendary New York City establishments like Gramercy Tavern, Eleven Madison Park, The Modern, and Shake Shack. In his book Setting the Table, Meyer shares key business principles that major gift fundraisers and…
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What Major Gift Fundraisers Can Learn from Top Productivity Books
In the fast-paced world of major gift fundraising, efficiency is often the key to success. The ability to manage time, stay focused, and maximize productivity can directly impact the results of your fundraising efforts. Fortunately, some of the best books on work efficiency offer valuable insights that fundraisers can apply to their daily routines. From…
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Maximizing Major Gift Solicitations: Strategies to Secure Larger Donations
With tightening budgets across universities, the need for fundraisers to maximize major gift solicitations has never been more critical. In today’s competitive environment, securing larger gifts from donors requires a strategic approach. When a donor expresses interest in making a gift of a certain size, how can fundraisers encourage them to consider a more substantial…
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Major Gift Case Study: The Athlete
In this case study, we introduce Mark Patterson, a 1988 alumnus of Mumford University, where he played football during his time as a student. Today, he serves as the CFO of Data Point Analytics. This case study highlights several key strategies, including crafting creative messaging to capture a prospect’s attention via email, incorporating stewardship into…
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Overcoming the Four Biggest Challenges in Major Gift Fundraising
Major gift fundraising presents several unique challenges. Below are four of the most common issues fundraisers encounter, along with video tutorials on how to overcome them. Identifying the Right Prospects: Identifying potential donors with both the capacity and inclination to make major gifts is a key challenge in fundraising. Success hinges on strong research skills…
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Major Gift Case Study: The Entrepreneur
In this case study, we introduce Adam Reedman, a 1998 graduate of the Mumford Computing School and the current Founder and CEO of CloudSoft in Boston, Massachusetts. This case study will guide you through strategies such as qualifying a prospect at an event, engaging a prospect with high-level opportunities like an advisory board or alumni…
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Major Gift Case Study: The Executive
Case studies provide invaluable insights into major gift strategies, and this particular study shines a spotlight on Janet Schroeder, a distinguished 1992 alumna of Mumford Engineering School and the current CEO of Next Engineering in Austin, Texas. This case study delves into several key strategies that contributed to her success: Watch the video below to…